Важные судебные решения и новости для иммигрантов

[British Lawyer]

20 October 2022 – Just useful and interesting UK & EEA Immigration Law news and updates from the Legal Centre – Open 7 days a week - www.legalcentre.org - +44(0)3300010342, +44(0)7791145923 (WhatsApp/Viber)

>>> Not so good news for appellants seeking to rely upon witness evidence by video from abroad

It is not surprising that a tribunal that is concerned with immigration matters should receive applications that witnesses should be permitted to give evidence from abroad by video. Appellants already faced procedural obstacles to the admission of that evidence, which requires the consent of the foreign government.

Refusals to grant such permission from oppressive regimes always seemed likely. But I confess that I had never imagined that developed, democratic countries would take such a stance. Sadly, it seems that was overly optimistic and the German government, at least, will not consent, as the following extract from Andrew Evans v R&V Allgemeine Verisherung AG [2022] EWHC 2436 (QB) makes clear:

“[5]…    On the morning of the second day it became apparent that the witnesses were not present and as such a formal application was made by counsel for the defendant to hear their evidence by video. It became clear as set out in my earlier judgment on this matter that the foreign office had indicated that they had a diplomatic objection to that; the German government had stated that they would not allow German nationals to give evidence by video in courts of foreign jurisdictions. As such the foreign office says (in an email that was read to me by counsel) that they too objected. Nevertheless, an application was made for me to ignore the diplomatic objection and hear such evidence. I refused that application.”

Quite why Germany should take that position, which seems likely to disadvantage its own nationals in immigration appeals in the United Kingdom, is unclear.

[British Lawyer]

21 October 2022 – Just useful and interesting UK & EEA Immigration Law news and updates from the Legal Centre – Open 7 days a week - www.legalcentre.org - +44(0)3300010342, +44(0)7791145923 (WhatsApp/Viber)

>>> Visa processing times

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are currently experiencing high global demand meaning in some cases, it may take longer to process visa applications. 

The customer service standard on standard visa processing times for out of country applications is generally 3 weeks. 

Visit visas are taking an average of 7 weeks and we are working hard to get back to the 3 week service standard.  
  
Applications for family visas remains at 24 weeks. 

The processing times can change on a weekly basis.

The processing times are a global average, and we recognise that timescales may vary from region to region. Information will be provided throughout the customer visa journey. 

>>> Ukrainian support

The Home Office continues to support Ukrainian nationals and their family members. We are working at pace to process visa applications as quickly as possible. 

Keep checking the UK visa support for Ukrainian Nationals GOV.UK page for information and updates across the schemes. 

Due to volatile situation, the Kyiv visa application centre has closed for passport pass back. Reopening will be kept under review.

Eligibility for the Ukraine Extension Scheme has now been extended to allow those who have and continue to arrive after 18 March 2022, until 16 May 2023, to apply. See Apply to stay in the UK under the Ukraine Extension Scheme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) for more details.

The latest operational data on the number of applications to come to or stay in the UK is available on the Ukraine Family Scheme and Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine) GOV.UK page.

>>> UKVI Digital BRP letters

As part of ongoing improvements to the customer journey, UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) has streamlined parts of the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) process for customers applying for certain visas with a duration of more than 6 months.

From 10 October 2022 Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) letters are now issued via email. Physical letters will no longer provided at the VAC.

Customers are reminded to use their own personal, up-to-date email address, or one that they have easy access to, when completing their visa application.

Customers will still need to collect their BRP card once they arrive in the UK.

Information on Biometric residence permits (BRPs) can be found on GOV.UK
 

[fregat222]

Сообщения, не относящиеся к названию темы (никак не связанные с ней, т.е. размещенные, как Бог на душу положит") будут удаляться без возможности восстановления. Размещайте их в "своих" темах либо в темах близких по содержанию Вашего сообщения.

[British Lawyer]

26 October 2022 – Just useful and interesting UK & EEA Immigration Law news and updates from the Legal Centre – Open 7 days a week - www.legalcentre.org - +44(0)3300010342, +44(0)7791145923 (WhatsApp/Viber)

>>> Statement of Changes HC 719: Appendix Temporary Permission to Stay for Victims of Human Trafficking or Slavery: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1111631/E02806323_-_Immigration_Rules_changes_-_HC_719__Web_Accessible_.pdf

The new Statement of Changes, published on 18 October 2022, has introduced yet another appendix to the Immigration Rules: Appendix Temporary Permission to Stay for Victims of Human Trafficking or Slavery. The new appendix will be added on 30 January 2023.

