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UKBA announce implementation date for changes to family visitor appeals
April 29, 2013
The UK Border Agency has announced that from the end of June 2013, the full right of appeal for applicants refused leave to enter the UK as a family visitor will be removed.
On the 25th April 2013 Royal Assent was given to a clause in the Crime and Courts Bill, published on 10 May 2012, which will allow the change to be brought into effect.
The change is expected to come into force on or soon after the 25th June 2013. It has been stated by the UKBA that under the new rules; “Applicants who are refused can re-apply addressing the reasons for refusal instead of appealing. This will be quicker and cost less than an appeal.’
In fact, it has always been possible for applicants to re-apply after having had an application rejected so this really unfortunately only amounts to appeal rights for family visitors being taken away. This is not good news as from our experience the immigration tribunal is often more willing to listen to the applicant”s circumstances in the round, rather than making an arbitrary decision on the papers.
The new appeal arrangements will apply to anybody who applies to enter the UK to visit a family member on or after the implementation date.
Once the relevant policy guidance has been updated we will provide more information on these changes, but for any queries relating to your visa application, please call us on 0207 001 2121.
