Serve your bundles late, forget the set date! The Immigration Appeals process is subject to change
By Sonum Behar
With reference to the famous quote by Harvey Mackay: “Time is free, but it’s priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it, you can never get it back” As Immigration Lawyers, we understand the importance of time for our clients. Upon instructions it is our duty to ensure that unnecessary and controllable delays are not cause to our client’s case, especially not at our hands.
The Immigration tribunal is piloting a new system of automatically “de-listing” (cancelling or adjourning) appeal hearings where an appellant serves their bundle late. As legal representatives it is our duty to ensure that we act in the best interest of our client and ensure instructions are discharged with the utmost care and attention to detail. When a client is issued with a hearing notice, clear directions are set out. Therefore, compliance with these directions ensures the appeal bundles are served on time.
An appeal is often seen as the client’s day in court; the day for them to provide subjective and objective evidence in respect of their ongoing Immigration matter. Further, it is their opportunity to argue why they either rightfully belong in the United Kingdom or have compelling and compassionate circumstances which warrant a grant of leave to remain in the UK. Therefore, naturally and rightfully so appeals can be a daunting process for most clients. The last thing anyone would want is an avoidable delay to their case.