No initial application required

Looking at the appendix, one may notice that it only caters for extension applications. This is because individuals who fall within scope of the appendix are not required to make an application for temporary leave to remain. There is already a support system in place in the UK for victims of trafficking. It includes policy on referrals for potential victims of trafficking, and making reasonable and conclusive grounds decisions on whether an individual has in fact been a victim of trafficking or exploitation. 

From January, individuals will automatically be considered under this new route by the Secretary of State, upon receiving a positive conclusive grounds decision. The route essentially adds to the rules the current policy of providing a temporary grant of leave to an individual found to be a victim of trafficking, even where they already have an asylum claim being considered. This falls in line with the High Court’s decision in R (KTT) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2021] EWHC 2722 (Admin). 

This, in theory, means that every person who receives a positive conclusive grounds decision should be considered under this appendix where they are not a British citizen and do not have an alternative and more favourable immigration permission.

[British Lawyer]

02 November 2022 – Just useful and interesting UK & EEA Immigration Law news and updates from the Legal Centre – Open 7 days a week - www.legalcentre.org - +44(0)3300010342, +44(0)7791145923 (WhatsApp/Viber)

>>> UKVI Digital BRP letters

As part of ongoing improvements to the customer journey, UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) has streamlined parts of the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) process for customers applying for certain visas with a duration of more than 6 months.

From 10 October 2022 Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) letters are now issued via email. Physical letters will no longer provided at the VAC.

Customers are reminded to use their own personal, up-to-date email address, or one that they have easy access to, when completing their visa application.

Customers will still need to collect their BRP card once they arrive in the UK.

Information on Biometric residence permits (BRPs) can be found on GOV.UK’

[British Lawyer]

03 November 2022 – Just useful and interesting UK & EEA Immigration Law news and updates from the Legal Centre – Open 7 days a week - www.legalcentre.org - +44(0)3300010342, +44(0)7791145923 (WhatsApp/Viber)

>>> Get a faster decision on your visa or settlement application:https://www.gov.uk/faster-decision-visa-settlement/eligible-visas-when-applying-inside-the-uk 

The list has been updated to include MORE categories.

>>> High Potential Individual visa: global universities list 2022

See the current list at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/high-potential-individual-visa-global-universities-list/high-potential-individual-visa-global-universities-list-2022

Mostly US, Australia, China and a few EU Universities are listed. 

[British Lawyer]

04 November 2022 – Just useful and interesting UK & EEA Immigration Law news and updates from the Legal Centre – Open 7 days a week - www.legalcentre.org - +44(0)3300010342, +44(0)7791145923 (WhatsApp/Viber)

>>> Check if you're a British citizen: https://www.gov.uk/check-british-citizenship/your-parents-immigration-status-when-you-were-born#permanent-residence-status

>>> Home Office guidance update: the NHS and comprehensive sickness insurance for EEA nationals: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/european-economic-area-nationals-qualified-persons?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications-topic&utm_source=450ba049-ce18-4ea1-ac88-aa3aecbda0d5&utm_content=immediately#full-publication-update-history

The Home Office has finally responded to the Court of Justice of the European Union’s judgment in the case of VI v Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs C-247/20, handed down on 10 March 2022, by updating its guidance on European Economic Area (EEA) national qualified persons.

The update effectively concedes to the judgment in VI v HMRC and takes into account how the NHS handled the term “ordinary resident” in the past. It confirms that anyone living in the UK would be entitled to access the NHS, even if they did not have separate sickness insurance upon arrival.

[British Lawyer]

07 November 2022 – Just useful and interesting UK & EEA Immigration Law news and updates from the Legal Centre – Open 7 days a week - www.legalcentre.org - +44(0)3300010342, +44(0)7791145923 (WhatsApp/Viber)

>>> Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-uk-visa-applicants-and-temporary-uk-residents?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications-topic&utm_source=51523832-1fa3-40b7-9c5d-89304bad3b78&utm_content=immediately

The following changes have been made to the document:

·      The Exceptional Assurance has been extended to 30 November 2022.
·      The concessions for those working for the NHS expired on 4 October 2022.
·      The concession for Health and Care Workers has closed.

