Category Archives: Blog

Purchasing properties in the UK as an overseas buyer

As a mature but relatively low risk property market, the UK has been attractive to many overseas buyers. In most cases, overseas property buyers purchase properties for two purposes: one is to provide accommodation for their children while they study and/or subsequently work in the UK, and the other one is as an investment.   […]

How we Helped a Client with a Dispute Resolution on Amazon

We take pride in helping our clients protect their business interests on competitive markets like Amazon. This includes helping them with dispute resolution. Recently, we were approached by a client whose product link on Amazon was removed after a competing seller reported their product as infringing on a registered design.     Both the client’s […]

What is the Difference Between Property Searches and a Homebuyers Survey?

When buying a home in the UK, it’s important to understand the difference between Property Searches and the Homebuyers Survey, as they serve different purposes.     The Homebuyers Survey   The Homebuyers Survey is a detailed inspection of the property’s general condition and identifies structural problems. The buyer needs to contact a surveyor and […]

Work Visa Updates Webinar for Small Businesses – Part-Time Rules, Checks, & Penalties

The landscape of UK immigration laws is constantly evolving, and businesses must stay informed to ensure compliance and avoid costly penalties. Recent changes to work visa requirements, employer responsibilities, and penalties for illegal employment have significant implications for small businesses.   With this in mind, please join us on Friday 27th September for a talk […]

Renters’ Rights Bill enters Parliament – what are the implications for renters and landlords?

The newly elected government has wasted no time in publishing its plans for the Renters’ Rights Bill, with the legislation beginning its Parliamentary journey on Wednesday 11th September. The news will be hugely welcomed by renters, who have had their patience tested by long-awaited reform to the private rental sector.   Previously on offer for […]

Company name dispute – how we helped a business defend their name

At Lisa’s Law, we take pride in guiding our clients through complex legal disputes and helping them to achieve successful outcomes. Recently, we represented “Prime Talent Career Co. (PTCO)”, an international employment agency, in a company name dispute against Elite Employment Services Ltd, trading as “Prime Talent Career Placement (PTCP)“. Our client had just expanded […]

Qualifying or non-qualifying lease? The answer will determine whether you are liable for building safety remediation costs

The Building Safety Act and much of its associated secondary legislation came into force in October 2023. Since then, it has become increasingly clear that the construction industry faces significant challenges in complying with the new legislation. For buildings of 18 metres high or with 7 storeys, the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA 2022) provides […]

IFS Report Highlights Home Office Budget Challenges Amid Rising Asylum Costs

On August 29th, 2024, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) released a report that brings to light significant financial challenges regarding the Home Office budget, particularly with respect to budget management for its asylum services.     As the number of asylum seekers entering the UK has risen sharply, the Home Office has encountered difficulties […]

UK Cracks Down on Illegal Immigration: 100 New Agents and Tougher Enforcement

On August 21, the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, unveiled a series of robust measures which represent a crack down on illegal immigration and are aimed at strengthening UK border security. These initiatives are designed to dismantle and disrupt organised immigration crime networks while ensuring that the country’s immigration and asylum rules are strictly enforced.   […]

Undue Influence and Testamentary Capacity in Wills: Insights from Langley v Qin

For a will to be legally valid, the testator (the person making the will) must have the mental capacity to do so, intend to make a will, and adhere to the required legal formalities. While compliance with these formalities can often be verified by reviewing the will, assessing the testator’s mental ability (known as testamentary […]

Common Intention Matters – Even When One Party is Not Named in the Property Title Deed

Property ownership disputes often arise when one party’s name is not listed on the title deed, yet both parties believe they have a rightful claim to the property. The legal principle of common intention constructive trust plays a crucial role in resolving such disputes, recognizing that contributions and mutual understanding can establish ownership rights. This […]

‘Citizenship Ban’ is Over: Nationality Caseworker Guidance Updated

The Home Office has revised its nationality caseworker guidance following the Illegal Migration Act 2023 (Amendment) Regulations 2024, annulling the previous British citizenship ban. This ban prevented individuals who had met certain criteria related to illegal entry from ever obtaining British citizenship.     It was introduced by the Conservative government in 2023 and meant […]

The Significance of Security of Tenure in Commercial Lease Disputes

In the UK, the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 provides security of tenure for commercial tenants, protecting them from being evicted without due process. However, the interpretation and application of this security of tenure can become complex, particularly when the terms of occupancy are under dispute, as illustrated in the recent case between Arapina Bakery […]

How Can Small Businesses Protect Themselves from Online Defamation?

