Immigration Update: Family Visitor Appeals to be Abolished

With effect from 9 July 2012 new Immigration Appeals (Family Visitor) Regulations 2012 will come into effect. These set out who qualifies for a full right of appeal against refusal of a visa to visit family in the UK. No changes are being made to the rules governing who can qualify for entry to the UK as a visitor and genuine visitors are welcome. These regulations will change the appeal rights of family visit visa applicants, for those applying to visit their uncle, aunt, nephew niece or first cousin, or a relative who does not have settled, refugee or humanitarian protection status in the UK. They will no longer have a full right of appeal if refused. A limited right of appeal will remain for these people on human rights and race discrimination grounds.

The Crime and Courts Bill will, subject to Parliamentary approval, remove the full right of appeal against all family visit visa refusals and this is expected to come into force by 2014.

Super Premium Services to be Restricted During the Olympics

Due to the number of foreign visitors during the Olympics, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) has made contingency plans and will not be offering a full service.

From 27 July 2012 to 9 September 2012 there will be one appointment a day and this has to be booked up to 6 weeks in advance.

For more information, please contact: 

Nicolas Rollason
Head of Immigration
T: +44 (0)20 7814 1200
E: nrollason@kingsleynapley.co.uk