[British Lawyer]

Обратите внимание, что для граждан Швейцарии существуют другие правила для привоза членов семьи в Великобританию.

Так, например, если Ваша супруга/супруг - гражданка/гражданин Швейцарии и жила/жил в Великобритании на 31 декабря 2020 года, она/он может заключить брак вплоть до 31 ДЕКАБРЯ 2025 ГОДА, чтобы привезти СУПРУГА/СУПРУГУ по категории EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) Family Permit. 

Для сравнения: граждане других стран EU должны были заключить брак до 31 декабря 2020 года, чтобы привезти супругов в Великобританию по категории EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) Family Permit.

Надеюсь, эта информация кому-то будет полезна.

 

[British Lawyer]

10 November 2022 – Just useful and interesting UK & EEA Immigration Law news and updates from the Legal Centre – Open 7 days a week - www.legalcentre.org - +44(0)3300010342, +44(0)7791145923 (WhatsApp/Viber)

>>> A dependent child over 21, who is married, can still apply under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) Family Permit

Note, though, that the Home Office may probably attempt to refuse such as application and an appeal may be necessary.
 

[British Lawyer]

11 November 2022 – Just useful and interesting UK & EEA Immigration Law news and updates from the Legal Centre – Open 7 days a week - www.legalcentre.org - +44(0)3300010342, +44(0)7791145923 (WhatsApp/Viber)

>>> Guidance for sponsors updated: start dates, working hours, and pay

The Home Office has made several changes that businesses sponsoring overseas workers should be aware of.

Changing start dates

An individual can now start working in their sponsored employment as soon as they have permission to enter or stay in the UK, under paragraph S3.9 of the general information guidance. They no longer have to wait for the start date given on their Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). There is no need to report the change on the SMS system if the start date has been brought forward after an individual has been granted permission to enter or remain in the UK.

The updated guidance confirms that there is no longer a need to report a delayed start date on the SMS system where the worker has already been granted permission, as long as the new start date is not delayed more than the standard 28-day period.

A concession has also been added that allows sponsors to continue to sponsor a migrant beyond the standard 28-day period where they have an acceptable reason to do so:

"Acceptable reasons for a delayed start may include:

- travel disruption due to a natural disaster, military conflict or pandemic
- the worker is required to work out a contractual notice period for their previous employer – if the worker is in the UK, their conditions of stay must allow them to do this
- the worker requires an exit visa from their home country and there have been administrative delays in processing this
- illness, bereavement or other compelling family or personal circumstances.”

Considering working hours in a Defined Certificate of Sponsorship

The salary entered on a Defined CoS must genuinely reflect what the worker will be paid. Sponsors of skilled workers must therefore state the number of hours the individual will work each week in the “Summary of job description” text box, in the Defined CoS. 

Concessions for extended absences without pay

A concession has been added to the general information guidance to allow the continued employment of a person who has been absent from work without pay for more than four weeks. That is, provided that there is a compelling and compassionate reason for their absence, but where none of the exceptions (for example, statutory maternity or sick leave) in paragraph S4.14 apply. The four weeks do not have to be consecutive. For skilled workers, the rule is four weeks in any calendar year.

Including allowances in a salary

Several updates reflecting the Statement of Changes HC 719 have been confirmed in the guidance, now that the changes have come into force (as of 9 November 2022). In particular, the skilled worker guidance confirms that only guaranteed basic gross pay should be included in the salary section of the CoS.

Other allowances, pay or benefits (even if guaranteed) will no longer be considered when assessing a worker’s level of pay. For example, pensions, shift allowances, accommodation, or cost of living allowances should not be included in the gross salary on the certificate of sponsorship.

Some transitional provisions are in place for applications made for permission to stay or indefinite leave to remain until 1 December 2026, though.

Some of the updates provide a welcome break from extensive SMS reporting and are perhaps a reflection of an overwhelmed Home Office team, apparently inundated with new sponsor licence applications, as well as their other duties. The changes also usefully acknowledge that there are no long-term adverse effects to sponsors, workers, or the immigration system from relaxing the strict 28-day rule. However, sponsors should continue to read and regularly refer the guidance documents. Be aware that short additions have been included which, for example, confirm that compliance action can be taken against those who provide misleading information about the skill level of a job.
 