With the rapid spread of information via digital media, both accurate and misleading content can quickly go viral. This poses a significant risk for small businesses, particularly those in niche markets such as traditional medicine, takeaway food, or specialty goods, where reputational damage in the form of online defamation can severely impact a business’ viability […]

Victory for Bangladeshi-Born Man in British Citizenship Case After Initially Being Refused a British Passport

In a landmark decision, the Administrative Court has upheld a claimant’s judicial review challenge against being refused a British passport by HM Passport Office. The claimant, born in Bangladesh to a British citizen father by descent, had his right to British citizenship confirmed.     Background   The case, R (on the application of Islam) […]

What is the Role of Conveyancers in Preventing Property Fraud?

Property transactions can be complex and often involve large sums of money, making them a prime target for fraudsters. In fact, property transactions now make up 70% of all fraud, underlining the crucial role conveyancers play in protecting their clients from property fraud. Conveyancers do this by implementing various measures to ensure the integrity of […]

British Airways Faces £4M Compensation Claim After Passenger Slips and Suffers Traumatic Brain Injury

A British Airways passenger who slipped on a puddle of baileys and suffered a traumatic brain injury could be owed £4m in a compensation claim against the airline.   When we shop, eat in restaurants, or sit in cafes, we may occasionally encounter some unexpected situations, such as slipping. While most of the time you […]

Court Stops Automatic Delays for EU Settlement Scheme Applicants with Pending Charges

The Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) has ruled in favour of an applicant whose settlement application under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) was delayed due to ongoing criminal proceedings for alleged offences committed before the end of the Brexit transition period. The Tribunal found that the policy of the Secretary of State was unlawful. […]

How Could the Labour Government’s New Deal for Working People Transform Employment Law?

A new government means a change in direction, and after 14 years of Conservative Government, it is unsurprising that the Labour government is keen to implement its policy agenda quickly. The UK economy has struggled since Covid, particularly when it comes to productivity, which ranks poorly compared with countries such as Germany, France, and the […]

Clarification provided on 548 days absence requirement for Indefinite Leave to Remain applications – could you be eligible?

The Home Office has updated their guidance on continuous residence to provide further clarification in relation to the 548 days absence requirement for 10 year settlement applications.   A person can apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK if they have accumulated 10 years lawful continuous residence in the UK. Prior to 11th […]

How Will the UK Election 2024 Shape Immigration? | Conservative, Labour, and Lib Dem Policies

With the UK general election 2024 fast approaching, here at Lisa’s Law, we would like to talk about the different immigration policies proposed by the main parties running for office.   So, let’s start with the Conservatives. In their manifesto, they have proposed several measures aimed at curbing migration. These include:   1. Health Checks […]

Court Upholds Decision on TOEIC Exam Fraud

The Court of Appeal, Civil Division, has rejected an appeal brought by the appellant against a ruling from the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). This ruling had previously dismissed the appellant’s challenge to a decision from the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). The Secretary of State had curtailed the appellant’s permission to stay […]

Understanding Leasehold vs Freehold: What Every Buyer Should Know

When purchasing property in the UK, one of the most critical distinctions to understand is whether you are buying a leasehold or freehold property. Each comes with its own set of rights, responsibilities, and implications, which can significantly affect your ownership experience. This article delves into the advantages and disadvantages of leasehold vs freehold properties, […]

High Court Declares Electronic Monitoring Unlawful

The High Court has ruled that the Home Secretary’s use of electronic monitoring of four claimants was unlawful, a decision which has broader implications for future similar cases. However, the court upheld the Home Secretary’s right to use data from electronic monitoring to make decisions on leave applications for individuals who have been tagged. This […]

10 things that should be at the front of first time buyers’ minds

Here at Lisa’s Law, we deal with many different types of cases from both the residential property and commercial property sectors. However, a particularly important demographic that our solicitors find it rewarding to work with are first time buyers.   While it is particularly difficult for young people to buy their own home now, due […]

Labour Party Unveils 2024 Election Manifesto: Comprehensive Plan for Secure Borders and Efficient Asylum System

The Labour party has released its manifesto for the General Election being held on 4 July 2024, presenting a robust strategy to address national security, secure borders, and economic stability amidst a volatile global landscape. Here’s a summary of the key Labour immigration policies.     Labour emphasises the need for controlled and managed borders, […]

Personal Representatives – what are they?

