On the 25th of April 2024, the contentious Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, received Royal Assent and became law. The passing of this bill marks a big step forward for the UK government’s plans to remove asylum seekers to their chosen third country, Rwanda. The government has announced that the preparatory stages of […]
Author Archives: James Cook
Government backs down on scrapping ground rent – what is the alternative?
We previously brought you the news that the government were planning to bring an end to ground rent following a consultation, with a number of options on the table. A number of news organisations have now reported that Michael Gove’s ambition to reduce ground rent to a peppercorn rate has been blocked by both the […]
The Innovator Founder Visa – a guide for applicants
The UK has a rich entrepreneurial spirit, with the likes of Richard Branson, Alan Sugar, and James Dyson all household names from the UK. It also has a proud history of welcoming immigrants to its shores, many of whom have founded successful businesses, whether locally or at a national level. The Innovator Founder Visa is […]
High Court refuses to reverse divorce order which was applied for by mistake
Imagine accidentally being divorced and unable to reverse it. This unfortunate scenario happened when a staff member at the law firm, Vardag’s, went to apply for a final divorce order for a client, but accidentally opened the file of Mr and Mrs Williams. Just 21 minutes later, the wrong couple was divorced. Mr and […]
Removal of Absence Requirement Marks New Era for 10-Year Settlement Applications – our analysis is proved right
Last month, we published an article following the release of the latest statement of changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 590, which was issued on March 14 2024. In this article, we made observations about the absence of any mention that applicants for 10-year settlement must not exceed 548 days away after living in the […]
Should you enter a cohabitation agreement with your partner?
In today’s society, unmarried cohabitation is not uncommon. In the UK, there is no so-called “common law marriage”, which exists in other countries. Cohabiting couples do not have the protection of legal couples, and the issue of money can become a very sensitive one. Many decide to enter a cohabitation agreement as a solution to […]
New 2024 employment law changes take effect – what are they?
A number of key changes to employment law have taken effect as of the 6th April, greatly expanding the rights of workers in England and Wales. So, what additional rights do workers have due to the new legislation? Let’s take a look at the 2024 employment law changes introduced by the government. Right to […]
Huge increase to skilled worker visa salary threshold takes effect
As of 4th April 2024, some big changes to the skilled worker route came into force. Most foreign workers will now need to earn £38,700 to obtain a skilled worker visa. This is a huge increase to the skilled worker salary threshold from the previous requirement of £26,200. These changes were initially announced […]
A Guide to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Checks for Homebuyers in the UK
In the UK, property buyers must adhere to stringent anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. The intention of this is to prevent the misuse of the property purchase for illicit financial activities by criminals. Understanding and complying with AML checks are essential for a smooth mortgage application process. Money laundering is used by criminals to hide […]
Home Office UK eVisa system is now live
Over the past few months we have been eagerly awaiting the implementation of an online UK eVisa system which will end the issuing of BRP cards. Many BRP card holders were wondering why, despite their visa being granted for longer, their BRP card had an expiry of 31st December 2024. We explained that this was […]
Lidl v Tesco – What does Tesco’s defeat mean for the future of the Tesco Clubcard?
Tesco has lost its appeal over a long-running trademark dispute with budget supermarket Lidl. The primary dispute in question concerned its use of a yellow circle against a blue background in its Clubcard logo. The decision in the Lidl v Tesco Court of Appeal case means that Tesco will now be forced into changing its […]
Lisa’s Law welcomes three new staff members to the firm
We are delighted to welcome three new staff members to Lisa’s Law Solicitors. Raymond, Sherry, and Issac all have extensive legal experience and bring a great deal of expertise to the firm. We are looking forward to their contributions to Lisa’s Law. So without further ado, let’s introduce you to each of our three […]
Exciting News: Applicants Now Eligible for 10 Year Settlement Despite Extended Absences!
If you have resided in the UK lawfully for 10 years then you are entitled to apply for settlement, commonly known as indefinite leave to remain. Meeting certain criteria, such as passing the Life in the UK test is essential, along with ensuring that your absences from the UK don’t exceed specific limits. So, when […]
Child custody – how is child arrangement decided?