[British Lawyer]

15 November 2022 – Just useful and interesting UK & EEA Immigration Law news and updates from the Legal Centre – Open 7 days a week - www.legalcentre.org - +44(0)3300010342, +44(0)7791145923 (WhatsApp/Viber)

>>> Visa decision waiting times: applications outside the UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visa-decision-waiting-times-applications-outside-the-uk?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications-topic&utm_source=3ae6e427-fa6b-406e-a134-5bf64912d234&utm_content=immediately

>>> UK visa fees (9 November 2022): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-regulations-revised-table/home-office-immigration-and-nationality-fees-9-november-2022

Changes to the Home Office immigration and nationality fees from 9 November 2022.

>>> Ukraine Family Scheme, Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine) and Ukraine Extension Scheme visa data: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ukraine-family-scheme-application-data/ukraine-family-scheme-and-ukraine-sponsorship-scheme-homes-for-ukraine-visa-data--2

>>> Failed asylum seeker’s false identity conviction quashed: https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Crim/2022/1428.html

In Elmi [2022] EWCA Crim 1428, the Court of Appeal quashed the conviction of a failed asylum seeker who had been found guilty of possessing a false identity document. Elmi had not been advised that he could use the defence of a presumptive refugee under s.31 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

[British Lawyer]

23 November 2022 – Just useful and interesting UK & EEA Immigration Law news and updates from the Legal Centre – Open 7 days a week - www.legalcentre.org - +44(0)3300010342, +44(0)7791145923 (WhatsApp/Viber)

>>> Procedural errors should be remitted says Court of Appeal

The Court of Appeal has found that the Upper Tribunal should not have continued to decide an appeal itself when it set aside a decision of the First-tier Tribunal. The case is AEB v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2022] EWCA Civ 1512.

>>> Appeal from the Special Immigration Appeals Commission must be heard in England: https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Civ/2022/1445.html

NB: The SIAC only sits in London.

The court decided that, in the context of a statutory appeal, the location of the judges is decisive. It is not about determining which court has the greater knowledge of local conditions.

[fregat222]

Начали зарабатывать. Рекордное число украинцев хотят остаться в Британии

В Британии провели опрос среди 3000 украинцев, которые прибыли в страну из-за войны. Их спрашивали о жилье и проблемах, с которыми они столкнулись в стране.

Сколько людей уже стали на ноги и не зависят от спонсоров, TRAVEL РБК-Украина сообщает со ссылкой на The Guardian.

Со спонсорами живут еще две трети беженцев

Управление национальной статистики Великобритании опросило украинцев, которые прибыли в страну по двум визовым схемам - семейного спонсорства и "Дома для Украины". По таким схемам граждане Украины и члены их семей могут прибыть в страну, чтобы жить с указанным спонсором, который может предоставить жилье как минимум на 6 месяцев.

Согласно опросу, со спонсором в ноябре живут 59% опрошенных, тогда как 17% снимают жилье у частного арендодателя.

Однако 45% респондентов сталкивались с тем, что не могли снять жилье из-за отсутствия поручителя или рекомендаций.

Каждый четвертый (24%) сменил адрес после переезда в Британию. В 35% случаев причиной было то, что теперь они могут позволить себе жить без хостинга.

Однако у каждого шестого из них переезд был связан с трудностями в отношениях со спонсором.

При этом половина опрошенных украинцев сказали, что планируют остаться в Великобритании на три года или дольше.

Больше половины беженцев выучили английский язык и нашли работу

Число украинцев, которые могут говорить по-английски свободно или в достаточной степени, увеличившись до 57% по сравнению с 44% в июне 2022 года.

Большинство взрослых (56%) сообщили, что работают в Великобритании, хотя в июне трудоустроенных было только 19%.

Половина опрошенных (56%) столкнулись в трудностями в трудоустройстве из=за недостаточного знания языка и непризнания их квалификации (33%).

Около 60% беженцев з сообщили, что у них достаточно денег, чтобы прокормить себя и своих детей в течение следующих трех месяцев. В июне таких было только 37% опрошенных.

Большинство украинцев (72%) заявили, что у них хорошее физическое и психическое здоровье.

