What Passport? British National One.

UK Immigration and Nationality has been our specialty at ICS Legal since 2006. Our dedication to our clients over the years is to manage their respective migration processes over time has been difficult. Especially with the constant rule changes. The United Kingdom has always been seen as a haven destination for individuals and families to relocate and build their life.

As we have exited from the EU, the increased number of British nationality based applications have increased. Not surprising to be honest, because both EU citizens and non-EU citizens are planning for the future, its safe to know that applying to become a British national gives you an affirmation of your status.

Rights of a British national.

1. The right to vote in a general election and run for public office.

2. Access to the NHS and free medical care.

3. No work restrictions.

4. Unrestricted entry to the UK.

5. Allowed travels to many countries over the world. A British national is allowed entry to many destinations without the need of applying for a visa.

Its not possible to lose British nationality in comparison to those holding indefinite leave to remain or settled status. So holding British nationality status is paramount to making sure you don’t lose you status.

How British Nationality deprivation works.

Deprivation order are a mechanism that the UK Government have introduced. Over the last decade we have seen an increase of British nationality status’s being removed. A highlighted matter is the case of Shamima Begum where in February 2021 was deprived due to leaving the UK as a 15 Year Old girl joining the Islamic State. Of course, the recent BBC documentary highlights the issue to vulnerability.

Under section 40 of the British Nationality Act, the Home Office has the power to deprive nationality based on the public interest. As always, there are avenues to have a matter challenged via an Appeal process or even through a Judicial Review. ICS Legal have been dealing with a number of legal challenges on those matters.

Standard processes. How to apply for nationality.

When applying for British nationality, an applicant would need to complete a term of residency and then meet the English language requirements.

Note with all applications the Good Character of an applicant is considered, this covers previous immigration history, as well as offences committed. There are possible exceptions based on mitigating circumstances, although these would need to be checked over. You can speak to one of our Immigration Lawyers to go over this.

Being prepared.

The UK Immigration Minister, Robert Jenrick has argued over the last 12 months on how to manage migration. Notably Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced in his last speech on managing boats crossing into the UK.

UK Immigration was & remains a hot topic especially during Brexit, where Nigel Farage even Boris Johnson supported the UK leaving the EU.

We anticipate changes to the Home Office policies over 2023, this should improve on the current system. At ICS Legal, we have constantly seen changes that have impacted lives both positively and negatively.

It is imperative that you keep connected with Home Office updates, ensuring you can plan ahead before moving forward.

By Herbie Russell herbie@southwarknews.co.uk

privATe ANd public landowners could join forces for the public good thanks to Southwark Council’s land commission - the second of its kind in the UK.

The land commission, comprising a panel of local stakeholders and planning experts, aims to explore how different institutions can partner to make the most of local space.

However, Southwark Liberal Democrats have criticised the commission, saying future Camberwell and Peckham Labour candidate Miatta Fahnbulleh shouldn’t have been made chair.

Cllr James McAsh, cabinet member for the climate emergency and sustainable development, said: “Southwark council is a major landowner but there are lots of other landowners like TfL, non-public institutions with social purpose like faith groups, and other private sectororiented groups. Our goal is to bring these different groups together.”

Elaborating, he said local authorities’ “standard model” was to build on land it already owns and find a private developer to help fund it.

But he said the land commission could help the council to team up with other institutions, like community and faith groups, to explore opportunities for collaborative developments that benefit both parties.

For example, Southwark Council could work with a church to build a community centre that straddles both their land, something which wouldn’t normally be considered possible.

Mr McAsh said this was not a survey of land ownership in Southwark, which he said would “cost vast amounts”.

“Land ownership is very secretive in Britain. Even the Land Registry doesn’t know the ownership of all the land in the country,” he said.

But he added that private landowners would be asked to share that information if they wanted to participate in the commission.

The board comprises approximately fourteen members, each from a local stakeholder or bringing some expertise. More members could be added.

They will be chaired by prospective Labour candidate for Camberwell and Peckham and New Economics Foundation Chief Executive Miatta Fahnbulleh.

Southwark Liberal Democrat Leader Cllr Victor Chamberlain criticised her appointment, saying Labour was “marking their own homework”.