When a couple decides to separate or divorce, a top priority should be the welfare of any children involved. In a high number of cases, this factor can leave parents at odds with each other and unable to agree on who should take custody of the child. Child custody is therefore a key consideration for […]
Ground rent “not necessary” says CMA – will it be abolished for all leases?
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has recently published its response to a government consultation examining ground rent reforms for existing leasehold properties. The CMA has concluded that ground rent is neither “legally nor commercially necessary”. They also stated that they do not see any “persuasive evidence that consumers received anything in return”. In […]
Can a small takeaway business obtain a sponsor licence ?
We receive many enquiries from owners of small takeaways and restaurants asking if they can obtain a sponsor licence to hire staff from abroad. Many face difficulties in hiring staff from within the UK and require experienced hires from abroad for the recruitment of positions such as chefs. For a number of years there has […]
Statutory paternity leave requirements to change from April 2024 – what are the differences?
Having a child can be both one of the most rewarding times in a parent’s life, but as many parents will tell you, it can also be a time of stress and exhaustion. The aim of maternity and paternity leave is to try and alleviate this. Recently, the British government submitted a bill to Parliament […]
Marks and Spencer defeats government in High Court battle over controversial redevelopment of its flagship store
The iconic British retailer, Marks and Spencer, has won a High Court legal battle against the government over their decision to reject the retailer’s planning application. The High Court ruled that the decision of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Secretary, Michael Gove, to reject the development of the M&S flagship store was unlawful. The […]
Home Office pilot scheme breached UK data protection law
The information commissioner’s office (ICO)has issued an enforcement notice and a warning to the Home Office for failing to sufficiently assess the data protection risks arising from the GPS electronic monitoring of migrants who have entered the UK illegally. This follows the launch of a Home Office pilot scheme to place ankle tags and track […]
Changes to restrict short-term lets announced
The Department for Levelling Up has recently announced changes to housing rules for short-term lets. This action follows growing concern about local residents being forced out of their community by people turning their properties into Airbnb holiday rentals in tourist areas of the country. This was seen by many as a good way of making […]
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt Announces 2024 Spring Budget
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt has today delivered the 2024 Spring Budget, announcing a range of measures designed to both boost a UK economy currently in recession, as well as attract voters for this year’s upcoming general election. But what measures did the Chancellor announce? Let’s take a look at the major […]
Victory After Two Decades: Successful 20 Years Long Residence Visa Application
Securing legal residency after two decades of living in the UK under uncertain circumstances can seem like an insurmountable challenge. However, for many individuals who have built their lives in the country despite their unlawful status, obtaining a visa can become a reality with the right approach and supporting documentation. In this article, we outline […]
New Director Appointed at Lisa’s Law
We are delighted to announce that Immigration Supervisor, Mahfuz Ahmed, has been appointed as a Director at Lisa’s Law. Mahfuz becomes the third Director at the firm, along with Managing Director, Chuanli Ding and Solicitor, Felix Otuoke. Mahfuz’s role as Director will be to oversee and lead efforts to foster the growth and development […]
Unfair Dismissal – a Guide for Employers and Employees
In today’s article, we will examine what happens when an employer unfairly sacks an employee, which is known as unfair dismissal. You can read our fair dismissal article, which explains the circumstances in which your employer can dismiss you fairly, by clicking here. While employers are allowed to dismiss (also known as sack) their […]
How can you protect commercial property against severe weather events?
