Nationality and migration

Whether you are planning a trip to the UK, are already here and looking to change your immigration status, or are looking to emigrate elsewhere in the world, this blog discusses contemporary issues in nationality and migration law. Issues discussed include visa applications, the points-based visa system, sponsor licensing, family visas, asylum claims, reviews and appeals, indefinite leave to remain, naturalisation and citizenship.

Immigration issues are commonly in the press, including changes to UK and EU immigration law and policy. We discuss current immigration issues in the UK, the EU and internationally, including controversial issues such as the treatment of migrants and refugees.
Have a browse for topics of interest. If you need legal advice on anything you come across, Contact Law can put you in touch with a specialist immigration or emigration solicitor who can assist you.

Closure of Immigration Advisory Service blamed on legal aid cuts

The Immigration Advisory Service (IAS) has gone into unannounced administration leaving tens of thousands of people with immigration and asylum claims without legal advice and support. The charitable service is placing the blame squarely at the feet of the Government’s austerity plans to slash £350m from the £2.1bn legal aid budget.

Stricter rules needed for marriage visas, say campaigners

Migration Watch UK are calling for stricter rules for marriage visas in order to crack down on sham and forced marriages, and rebuild the public’s confidence in the immigration system. Sir Andrew Green, the campaign group’s chairman, said the current rules are “harmful to the cohesion of our society.”

British citizen to be deported from Australia after 40 years

A 47-year-old British man, who has lived in Australia since he emigrated with his family at age 6, is being deported to the UK from Australia because of his criminal record. Whilst Clifford Tucker has been living in Australia for more than 40 years and has not had any criminal offences recorded against him in [...]

‘Sham’ marriages rise by 66%

The number of suspected sham marriages reported by registrars in England and Wales to the Home Office has risen by 66%. In 2009, 561 suspected sham marriages were reported and in 2010 this figure jumped to 934. A sham marriage is a marriage that takes place between two people who have no relationship and are [...]

Asylum seeker restrained by UKBA staff feared he was “going to die”

Bienvenue Mbombo, a 38-year-old Congolese asylum seeker, claims that he struggled to breathe when being restrained by UK Border Agency (UKBA) staff at Heathrow as they tried to forcibly remove him from the UK.

Immigration removal centre accused of exploitation

Yarl’s Wood, an immigration removal centre in Clapham, Bedfordshire, has been accused of exploitation after paying female detainees £1 per hour for menial work.

It’s official! Santa Claus is Canadian

It has been one of the most contentious immigration battles in history, but it has finally been determined:  Santa Claus is a Canadian citizen.

High Court overturns immigration cap

The High Court has ruled that the temporary immigration cap on skilled workers coming from outside the EU is illegal because the Home Secretary, Theresa May, unlawfully bypassed Parliament.

Pakistan cricketer Haider to seek asylum in the UK

The Pakistan wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider plans to seek political asylum in the UK after allegedly receiving death threats for refusing to participate in a match-fixing conspiracy.

Security firm say use of force is last resort

Security firm G4S yesterday told the home affairs select committee looking into the death of Jimmy Mubenga that their security guards only use force and control and restraint techniques as a last resort during forced deportations.