Welcome to the Gherson Blog

The Home Office yesterday announced urgent changes to the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) rules, which took effect as of today, 31 January 2013 . The following changes are applicable to all Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) applications that have not yet been decided and apply to applicants who seek entry clearance or leave to remain in the UK as a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) migrant for the first time. Changes to note are as follows: The introduction of a 'genuine entrepreneur test' which, it... Read more »

The mechanisms for creating UK immigration law and the nature of the laws themselves have changed immeasurably over the centuries. The changes have mostly reflected changes in British history, global development and public perceptions of immigration. Immigration control has been a power exercised by kings, queens, ministers and parliament. In recent times the progress towards a truly democratic immigration system has begun to stall. Too much focus has been placed on people’s perceptions... Read more »

I was new in the office. Didn't know much, but wanted to help. "James, here's one you can do", said Margaret. "This client wants a premium service. Book one online please; ask Jo how to do it; it's pretty simple". There were knowing smirks from the rest of the office, which should have alerted me. I opened the UKBA premium website. It seemed easy enough. There was a friendly message saying: "Our online booking service is fast, simple and convenient to use." ... Read more »

The introduction of the Points-Based System promised to bring in a system devoid of deviation, one which would consistently assess applications against clearly defined criteria - in short making the application process a box-ticking exercise. The Points-Based System has largely achieved this but, as many applicants will be aware, the rigidity of the system can lead to harsh decisions. The Points-Based System's desire to say whether an applicant has satisfied the requirements of... Read more »

The 'Migrations' exhibition currently showing at the Tate Britain highlights the contribution of migrants to British art and the wider cultural landscape. The exhibition includes paintings dating from the 16 th century, works by refugees from Nazi-occupied Europe and pieces by contemporary artists. Telegraph art critic Richard Dorment describes how it shows that "whatever vitality British painting has ever had depended on the presence here of foreign-born artists". The opening... Read more »

In August 2011 Gherson represented four citizens of Israel in a successful appeal to the First Tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) against the entry clearance officer (ECO), Tel Aviv Israel. The appellants had appealed against the decision of the ECO in January 2011 to refuse them entry clearance as children of a Points-Based System migrant under paragraph 319 H (f) of the Immigration Rules. The ECO was not satisfied that there were serious or compelling family... Read more »