While the UK has a reputation for its relatively mild, albeit rainy weather, at times it can become more serious. Some time ago, the UK experienced severe weather, leading to us receiving many enquiries from customers regarding commercial properties that suffered from flooding which caused water leakage, repairs and other losses. With the prediction […]
Immigration Salary List Rapid Review Published
On 4 December 2023, the Home Secretary announced several changes to the immigration system related to the Skilled Worker (SW) route. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) subsequently published its rapid review of the Immigration Salary List (ISL) on 23 February 2024 after being commissioned by the Home Secretary James Cleverly. The Immigration Salary List […]
Lisa’s Law Helps Human Trafficking Victim in Successful Asylum Appeal Case
Amidst the harrowing tales of human trafficking, a beacon of hope emerges with the outcome of a successful asylum appeal case of an individual who had endured the horrors of modern-day slavery. The Upper Tribunal’s landmark decision overturns a previous ruling. This new ruling recognises the plight of our client, a Chinese national who was […]
EHRC Investigation Reveals Racial Discrimination Practices at Pontins Holiday Parks
Pontins is a historic holiday park company, which at its height, had a number of parks up and down the country. It now runs just two, and recently found itself in hot water over a racial discrimination investigation by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). This investigation has resulted in Pontins being served […]
Changes to Health and Care Worker Route introduced in new Statement of Changes
The Home Office has issued a new Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules HC 556 on 19 February 2024. The Statement makes a number of anticipated changes to the rights of care workers to bring dependents to the UK through the Health and Care Worker route, as well as changes to the various Ukraine schemes […]
Government considers 99% mortgages – but are they a good idea?
“Getting on the housing ladder”. It’s a phrase which for generations has been an aspirational one for many young people living in the UK. However, with wages struggling to keep up with inflation, a lack of housebuilding, and rapidly escalating property prices, it is widely acknowledged to be increasingly difficult to buy your first property. […]
Act now – Beat the ban on newly arrived care workers bringing immediate family members
Recently, the government has announced changes to the visa rules in order to reduce immigration. The government has come under pressure due to the unprecedented levels of immigration since the Covid pandemic, which has seen net migration increase to over 700,000 per year. This has resulted in the government taking action to cut net migration […]
Surrender and regrant – is it applicable if a joint tenant leaves a property?
An important Court of Appeal case has reaffirmed the succession criteria for a tenancy when a joint tenant leaves a secure tenancy. Unlike assured shorthold tenancies, secure tenancies often allow for strong succession rights. This may allow family members such as spouses or children to succeed to the tenancy should the original tenant pass away. […]
Guide to Commercial Lease Renewal
Recently, we have received many enquires about commercial lease renewal procedure. These questions are commonly asked. As a result, it is worth discussing the various aspects of commercial lease renewal procedure. In English law, there are two primary processes for extending the term of a commercial lease: granting a new lease and lease […]
High Court grants permission for judicial review of the government’s treatment of people with 3C leave
The High Court has granted the migrant and refugee charity organisation, Refugee and Migrant Forum Of Essex & London (RAMFEL), permission to bring a judicial review of the government’s treatment of people with 3C leave immigration status. When an applicant is applying to extend their stay in the UK in time, applicants are automatically […]
Walkers poppadoms are actually crisps! Zero rated VAT should not apply to the product, rules tribunal
When is a poppadom not a poppadom? Well, according to the First-tier tribunal it’s when it’s actually a potato crisp. Sensations Poppadoms, a potato-based snack made by Walkers, was recently the subject of a tribunal deciding whether the product should benefit from zero rated VAT, the sales tax applied in the UK to certain products. […]
Welcome Matthew
It gives us great pleasure to welcome Matthew Wee to Lisa’s Law. Matthew joins the conveyancing team as a legal assistant, and we are delighted to have him here. In terms of his background, Matthew is an LLB graduate of the University of Essex, having qualified with a First class with honours. His previous […]
Financial requirements for skilled worker and family visas to increase in April – apply now
Recently, the government has introduced some changes to the skilled worker visa and the family visas. These changes have been introduced after the UK has experienced unprecedented levels of immigration. Due to humanitarian reasons and duties, the UK has accepted a lot of people coming from countries like Ukraine, Hong Kong and Afghanistan. […]
Tax residency – how does this affect the taxes you must pay in the UK?