Today, we are going to follow up our article on what steps to take when someone dies by informing you about the duties of personal representatives, otherwise known as executors and administrators. Personal representatives are people who have the personal responsibility and legal authority to ensure that the deceased’s estate is distributed correctly.   While […]

Mediation: Court Stresses Again on the Importance of Dispute Resolution in Conway v Conway & Anor

This property dispute involves a barn. In this case, the claimant wanted a declaration that the defendants did not have the right to enter the barn they were converting. Initially, there was an oral agreement for the claimants to sell the barn to the defendants, who then made significant renovations. However, the relationship soured when […]

Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act Finally Passes: Will It Transform the Leasehold System?

The long-awaited Leasehold Reform Act has finally escaped Parliament’s legislative maze and become law. We briefly touched on the passing of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill, now the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act, in an article summarising the parliamentary “wash-up” period before the general election.   Find out more about some of the other […]

Triumphant Immigration Appeal by Lisa’s Law: Grandfather Wins Sole Responsibility Case

We are thrilled to share a significant victory for our client in a complex immigration appeal. This case not only highlights the intricacies of immigration law but also celebrates a rare achievement: winning an appeal for a sponsor who is the child’s grandfather, not a parent. Sole responsibility can be a complex issue and we […]

McDonald’s Compensated by Landlord for Misrepresentation in Lease Renewal Dispute

A recent case involving McDonald’s, has resulted in the landlord at its now-closed County Hall location being forced to pay the fast-food giant compensation. This follows the landlord’s misrepresentations at a previous County Court trial regarding the nature of the business which it sought to replace McDonald’s with. The case offers lessons for commercial landlords […]

Trainee lawyer qualifies as Solicitor!

We are delighted to announce that Trainee Solicitor, Lily Dai, has successfully completed her training contract and been admitted as a Solicitor in England and Wales.   Lily has demonstrated considerable hard work and dedication during her training, while ensuring that her excellent client care has not wavered. This is a significant milestone in the […]

Seasonal worker visa route extended to 2029

The government has announced that it will extend the Seasonal Worker visa route from 2025 to 2029. This is in response to the dramatic increase in the demand for migrant workers via this route.     The visa quota for horticulture rises from 2500 in 2019 to 45000 in 2024. Meanwhile, he number of visas […]

New research finds that Graduate Visa provides a net contribution of £70m to UK economy per year

A recent report has been published by the Higher Education Policy Institute analysing the Graduate route visa scheme. The Graduate Visa has come under scrutiny in recent times from certain sections of the media and politicians for the number of immigrants and their dependents arriving via this immigration route.   The research, which was published […]

Australia proposes “right to disconnect” law – what rights do employees have to switch off from work in the UK?

Many workers may have encountered a similar situation in the workplace. Even though it is time to leave work, their superiors or bosses continue to frequently contact them about work.   It is understandable that there are occasional cases where you need to work outside of your normal working hours due to emergencies or special […]

Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats increase security procedures to prevent illegal working

The Home Office have announced that three major food delivery companies, Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats are to undertake enhanced security checks to prevent illegal working.     There appears to have been a major increase of illegal working with these companies, with some driver’s accounts being shared by others. Some drivers have taken […]

Disability benefits to be overhauled, with “lesser mental health conditions” such as anxiety and depression to be targeted

The government has announced plans to significantly overhaul the way that disability benefits are paid through Personal Independence Payment reform (PIP). As part of the announcement , a consultation has been launched on proposals for moving away from a fixed cash benefit system.   The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has previously voiced his desire to […]

Rwanda declared a a safe country by Parliament, paving the way for asylum seekers removals

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 […]

UK eVisa, what is it?

