September brought us a new Home Secretary who immediately made some inaccurate comments about “last minute” legal challenges to removal and the modern slavery identification system, so Sonia looked at those in this month’s podcast. Sonia also covered the final act of the previous Home Secretary, which was the closure of the refugee family reunion route. Refugees do still haveother options, but with a lot more hurdles and delays in place.

Barry discussed the case of the Palestinian refugee wherethe Home Office withdrew the refusal of his asylum claim the day before the appeal hearing indicating that refugee status would be granted, only to refuse it again following publicity of the case – prompting a further legal battle. Barry also looked at changes to the early removal scheme for foreign national offenders, as well as the case of an ill-advised use of AI by an immigration barrister that led to a referral to the Bar Standards Board. All this and much more!

Reminder – if you want to book any of our upcoming trainingcourses, you can find them all here.

The 40 minute podcast follows the running order below:

Asylum (02:55)

The reality behind “last minute” legal challenges to removal

Briefing: is the modern slavery identification system in the UK being misused?

Home Office amends modern slavery guidance to facilitate returns to France following High Court decision

Palestinian refugee forced to wait further 18 months for refugee status after Home Office change of position

Refugee family reunion route closed in statement of changes: HC 1298

What now for refugee family reunion applications?

Deportation (22:50)

A look at the upcoming changes to the early removal scheme for foreign national offenders

Procedure (27:50)

Tribunal lacked jurisdiction to consider human rights appeal where no notice filed

Procedural fairness in visit visa applications

Barrister referred to regulator following misuse of AI in immigration appeal

Work routes (37:35)

Care worker found working in restaurant loses legal challenge

Explainer: navigating the Shortage Occupation List, Immigration Salary List and Temporary Shortage List

Updated (40:12)

How to access old versions of Home Office guidance and identify any changes

Exceptional circumstances in a spouse or partner visa application under Appendix FM

Visas for children under Appendix FM of the immigration rules

British by descent: when the child of a British citizen is not themselves British

How to apply for an International Sportsperson visa

General grounds for refusal: understanding mandatory refusal periods