Источник

[British Lawyer]

25 November 2022 – Just useful and interesting UK & EEA Immigration Law news and updates from the Legal Centre – Open 7 days a week - www.legalcentre.org - +44(0)3300010342, +44(0)7791145923 (WhatsApp/Viber)

>>> All you need about the Brexit: Asylum backlog hits 150,000 and net migration hits 500,000

The backlog

Asylum applications have continued to rise as the year has gone on. In the year ending September 2022, there were 72,027 asylum applications relating to 85,902 people. The previous largest peak was a total of 84,132 applications in 2002.

Net migration

Over one million people moved to the UK last year, but over half a million also left. Net migration was therefore just over 500,000 in the last year. This is the highest net migration figure on record. The year before, net migration was around 170,000. The pandemic has had an impact over the past few years, and the increase is partially due to the travel sector recovering over. The updated immigration system and the arrival of country-specific visa schemes have also significantly contributed.

[fregat222]

Иммиграция в Британию побила рекорд: полмиллиона за год. Треть иммигрантов приехала из Украины

Иммиграция в Великобританию взлетела на рекордный уровень: за год, с июня 2021-го по июнь 2022, разница между приехавшими и уехавшими составила 504 тыс. человек. Треть приехавших - граждане Украины, вынужденные покинуть родину из-за российского вторжения. Такова опубликованная в четверг оценка британского Бюро национальной статистики - впрочем, ведомство признает, что оценка может быть неточной.

Бюро национальной статистики (ONS) отмечает, что на иммиграцию в этот период - вторая половина 2021-го и первая половина 2022 года - сильно повлияли, во-первых, отмена пандемийных ограничений и, соответственно, всплеск числа отложенных из-за пандемии приездов, а также прием беженцев из Украины, Гонконга и Афганистана.

За первые месяцы войны британские визы по процедуре помощи украинским беженцам, по данным МВД Британии, получили 89 тыс. человек, а всего за этот год в Британию въехали почти в два раза больше украинских граждан - 170 тыс.

"В отсутствие надежных подтверждений обратного, мы предполагаем, что прибывшие из Украины останутся здесь дольше, чем на 12 месяцев, и поэтому включены в наши оценки [долгосрочной] иммиграции", - пояснило ONS, добавив, что эта оценка может быть и пересмотрена по мере поступления новых данных.

Вскоре после начала российского вторжения правительство Великобритании заявило о намерении принять как можно больше украинских беженцев. Для этого Лондон открыл три схемы: по одной из них ("Ukraine Family Scheme") в Британию могут приехать родственники жителей страны, по другой ("Homes for Ukraine") - те, кто найдет спонсора, готового их разместить. Третья схема позволяет продлить пребывание в Великобритании тем украинцам, у которых британская виза уже была.

• Иммиграция в Британию рухнула почти на 90% - из-за ковида и брексита
• Массовый наплыв. Британия и Франция пересматривают договор по контролю за нелегальной миграцией

Оценки иммиграции у властей Британии в прошлом бывали крайне неточны - особенно в части граждан других стран Евросоюза, которые до фактического выхода Соединенного Королевства из ЕС в начале 2021 года могли приезжать, селиться и работать в Британии без всяких иммиграционных формальностей.

• Граждан ЕС в Британии - в полтора раза больше, чем думали власти

ONS объясняет, что постоянно улучшает методы оценки иммиграции - например, на этот раз оно попыталось прикинуть и число несовершеннолетних иммигрантов - но в то же время признает, что нынешние оценки будут пересматриваться и уточняться.

Теперь сальдо миграции между Британией и ЕС, действительно, упало до отрицательных значений (уезжает больше, чем приезжает) - зато взлетело число иммигрантов из других стран.

"Все прогнозы говорили, что в результате ввода после брексита новой системы, которая ограничила возможности граждан ЕС переехать в Британию, иммиграция упадет - и сальдо миграции из ЕС, действительно, остается отрицательным. Но миграция извне ЕС выросла - прежде всего благодаря схемам, которые были созданы для замены свободного передвижения в рамках ЕС", - говорит директор Центра наблюдения за миграцией при Оксфордском университете Мадлен Сампшен.

Она констатирует, что самые большие доли этого взрывного роста дали украинцы, эвакуировавшиеся жители Гонконга (76 тыс) и, главное, студенты - их, новоприбывших, оказалось 277 тысяч.

