UK Government deports at least 300 highly skilled migrants

What is this law?

The 322 (5) legislation used by the government in these cases has wrongfully forced at least 87 migrants in roles such as teaching, the medical profession, law, engineering and IT to leave the country. It is estimated that up to 400 more highly skilled migrants may be affected.

Many of these migrants lived in the UK for at least ten years prior to the government action and also have children that were born in the UK. Most of the people affected were only given 14 days to leave the UK and were advised they would no longer be eligible for visas to visit the UK, or, indeed, any other country.

Around 56 of these cases have since been reconsidered and 37 of the individuals affected were given indefinite leave to remain in the country.

The government review of these cases only looked at the period from January 2015 to May 2018, so it’s highly likely the numbers affected will be far greater than so far publicised.

At present, there has been no response from the UK Home Office about whether compensation will be provided to the individuals wrongly affected by these decisions, and there has also been no announcement about whether these cases will be reconsidered. The circumstances of these cases are being compared to the Windrush scandal which has also rocked the current government.

Further cases of migrants being expelled from the UK have also been identified by The Guardian, where small errors or legal amendments have been made to individual’s UK taxation records.

If you’ve been affected by this issue or need to consult a professional barrister-only immigration law firm, get in touch with Richmond Chambers today for further information.