SSHD v Borges: Deportation Upheld Despite Long Residence and EU Status
Many people believe that once they’ve lived in the UK for over 10 years, especially with EU citizenship, their immigration status is secure. But the reality is far more complex. The UK immigration system makes clear distinctions between legal status, length of residence, and criminal history—and any misstep can put even long-term residents at risk […]
Standish v Standish: UK Supreme Court Rules that Sharing Principle Does Not Apply to Non Matrimonial Assets
In a landmark ruling handed down today, the UK Supreme Court has clarified one of the most contested areas in financial remedy law: when can non matrimonial assets be shared after divorce? The case of Standish v Standish concerned a wealthy couple whose marriage broke down in 2020. At the heart of the dispute was […]
Important Immigration Rules Update: Afghan Scheme Closed & Major Changes to the Skilled Worker Route Announced
Today, the Home Office published a new Statement of Changes HC 997 to the Immigration Rules with significant developments that merit urgent attention. Keep reading to find out more about the latest immigration rules update. Closure of Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy Effective from 3:00 p.m. today, the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) has […]
Security for Costs in UK Litigation: What International Businesses Need to Know
In UK litigation, a defendant can apply for an order requiring the claimant to provide security for costs — a financial guarantee to cover the defendant’s legal costs if the claim fails. This is especially relevant for international claimants, including those based in China. When Can Security for Costs Be Ordered? A UK court may […]
Immigration Rules HC836 – A Summary of the Latest Immigration Changes
A suite of important immigration rule changes are set to take effect in July 2025 (Immigration Rules HC836) marking a significant shift across several key areas of the UK’s immigration framework. The amendments highlight a more flexible residence test under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), corrections to the Private Life route for children and young […]
Who Gets to Keep the Dog in a Divorce? A Recent Case Sheds Light
While one might typically expect the most contentious financial issues in a divorce to involve the family home or a business, the case of FI v DO [2024] EWFC 384 instead centred on the ownership of a golden retriever puppy and who gets the dog in a divorce. To many people, pets are like family […]
R v BMJ – Risks of Criminal Records for Victims of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery
During their immigration application, many clients are concerned about a sensitive but realistic question: “If I have prior criminal records, will it impact my application? If I was forced to participate in a crime, would it still be possible to reverse the case?” Such situations are not infrequent in practice, especially in cases involving drugs […]
National Housing Bank Launched by Government to Deliver 500,000 homes
The Ministry of Housing, Local Government and Communities has announced the launch of a publicly owned National Housing Bank, which aims to build over 500,000 new homes. With the UK dealing with a problem-stricken housing sector which includes issues such as millions stuck on social housing waiting lists, a shrinking private rental sector, and the […]
Changes to the Sponsorship Guidance and Future Shift to eVisas for Study and Work Routes
As of 29 May 2025, the Home Office updated its Sponsorship duties guidance and Student and Child Student guidance. From 15 July 2025, further developments are anticipated in how entry clearance is granted for overseas applicants under work and study routes through eVisas. We previously covered how the government’s Immigration White Paper will affect international […]
Waller-Edwards v One Savings Bank Plc: Remortgage Money Used for Ex-Wife’s Divorce Payments
In a judgment delivered on 4th June 2025, the Supreme Court gave lenders a stark reminder: just because two people borrow together, it does not mean they are borrowing equally, especially when only one of them is cleaning up their tangled finances. By Wai Ling Chin Background The case, Waller-Edwards v One Savings Bank Plc, […]