Gherson is a London law firm specialising in UK immigration, nationality, extradition and Human Rights law.
As the UK immigration world is continuously evolving, with new immigration routes, new guidance and new rules being implemented regularly by the Home Office, it is essential to keep up-to-date with the latest immigration news and announcements. We aim to report on the majority of these changes via our blogs. We also often post overviews of the numerous immigration routes and discuss requirements within the different visa categories.
So what have we been talking about this week?
Coronavirus ‘Exceptional Assurance’ Policy extended to 30 November 2020
The Home Office introduced ‘exceptional assurance’ in order to provide short-term protection to migrants whose leave has expired and who are unable to leave the UK due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The policy was due to end on 31 October 2020, however the Home Office updated the policy on 1 November 2020 in order to extend the provision until 30 November 2020.
Read more about ‘exceptional assurance’ and whether it may apply to you here: https://www.gherson.com/blog/coronavirus-exceptional-assurance-policy-extended, posted on 3 November 2020.
UKVCAS to remain open throughout the lockdown period
Reassuring news was posted on the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) website this week, indicating the services provided by the Home Office will continue to remain open throughout the latest period of lockdown. Applicants should therefore still be able to attend biometric appointments at the service points, although they should not attend if they should be self-isolating. See more here: https://www.gherson.com/blog/ukvcas_remains_open_during_lockdown, posted on 4 November 2020.
Apply under the EU Settlement Scheme or exercise Treaty Rights before 31 December 2020
We highlighted here the fast approaching deadline of 11pm on 31 December 2020, which marks the end of free movement for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals. The end of free movement has ramifications for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens living in the UK, or those wishing to relocate to the UK in the imminent future. We discuss here what action these citizens may need to take in order to secure their status in the UK: https://www.gherson.com/blog/eu_settlement_scheme_deadlines, posted on 4 November 2020.
The Hong Kong British National (Overseas) Visa
As part of the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, published on 22 October 2020, the Home Office announced the new British National (Overseas) visa route. We explored the details of this new route, including who may be eligible to apply and where such an application can be made.
Read more here: https://www.gherson.com/blog/hong_kong_bno_visa, published on 5 November 2020.
Gherson has extensive experience in all aspects of UK immigration law. If you have any queries relating to the blogs published, or are interested in talking to us about your specific circumstances, please do not hesitate to contact us for further advice.
The information in these blogs is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in these blogs. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
©Gherson 2020