28 November 2023
Rwanda policy held unlawful but the government vows to fight back
On 15 November 2023, the UK Supreme Court unanimously found the Secretary of State’s Rwanda Policy to be unlawful, upholding the Court of Appeal’s judgement. The Supreme Court decided that Rwanda was not a safe third-country for asylum seekers, and that there is a real risk that the principle of “non-refoulement” will not be respected there. Non-refoulement means that asylum seekers should not returned to a country where their life or freedom would be threatened on account of their race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.
24 October 2023
The Home Office’s new detention powers under the Illegal Migration Act
The Illegal Migration Act 2023 (“IMA”) became law on 20 July 2023. However, the majority of its provisions are yet to be brought into force.
16 October 2023
U.K. Prime Minister Announces Controversial Immigration Fee Hike to Fund Public Sector Pay Rises
In July, U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made an announcement that he was going to increase immigration fees by at least 15-20%.
5 October 2023
All change – the EU Settlement Scheme becomes increasingly unsettled
In the last few months there have been a number of significant changes to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) and the changes will carry on into next year as well.
Here we take a look over a timeline of EUSS changes this year in July, August, September and October as well as the plans for next year.
4 August 2023
Why EU citizens should make a late application to the EU Settlement Scheme now
In its recent statement of changes to the Immigration Rules, the Home Office announced various changes to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
One change coming into effect on 9 August 2023 should catch the eye of any EU (and EEA and Swiss) citizens who have been putting off applying for their UK residence status under the EUSS. Others may simply be unaware they can apply.
From 9 August 2023 it is likely the Home Office will enforce a stricter approach to what is a “reasonable ground” for a late application. Anyone considering an application to the EUSS should therefore apply as soon as possible and before 9 August.