В общем, заключают и ONS, и Мадлен Сампшен, этот рекорд - результат нескольких уникальных факторов, и вряд ли эти полмиллиона иммигрантов за год следует считать новой устойчивой тенденцией.

Всего с июня 2021-го до июня 2022-го в Британию приехали почти 1,1 млн человек, но 560 тысяч за это же время уехали - что и дало сальдо в полмиллиона. До "ковидного" провала сальдо миграции в Британию составляло около 300 тысяч в год.

В британские и мировые новости регулярно попадает одна специфическая категория иммигрантов - нелегалы, которые пересекают Ла-Манш на лодках. ONS в своем отчете сообщает, ссылаясь на МВД, что за год с июня по июнь их было 34 тысячи, а к сентябрю стало 73 тысячи - то есть, их довольно много, но в общей массе иммигрантов они представляют собой сравнительно небольшую категорию.

Источник

[British Lawyer]

29 November 2022 – Just useful and interesting UK & EEA Immigration Law news and updates from the Legal Centre – Open 7 days a week - www.legalcentre.org - +44(0)3300010342, +44(0)7791145923 (WhatsApp/Viber)

>>> The final "good-bye" to the Home Office COVID19 concession ?

Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-uk-visa-applicants-and-temporary-uk-residents?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications-topic&utm_source=4b5a0e08-dbb2-4a96-9b34-ec495e9d78d8&utm_content=immediately

Information above states that the exceptional assurance provision ENDS 30 November 2022.

 

[British Lawyer]

30 November 2022 – Just useful and interesting UK & EEA Immigration Law news and updates from the Legal Centre – Open 7 days a week - www.legalcentre.org - +44(0)3300010342, +44(0)7791145923 (WhatsApp/Viber)

>>> Settlement Entry Clearance applications - the (new) retrospectove service from the Home Office

During the meeting with the Home Office they informed that:

- There will soon be introduced the (new) retrospective Priority Service for the Settlement/Family Entry Clearance applications, lodged outside the UK. For example, those who have been waiting, say, 80-90 days, may be offered an option to pay for the application to be considered faster. The date is due to be confirmed, probably at some point in December 2022

- It is now taking 103 WORKING DAYS on average to consider the Settlement Application, lodged outside the UK (UK Spouse Visa etc)

>>> Home Office E-visas from 2025 WARNING

- Those migrants, whose BRPs expire on the 31st December 2024, will NOT get their E-visas automatically. Instead, the migrants MUST create the E-visa account themselves

>>> It may be possible to apply for Settlement (Indefinite leave to Enter - ILE) under the Domestic Violence Rules OUTSIDE OF THE UK

See: https://caselaw.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ewhc/admin/2022/2591

>>> The Home Ofice has removed the possibility of using the IDV app from many categories, such as SETM, BRC replace etc. The reason is tha the Home Office claims that now there are sufficient number of the face-to-face appoinments at the Sopra Steria offices.

 

[British Lawyer]

01 December 2022 – Just useful and interesting UK & EEA Immigration Law news and updates from the Legal Centre – Open 7 days a week - www.legalcentre.org - +44(0)3300010342, +44(0)7791145923 (WhatsApp/Viber)

>>> Immigration Skills Charge updated list of exemptions

An amendment to the Immigration Skills Charge Regulations 2017 is due to come into force on 1 January 2023. The regulations state that businesses sponsoring overseas workers, subject to certain exemptions, must pay a charge each time a certificate of sponsorship is assigned to that worker.

The amendment adds to the list of exemptions in regulation 4. Businesses that bring EU citizens to the UK under certain visa routes will, from 1 January, not have to pay the Immigration Skills Charge. The exemption applies to those entering the UK under the Scale-up route or intra-corporate transferees on the Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker route, where they are covered by the commitment made in the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement 2020 (under Article 140(5)(d) to (g)).