When you move to the UK, or spend part of your time in the UK, tax might not be at the forefront of your mind. Despite this, it probably should be. Thinking about tax now can save you from a costly tax bill later. Whether you have to and/or what you will need to pay […]
Legal assistant achieves training contract
We are delighted to share the news that our colleague, Fiona Huang, has begun her training contract as a Solicitor! Fiona has worked incredibly hard since joining Lisa’s Law just under a year ago and fully deserves the opportunity. We are excited for Fiona to complete her training contract and look forward to watching […]
Eviction notices – when can landlords use them to evict tenants?
In today’s article, we’re going to cover the legal knowledge you need to know when it comes to the rules around eviction notices in the UK. This includes how landlords can evict tenants when they have the right to do so, how tenants can protect themselves, and finally, the legal procedures that landlords must […]
Fair dismissal – when is an employer allowed to dismiss an employee?
How can an employer dismiss an employee fairly? First, let’s demystify what ‘fair dismissal’ actually means. Fair dismissal should otherwise be simply referred to as a ‘dismissal’, which happens when an employer chooses to end an employee’s contract. In common parlance, it usually refers to someone being either sacked or fired. So, how can […]
Home Office backtracks on immediate rise in financial requirements for family visas
The Government announced late last year that they would be increasing the financial requirement for applications made for family visas. Such a huge increase has understandably caused great concern for those intending to make an application in the future and those who are currently in the UK with a family visa. Presently, the […]
Child Adoption – how does the process work?
In the UK, if you want to adopt a child, you must go through formal procedures. This involves the court issuing a “Child Adoption Order”. The function of an adoption order is to formally sever the legal relationship between the child and their biological parents, and to establish an order to form a new relationship […]
Solicitor fired by immigration advice business due to direct race discrimination
An employment tribunal has ruled that a solicitor was fired by an immigration advice business due to her race. With immigration lawyers often representing some of the most marginalised people in society, it might seem surprising to see a case involving direct race discrimination against an immigration solicitor emerge. However, this is what happened to […]
Immigration health surcharge increase delayed – submit your application now
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) allows an individual coming to the UK to have full access to the National Health Service (NHS). It is an upfront cost paid when submitting a visa application, which allows the individual to access the NHS without any restriction. The Government announced in October 2023 that the immigration […]
Renting with pets – do landlords have to say yes to tenants?
Pets are a huge part of people’s lives. In the UK, they are often considered part of the family and help to improve both the mental and physical health of their owners. However, renting with pets in the current climate can prove to be a challenge for tenants and landlords alike. The pandemic saw […]
Can the identities of Home Office caseworkers be redacted?
In general, a litigant in judicial review proceedings is not entitled to redact, on the ground of relevance, the identities of officials in such disclosure. This means that the Home Office should not redact the information about caseworkers in a judicial review. Routinely the names of civil servants outside the Senior Civil Service would […]
Navigating the Asylum Process: A Comprehensive Guide
This article covers everything from what asylum is to the intricate steps of the application process and important details. Let’s dive into the complexities of seeking international protection and the path to asylum in the UK. What is Asylum? A person claims asylum when they are seeking international protection. The UK […]
2023 – What have we achieved this year?
The end of the year is a time for reflection, and in doing so we are able to take a moment to recognise the progress achieved at Lisa’s Law in 2023. In the final piece this year, we review 2023 by highlighting some of the major achievements from our immigration, conveyancing and litigation teams respectively. […]
Grounds for refusal under the UK immigration rules – what are they?
Within the immigration rules, part 9 relates to general grounds for refusal. If you are thinking of applying for either leave to remain or entry clearance in the UK, it is important to ensure that you avoid general grounds for refusal by meeting the suitability requirements set out in the UK immigration rules. Failure to […]
Business visit visas relaxed in latest statement of changes to immigration rules
Last week the Home Office announced the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 246. With this edition of the statement of changes, notable changes have been made in the area of business visit visas. Business visit visa changes The new business visit visa allows visa holders to engage in the internal […]
Welcome Claire
We are delighted to welcome Claire Leung, who joins our conveyancing team as a Solicitor. Claire is a dual qualified Solicitor in Hong Kong as well as England and Wales. She has been practicing commercial and residential conveyancing in Hong Kong for the last 6 years. Claire has a dual honours degree in Social […]
Waiting to apply for a spouse visa? Apply now before changes are introduced
If you are in a relationship with a person from abroad and wish for them to come and live with you in the UK, you need to apply for a spouse visa. To be successful in the application for a Spouse visa, there are a number of requirements that you must satisfy. At this […]
Griffiths vs TUI: Can a judge reject uncontroverted evidence?