An eVisa is how you prove your immigration status in 2025. Physical documents like BRPs and vignettes will be replaced by eVisas, which will remain valid until their expiry date on 31 December 2024.   If your status was granted for a longer period, it will not be affected by the expiry date of your […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Do unmarried couples who live together as cohabitees have the same rights as married couples?

It is a commonly held belief that if a couple lives together for a long time as cohabitees, they have the same rights as married couples or civil partners. This is untrue. Unmarried cohabiting couples, regardless of how long they have lived together, have far fewer rights than those who are married. “Common law marriages”, […]

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. […]

Successful Claim of Damages against Developer on Defect and Disrepair

  Recently, we successfully assisted an individual leaseholder client in claiming damages, including loss of income, for her newly built flat in a prestigious area of London.   Background   Prior to the Covid pandemic, the client complained about occasional leaking in the bathroom of the flat. The problem became more serious after the client […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Guide to the UK Fiance visa. What are the requirements and can you switch to a spouse visa?

Many people will be familiar with the ‘spouse visa’, a type of visa which allows a foreign national to live with their partner in the UK as long as the partner is either British or settled in the UK. However, there is another similar type of visa – the fiance visa. Both visas are separate […]

Migration Advisory Committee recommends scrapping the Shortage Occupation List

The Migration Advisory Committee has published its 2023 review of the shortage occupation list. Commissioned in August 2022, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is an independent non-department public body that advises the government on migration issues.   Compared with previous reviews, this review was conducted on the basis of the MAC’s recommendation that employers should […]

Concealment of essential information leads to deprivation of citizenship

By Yang Peng   Relationships in real life are not always stable; there are always ups and downs. Likewise, when applying for a visa, applicants often face challenges in proving the genuineness and enduring nature of their relationships. Consequently, accidental omissions and minor errors may occur in the complex visa application procedure.   During the […]

Trust assets – how do I protect them following a divorce?

Trust assets in divorce proceedings are an increasingly common issue in family law cases. In divorce proceedings, if you or your spouse are beneficiaries of a trust and are entitled to capital or income from the trust, this is likely to be considered a financial resource. As a result, it will be financially considered by […]

Council at fault for ignoring woman’s nuisance complaints against restaurant

Nuisance complaints are a surprisingly common occurrence. While there are no statistics for general nuisance complaints, there were a total of 356,367 noise complaints recorded by local authorities in 2020/2021, giving an idea of just how many complaints councils receive in general.   The case we will be discussing today doesn’t exclusively focus on a […]

Brook House Inquiry – what were the findings? Part 1.

By Victor Falcon Mmegwa   This article is a more detailed follow up to our instant report on 19th September about the Home Office response to the Brook House Inquiry. In this article, we will go into more detail about the Inquiry, as well as take a look at some of the recommendations made by […]

ETAs to be introduced for travel to the UK – do I need to apply?

If you have travelled to countries such as Canada, the USA, Australia, and New Zealand, you may be familiar with the concept of an ETA. Short for electronic travel authorisation, ETAs are used to prevent unwanted visitors from entering the respective country. While they are already used in the previously listed countries, both the EU […]

New EPC targets scrapped following Sunak’s Net Zero reversals

In an announcement to the British public this week, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak revealed that he has decided to scrap EPC targets requiring landlords to bring private rental properties up to a minimum level of C by 2025. We discussed these targets in depth in a previous article from February here.   While EPC ratings […]

The Legal Implications of Issuing Warnings Without Action in Employee Management

In the world of employment law, addressing employee misconduct demands a thoughtful and structured approach. One common error that employers often make is the passive issuance of warnings without taking concrete action. In this article, we will explore why this approach can have legal repercussions and the importance of following due process.   The Significance […]

Single-use plastic items banned in England from 1 October 2023

From 1 October 2023 businesses must no longer supply, sell or offer certain single-use plastic items in England. The UK government has announced a ban on a wide range of plastic items, which will include:   Online and over-the-counter sales and supply Items from new and existing stock All types of single-use plastic, including biodegradable, […]