[British Lawyer]

06 December 2022 – Just useful and interesting UK & EEA Immigration Law news and updates from the Legal Centre – Open 7 days a week - www.legalcentre.org - +44(0)3300010342, +44(0)7791145923 (WhatsApp/Viber)

>>> The exceptional assurance concession is no longer available: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-uk-visa-applicants-and-temporary-uk-residents

[British Lawyer]

07 December 2022 – Just useful and interesting UK & EEA Immigration Law news and updates from the Legal Centre – Open 7 days a week - www.legalcentre.org - +44(0)3300010342, +44(0)7791145923 (WhatsApp/Viber)

>>> Human rights damages can be awarded for judicial findings: https://hudoc.echr.coe.int/eng#{"itemid":["001-210494"]}

W v United Kingdom (App no. 87/18) was about a judge making adverse findings about a social worker and referring her to her professional body without giving her a chance to respond. The Human Rights Act 1998 currently prevents awards of compensation in such circumstances (section 9(3)) but Strasbourg held this was denial of an effective remedy and awarded compensation. It seems potentially relevant on Hamid hearings and on treatment of experts – although the latter is much less of an issue than in the past.

This was one of only two cases the UK lost in Strasbourg in the last year. The other was a freedom of expression case.
 

[British Lawyer]

12 December 2022 – Just useful and interesting UK & EEA Immigration Law news and updates from the Legal Centre – Open 7 days a week - www.legalcentre.org - +44(0)3300010342, +44(0)7791145923 (WhatsApp/Viber)

>>> Ukraine Family Scheme, Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine) and Ukraine Extension Scheme visa data: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ukraine-family-scheme-application-data/ukraine-family-scheme-and-ukraine-sponsorship-scheme-homes-for-ukraine-visa-data--2

Total Ukraine Scheme visa applications received: 252,000
Data is as of 6 December 2022 and comprised of:

Ukraine Family Scheme: 77,900
Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme: 174,100

=>>> Applications awaiting conclusion: 15,800 (!)

[British Lawyer]

19 December 2022 – Just useful and interesting UK & EEA Immigration Law news and updates from the Legal Centre – Open 7 days a week - www.legalcentre.org - +44(0)3300010342, +44(0)7791145923 (WhatsApp/Viber)

>>> UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) – Christmas availability

UKVCAS release appointments every day, 28 days ahead, meaning the current booking window is now into January. If customers have had difficulties securing an appointment in the past few weeks, we encourage them to try again. There are the usual number of appointments (both free and chargeable) being released every day. Chargeable appointments are released AT MIDNIGHT and free appointments are released at 9AM.

>>> Debt to the NHS: caseworker guidance: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1123969/Suitability_Debt_to_the_NHS.pdf

NB: Ukrainian Scheme applicants are EXEMPT from paying the NHS debts

The guidance has been updated to amend the list of immigration routes which the NHS debtor rule doesn’t apply to and include information pertaining to the actions to take if confidential medical information has been passed to the Home Office. Guidance has been restructured to make the content clearer and simpler to read:

> Minor amendmentsto the introduction to clarify that this guidance applies to family reunion applicationsand removed referencesto the ECAA Turkish Businessperson applicationsand applications made under EEA regulations
> Addition made to the list of routes which NHS debt grounds do not apply,to include the Ukraine schemes
> Addition of a section detailing the considerationof immigration breaches in settlement applicationson Appendix Settlement Family Life and Appendix Private Lifefrom 20 June 2022
> Updated information on how NHS debt is recorded and shownon Atlas systems
> Addition of information highlighting the process that must be followed if medical details have been added to an individual’s immigration record.

>>>  Visa decision waiting times: applications inside the UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visa-decision-waiting-times-applications-inside-the-uk?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications-topic&utm_source=f70b172e-6140-4a7f-83f8-560b218ec91c&utm_content=immediately

NB: FLR(FP) applications are now taking some 10-11 months to be processed, unless lodged via the 24-hour Super Priority Service

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are currently experiencing high global demand meaning in some cases, it may take longer to process visa applications.
 
The customer service standard for Visit visa applications is 3 weeks. Currently, Visit visas are taking an average of 4 weeks to be processed.  
 
Work and study visas are being processed within service standards.
 
Family visas are being processed within the 24-week service standard.
 
The customer service standard for in country applications is 8 weeks. Currently, to extend or switch a Skilled worker visa is taking an average of 9 weeks.

