IMMIGRATION NEWS WEEKLY ROUNDUP - 9 AUGUST 2024

In a deeply concerning turn of events this week, the immigration legal community in the UK has found itself at the centre of a storm of far-right threats and intimidation. Immigration lawyers have been advised to bolster their security measures or consider staying away from work altogether, as extremist groups circulated a list of up to 60 immigration advice centres on social media platforms, suggesting they should be targeted for protests. The Law Society and Immigration Law Practitioners' Association (ILPA) have raised alarm bells, warning that their members are at risk in the current climate.

The situation had escalated to such a degree that cases at an immigration tribunal near Heathrow Airport were abruptly halted on Wednesday this week. Staff, lawyers, and claimants at Hatton Cross Tribunal Hearing Centre were instructed to evacuate the premises around midday due to reports of far-right activity in the vicinity. This precautionary measure resulted in incomplete hearings and disrupted legal proceedings. It is believed that other immigration tribunals across the country have also been forced to close early amidst fears of potential violence.

Many prominent legal professionals have pointed to the inflammatory rhetoric employed by Conservative politicians over the years as a contributing factor to the current hostile environment. The demonisation of "lefty lawyers" working on asylum cases by figures such as Boris Johnson and Suella Braverman has been cited as fuelling abuse and emboldening far-right elements.

The situation took a further troubling turn when a demonstration outside a hotel in Aldershot, which houses asylum seekers, devolved into what has been described as a "mob-type" protest. Demonstrators held placards with slogans such as "no apartments for illegals" and "deport them, don't support them" lined the streets. The scene quickly escalated, with reports of rocks, fireworks, and other missiles being hurled at the building while protesters chanted "get them out". Inside, asylum seekers were left cowering in fear.

This distressing chain of events highlights the vulnerable position of both immigration legal professionals and asylum seekers in the UK. The Home Office's policy of housing asylum seekers in hotels has inadvertently made them more visible and susceptible to targeting by extremist groups.

As the situation continues to unfold, there are growing calls for increased protection for those working in immigration law and for a re-evaluation of the rhetoric surrounding asylum seekers and the professionals who represent them

Immigration lawyers have been warned to take extra security measures or stay away from work amid far-right threats to target their firms, with legal groups blaming political attacks on the profession for fuelling abuse.

The Law Society and Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA) said their members were at risk, after a list of up to 60 immigration advice centres was circulated on Telegram with a message suggesting they should be the target of protests on Wednesday.

This alarming trend has prompted legal regulators to take action, issuing official safety guidance and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for immigration practitioners. These measures aim to protect legal professionals who play a crucial role in navigating complex immigration processes and defending the rights of vulnerable populations.

?Amongst other news a prominent development was seen as the Home Office revised its eVisa guidance, marking a significant change. Biometric residence permit (BRP) holders in the UK can now create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and access their eVisa without requiring an email invitation. However, the updated guidance notes that not all eVisas may be immediately visible.

?The Home Office has also released a helpful video on Youtube to assist with the registration process which can be visited here

Considering this week's developments, it is expected that the Government may implement changes to current policies regarding asylum seekers and other immigration matters.

As ever, HJT remains committed to keeping all immigration practitioners fully informed of the latest developments. We will continue to support you through our range of services, including our live online training sessions and subscription-based access to our comprehensively updated Mastering Immigration Law resource content.

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