Home Office states 2017 Brook House IRC abuse unacceptable

The Home Office has announced that the abuse at Brook House IRC in 2017 was unacceptable.   In 2019, an inquiry was started into Brook House Detention Centre (Brook House Immigration Removal Centre) in relation to the treatment of detainees in 2017.   The Brook House Inquiry identified 19 instances of mistreatment contrary to Article 3 of […]

UK visa fees to increase from 4th October 2023

UK’s immigration and nationality fees (UK visa fees) are set to increase from 4th October 2023. The Home Office confirmed today (15th September) that they will be increasing fees for the majority of immigration applications starting on 4th October 2023.   The fee rises were originally announced in July this year, and today, legislation is […]

Temporary admission and time spent on visitor visa may still count towards 10-year lawful residence

Migrants who have accumulated ten years of continuous lawful residence (10-year lawful residence) under any combination of visas may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain.   This would also include those who spent a period of time on temporary admission or immigration bail and were subsequently granted a visa.   An example of this would […]

Skilled Worker Visa – everything you need to know

A skilled worker visa  allows international workers with the appropriate skills to work for an approved UK employer. It replaced the Tier 2 work visa at the end of 2020.   The skilled worker visa permits you to bring your spouse, partner and children with you and is granted for up to 5 years. Once […]

Successful EU Settlement Scheme Appeal for couple despite lack of relevant EU permit

  We have recently been successful in the appeal of an application for our client to join his EU national partner under the EUSS (EU Settlement Scheme). There has been lots of coverage recently about this topic following a decision by the Court of Appeal in Celik vs Secretary of State for the Home Department […]

Online divorce companies to be investigated by the CMA – why should I use a family law solicitor instead?

If you are currently going, or ever have gone through a through a divorce, you will know it’s a very stressful time for all involved. From finding a lawyer, to negotiating between the two parties, arranging financial settlements, and even child custody issues, the divorce process can be a headache, and the costs can quickly […]

Visa holders entitled to Immigration Health Surcharge refund if working in health and care sector

  If you hold a visa, and you have worked at least 16 hours per week in the health and care sector for a period of 6 months, you are entitled to an Immigration Health Surcharge refund.   If you have any dependents, then you would be entitled to a refund of their IHS fees […]

OFSTED inspector unfairly dismissed after touching student – what lessons should employers learn from this case?

After an OFSTED inspector was dismissed for briefly touching a pupil’s head to wipe away some rain, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has ruled that the dismissal was unfair due to a lack of disciplinary guidance and/or training. Compensation for unfair dismissal will be awarded at a later date.   The case (Hewston v OFSTED) […]

Illegal Migration Act 2023 – what are the key changes?

The Illegal Migration Act is a major piece of legislation which forms a key centrepiece of the UK government’s policy platform. The purpose of this Act is to prevent and deter illegal migration; in particular those by unsafe and illegal routes.   The government have stated that their aims are to both stop illegal boat […]

Success in obtaining leave to remain despite having no status for 23 years and little evidence

  We have recently been successful in representing a client who has been living in the UK for more than 20 years in their application for leave to remain on human rights grounds. This is despite the fact that the client had very little evidence to support their application.   Keep reading to find out […]

Home Secretary found to have adopted unfair procedure after cancelling student’s leave to enter

By Yang Peng   On 28 July 2023, The Administrative Court allowed a Pakistani student’s claim for judicial review of a decision by the defendant Secretary of State for the Home Department (SSHD) to cancel his leave to enter as a student. The court decided that the claimant was denied the opportunity to comment on […]

Journalist who refused to use work app on personal phone wins unfair dismissal claim

An employment tribunal has ruled that an employee who refused to install a work app on her personal phone was unfairly dismissed. The installation of the app would have left the journalist unable to separate her work life and her home life, something she resisted against by refusing to have the app installed.   Depending […]

Should you make a foreign will if you have assets abroad?

Countries around the world have different inheritance and tax laws. As someone who is a domicile of England and Wales, you can make a foreign will with a lawyer which covers your overseas assets. However, in some cases it would be advisable to create a separate will to cover your assets in other countries.   […]