Immigration roundup: January 2026
Shownotes
In Sonia's final episode, we cover the first substantive judgment concerning the use of “public order disqualification” powers in trafficking cases, an updated CPIN on Pakistan for LGBT+ people and the policy that's pushing people in conflict zones to make dangerous journeys to enrol their biometrics.
Barry covers a really important judgment on children's settlement applications (a crucial read as things may change again later this year) and Sonia highlights the dangers of the use of AI by immigration lawyers. We finish up by discussing the (little) weight that rehabilitation carries in deportation appeals.
Asylum and protection (01:17)
Refugees at risk of street homelessness have until 16 January to extend their asylum accommodation
Home Office U-turn over grants of leave to trafficking victims after legal challenge
Concerns raised about changes to Home Office’s country evidence on Pakistan for LGBT+ people
The Home Office’s unsafe journeys policy is dangerous
Child settlement applications (13:53)
Important Court of Appeal ruling on children’s settlement applications
Artificial intelligence (21:00)
Briefing: AI and immigration law – what guidance is there for lawyers?
Windrush (25:03)
Possibility of legal aid in some Windrush compensation cases opened up by Court of Appeal
Visit visas (26:36)
Costs awarded by Court of Appeal in visit visa delay case
Legal Ombudsman (28:29)
Partial success for immigration barrister in challenge to Legal Ombudsman decision
Deprivation of citizenship (29:04)
Supreme Court addresses fairness concerns in deprivation appeals
Work routes (31:45)
The appeal of judicial discretion in civil penalty appeals: Court of Appeal grants permission
Care home refused permission in challenge to revocation of sponsor licence for underpaying staff
Deportation (36:53)
Court of Appeal dismisses deportation appeal despite evidence of rehabilitation
Updated (41:19)
Briefing: the sorry state of the UK asylum system
Briefing: how to apply for a high potential individual visa
Making sense of sole responsibility for child visas in immigration law