Syed Naqvi

ITN Solicitors

ITN Solicitors partner and head of the immigration department Syed Naqvi had a triumphant 2021, taking on the Home Office regarding in the vital right to work challenge for asylum seekers. His challenge was successful as the High Court deemed the Secretary of State’s policy unlawful for failing to comply with s55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009.

The Government’s policy does not allow asylum seekers to work in the UK unless their asylum claims have been pending for 12 months. When they reach the year mark and apply for the right to work, the Home Office generally gives them a restricted right to work. It was the restricted right to work that Naqvi targeted in court.

The important work continues for Naqvi this year as he hopes to take on the Home Office again after submitting a challenge to the Supreme Court. This time, if the court grants the application, it will be looking at the right of appeal to the court for applicants applying for indefinite leave to remain. Naqvi wants to address situations when the Home Office gives applicants for indefinite leave to remain a lower form of leave without providing them with a right of appeal to the courts to challenge the refusal of indefinite leave to remain. This champion of the underdog will continue fighting the good fight.