Package holidays are a popular option for British families, with many finding them to be a convenient and cheaper option when travelling abroad. Most of these package holidays include meal options, further adding to the convenience. Unfortunately, in this particular case, Mr Griffiths, fell ill after staying at an all-inclusive hotel he had booked with […]
UK signs new treaty with Rwanda in hope of reviving asylum partnership
The Home Office have confirmed that the Home Secretary James Cleverly has today signed a new agreement with Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Vincent Birtua. This new UK-Rwanda asylum agreement follows the Supreme Court’s Judgement last month confirming that removals of asylum seekers to Rwanda is unlawful. The Home Office claim that the agreement signed […]
UK tightens legal immigration rules – minimum salary hiked to £38,700 for some visas
Yesterday, the Home Secretary announced plans which amount to one of the most substantial proposals in years to cut migration levels through the tightening of UK immigration rules. Popular visa routes like the skilled worker visa, health and care worker visas, as well as family visas are all affected. Those who wish to […]
New to the UK? A helpful guide for new arrivals
Coming to the UK may be a daunting experience for some. For new arrivals, it may be difficult to know how to begin your integration into the UK. Here we provide a guide for those who have moved to the UK on how to register for services and how to start your life in […]
Why does my biometric residence permit expire in 2024?
Many of you will have noticed that the expiry date showing on your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card is 31st December 2024, prior to many of your visa expiry dates. The good news is that this doesn’t mean that your leave to remain will expire on 31 December 2024. Instead it means that your […]
Harmonious Resolution: Neighbour Dispute Over Party Wall Overcome Through Mediation Mastery
We have recently been involved in a case that was put before the Bristol County Court. The case featured neighbours embroiled in a dispute over a proposed extension by neighbouring building owners. Due to the disagreement between the neighbouring parties it, eventually led to a legal challenge against an Award made by surveyors. Both parties […]
Latest asylum seeker statistics paint a complex picture – what can we learn?
The Home Office has published the latest asylum and resettlement statistics for the year ending September 2023. These latest statistics show that there were 40,571 asylum grants in the year ending in September 2023. This is the most asylum grants since 2010. For comparison, the second highest amount of grants were in 2021 where […]
India and Georgia to Be Added to Safe Countries List
On November 8, the UK Home Office announced the draft legislation procedure of adding India and Georgia to the safe countries list within Section 80AA of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002. This means that if individuals from these countries seek asylum or make human rights claims in the UK, those claims would […]
Judicial Wake-Up Call: A Tale of Late Notices, Non-Compliant Statements, and Inadequate Time Estimates
The recent judgment in the case of Hua She Asset Management (Shanghai) Co Ltd v Hung & Anor [2023] EWHC 2445 (Comm) underscores the importance of adhering to the Civil Procedural Rule. It highlights the duty of all parties involved to promptly inform the court of any emerging complexities and to reassess previously agreed […]
Debt Recovery Legal Considerations: Strategies for Disputed and Undisputed Debts
This article will focus on legal considerations for debt recovery. There are two ways to proceed when a debt is owed. If it’s disputed, we would advise that a pre-action letter is issued, and claim issued to the court. For undisputed debt, statutory demand can be considered. A statutory demand should not be […]
Rwanda Policy held to be unlawful by UK Supreme Court
Recently, the UK’s immigration policy faced a crunch moment when the Supreme Court decided that the government’s Rwanda policy is unlawful. The highest court in the UK has spent a month deliberating the legality of the plans to remove asylum seekers to the East African country. Today, the Supreme Court released its final […]
Success in Recognition of Dependants – Decade-Old Error Corrected
There are numerous pathways to securing immigration status in the United Kingdom. Each individual’s unique circumstances often leads them to selecting specific visa routes, and at times they may even possess multiple legal foundations for achieving Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Dependants in particular can sometimes face a harder route to secure immigration status. […]
