BIRMINGHAM, England, December 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --
Immigration experts at DBS Law are warning clients to be vigilant over the festive period, as this is traditionally the time of year that the home office takes action to remove foreign nationals making applications to remain in the UK, because their legal representatives are unavailable.
The advice from DBS Law includes making sure paper work is up to date and emergency numbers are close at hand. The biggest fear for clients who have an application pending is that they will be seized when they go to sign on with the immigration service, detained and removed between Christmas and New Year.
The most in jeopardy are immigrant men or women with young children born in the UK, as they are the most likely to have an application to remain succeed under normal circumstances.
Sejal Karavadra, Head of Immigration at DBS Law, said, "Removing an individual over the Christmas period when many representatives are unavailable helps the government towards annual targets, that's why it's an attractive option for home office officials.
"Our biggest fear at this time of year is for adults who have yet to make an application to regularise their stay, who may be detained on Christmas Eve, leaving their British children without one of their parents on Christmas day."
DBS are advising clients to ensure that they have an application lodged with the UKBA for leave to remain in the UK. This should be sent with documentation that shows that they have established a life in the UK. They should also keep a copy of the acknowledgement letter from the Home Office with them to prove they have an application under consideration if they are stopped and questioned, to avoid detention.
Unlike most legal firms, DBS operates a serviceduring the Christmas period and will be available to assist clients. For many who wish to remain in the UK that can't contact their representatives, 2012 may not be such a happy New Year.
http://www.dbslaw.co.uk