 

[British Lawyer]

09 December 2022 – Just useful and interesting UK & EEA Immigration Law news and updates from the Legal Centre – Open 7 days a week - www.legalcentre.org - +44(0)3300010342, +44(0)7791145923 (WhatsApp/Viber)

>>> The reasonably foreseeable consequences of depriving someone of British citizenship: https://www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKUT/IAC/2022/337.html

The case of Muslija (deprivation: reasonably foreseeable consequences) [2022] UKUT 337 (IAC) makes it clear that the reasonably foreseeable consequences of deprivation of British citizenship do not include predicting the outcome of a subsequent human rights appeal.

The case concerns an Albanian national who obtained refugee status, and subsequently citizenship, by pretending to be Kosovan. Mr Muslija admitted his deception. The key issue was whether depriving him of his British citizenship would disproportionately interfere with his right to private and family life with his British wife and daughter.

The headnote says:

“(1) The reasonably foreseeable consequences of the deprivation of citizenship are relevant to an assessment of the proportionality of the decision, for Article 8(2) ECHR purposes. Since the tribunal must conduct that assessment for itself, it is necessary for the tribunal to determine such reasonably foreseeable consequences for itself.

(2) Judges should usually avoid proleptic analyses of the reasonably foreseeable consequences of the deprivation of citizenship. In a minority of cases, it may be appropriate for the individual concerned to demonstrate that there is no prospect of their removal. Such cases are likely to be rare. An example may be where (i) the sole basis for the individual’s deprivation under section 40(2) is to pave the way for their subsequent removal on account of their harmful conduct, and (ii) the Secretary of State places no broader reliance on ensuring that the individual concerned ought not to be allowed to enjoy the benefits of British citizenship generally.

(3) An overly anticipatory analysis of the reasonably foreseeable consequences of deprivation will be founded on speculation. The evidence available and circumstances obtaining at the time of making of the deprivation order (and the appeal against that decision) are very likely to be different from that which will be available and those which will obtain when the decision regarding a future application or human rights claim is later taken.

(4) Exposure to the “limbo period”, without more, cannot possibly tip the proportionality balance in favour of an individual retaining fraudulently obtained citizenship. That means there are limits to the utility of an assessment of the length of the limbo period; in the absence of some other factor (c.f. “without more”), the mere fact of exposure to even a potentially lengthy period of limbo is a factor unlikely to be of dispositive relevance.

(5) It is highly unlikely that the assessment of the reasonably foreseeable consequences of a deprivation order could legitimately extend to prospective decisions of the Secretary of State taken in consequence to the deprived person once again becoming a person subject to immigration control, or any subsequent appeal proceedings.”

[British Lawyer]

10 January 2022 – Just useful and interesting UK & EEA Immigration Law news and updates from the Legal Centre – Open 7 days a week - www.legalcentre.org - +44(0)3300010342, +44(0)7791145923 (WhatsApp/Viber)

>>> Update on Priority Services for Family Settlement Entry Clearance Applications

Please see the update below from the Home Office regarding priority services for family settlement entry clearance applications, and in particular, the RETROSPECTIVE introduction of priority services for applicants with an outstanding family visa entry clearance application, who will be offered the option of upgrading to priority service:

"Regarding Priority Visa we have introduced the service starting today. Please see below which will answer any questions you have.

 ·       From 9 January 2023 UKVI is re-introducing PV services for customers with an outstanding family visa application.
·       All existing customers will be contacted by email to make them aware that PV services will be re-instated.
·       This will be followed by a targeted email to existing customers (starting with the oldest applications first) offering them the option of upgrading to the priority service.
·       Customers will be notified of the current standard processing times compared to using the PV service, allowing customers to make an informed choice.
·       The offer of the 15 working day/3 week service standard is an improvement on the usual 30 day/6 week PV service standard for Family visas.
·       PV applications will be assessed within 15 full working days/3 weeks from the date we confirm we’ve received your payment.
·       The fee for this service is the usual PV fee of £573.
·       Customers will have the option of paying for a faster decision on their existing application – enabling applications to be considered within 15 days rather than the normal 30 days PV service. 
·       The offer of the PV service is for a quicker consideration of the existing application. It does not guarantee a positive visa decision and the fee will not be refunded if the visa is refused. 
·       We aim to reintroduce PV services for new Family visa applications in early 2023.
·       The Super Priority Visa service is not available for Family visa applications.
·       The customer service standard for standard Family visa applications remains at 24 weeks. We aim to reduce this to 12 weeks in 2023."
 
Please note that the Home Office update above relates only to family visa entry applications.