Captain Tom Foundation ordered to demolish spa complex built using charity’s name
Captain Tom Moore could be described as the totemic figure of the Covid lockdown period in the UK. Raising millions of pounds for NHS charities by walking laps of his garden, one of the defining images of the first lockdown was the uniform-adorned 99-year-old and his walking frame. Captain Tom became a global news story […]
20 year residence appeal – refusal to accept tribunal decision leads to win
20 years is a long period for an individual. Our team has assisted many clients with their 20-year long residence application, with people seeking to obtain legal immigration status in the UK after being in the UK for such a long period of time. We were instructed by a client that had arrived […]
Trainee Solicitors begin training contracts with Lisa’s Law
We are delighted to share the news that two exceptional members of our team have officially begun their training contracts on their journey to becoming solicitors. This underlines our ongoing commitment to nurturing talent within the company. Lisa’s Law’s Managing Director, Chuanli Ding, expressed his excitement: “I am very pleased to see Stephanie […]
No Recourse to Public Funds Lifted! UK Immigrants may access benefits in the future
No recourse to public funds (NRPF) is a not a new thing for migrants in the UK, and always appears on their BRPs. For those with ‘No Public Funds’ on their BRP, they have no recourse to public funds and are not able to claim most benefits, tax credits or housing assistance that are paid […]
Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill – is this the end of leasehold as we know it?
A new law on leasehold reform was announced in the King’s Speech with the potential to affect millions in the UK. Leaseholds have come under intense scrutiny in recent times, with leasehold properties often subject to punishing fees related to extending their leases, service charges, ground rent or purchasing a freehold. Leaseholds differ from […]
Health and Care Worker Visa FAQs
The Health and Care Worker visa allows medical professionals to work in the UK in an eligible job within the NHS, for an NHS supplier, or in adult social care. We have covered the Health and Care Worker Visa in more detail in a recent article specifically about the visa. Click here to read. […]
Health and Care Worker Visa Guide
A Health and Care Worker visa allows medical professionals to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with the NHS, an NHS supplier or in adult social care. The Health and Care visa is integrated into the Skilled Worker route. The Health and Care Worker visa allows applicants to […]
Guide to the UK High Potential Individual Visa
The High Potential Individual visa is dedicated to attracting graduates from leading non-UK universities who have the potential to work in fields such as science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The aim of this route is to cement the UK’s reputation as a hub for technological advancement by attracting some of the best and brightest from […]
Manston Immigration Centre admonished in watchdog report
By Victor Falcon Mmegwa A report on the Manston immigration centre has seen it be described as “unacceptable” by an independent watchdog that monitors the centre. The Manston immigration centre originally opened in February 2022 to process migrants who arrived in the UK on small boats. It is designed for around 1,000 people to stay […]
One year sentence not excessive for small boat asylum seekers, rules Court of Appeal
A recent case gives guidance for the courts on how asylum seekers who arrive in the UK via small boats should be sentenced. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made ‘stopping the boats’ one of his five key priorities for 2023, but has recently suggested it may not be possible before the next election. The […]
Royal Borough of Greenwich orders demolition of apartment buildings following 26 deviations from original plans
A local council has ordered developers to demolish two apartment buildings in Woolwich, south-east London. This follows a breach of planning conditions by the developers in the construction of the Mast Quay Phase II development. According to Greenwich council, there were at least 26 deviations to the plans which were originally approved in 2012. […]
European travel information and authorisation system (ETIAS) introduced by EU – UK travellers must apply!
In our recent article about the new UK Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme, we mentioned that the EU were planning on introducing a similar system. Now, the details about that scheme, the ETIAS, have been revealed. By acquiring an ETIAS travel authorisation, you will be able to enter these European countries as often as you […]
