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# Douglass Simon Solicitors

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.douglass-simon.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [News](https://www.douglass-simon.com/news/)
- [Care Workers - Immigration Rules and The Shortage Occupation List](https://www.douglass-simon.com/care-workers-immigration-rules-and-the-shortage-occupation-list/) - In February 2022 the Home Office added Carers to the Shortage Occupation List (SoL). This is in place for 12 months and is due to end in February 2023 so applications under this route should be made no later than 14th February 2023. See more in our article here:
- [Family Migration Review – Deadline on 15 September 2022](https://www.douglass-simon.com/family-migration-review-deadline-on-15-september-2022/) - Make your views count The House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee is currently gathering evidence for an inquiry into family immigration. Share your views by 15 September 2022. Follow the link here to have your say: https://committees.parliament.uk/call-for-evidence/2706/ The Committee intends to consider migration policies in whole and, rather than focussing on specific
- [In-Country or Out-Country Application?](https://www.douglass-simon.com/in-country-or-out-country-application/) - A common scenario is where the applicant is an overstayer but has established a relationship with a partner who is settled in the UK. The first question I am regularly asked is; should an application be made from within or outside the UK. Before advising clients as to which route they should take, it is
- [A CASE FOR AMNESTY](https://www.douglass-simon.com/a-case-for-amnesty/) - It should be said, at the outset, that there is NO amnesty. This is not to say that there is no case for one. It has been widely reported that our new Prime Minister, Mr Boris Johnson, is open to the idea of an immigration amnesty. When asked about his stance he was noted
- [BORIS JOHNSON’S ‘AMNESTY’](https://www.douglass-simon.com/boris-johnsons-amnesty/) - Boris Johnson is the new Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party. Whilst campaigning to become the United Kingdom’s next Prime Minister, he announced his support for the idea of an Amnesty for illegal migrants. Mr Johnson suggested that there are around 500,000 people in London alone who have lived there for a decade
- [When is a divorce a valid? When is a marriage a valid? Apparently, only when the Home Office says so!](https://www.douglass-simon.com/when-is-a-divorce-a-valid-when-is-a-marriage-a-valid-apparently-only-when-the-home-office-says-so/) - The following is based on a recent case, now subject of an appeal, we at Douglass Simon Solicitors, are dealing with. The scenario is one that is familiar to many couples. The parties met and pursued their relationship in the UK. The wife is British, the husband is Filipino and his original visa had expired
- [Zambrano – the EU primary carer](https://www.douglass-simon.com/zambrano-the-eu-primary-carer/) - A common scenario we encounter is where a British elderly and ill parent is in the UK, is cared for by his/her adult child and the adult child either has limited leave which is about to expire or does not have leave to remain. One possible option to consider is an application as a Zambrano
- [New Court of Appeal case - Home Office “called out” for moving goal post](https://www.douglass-simon.com/new-court-of-appeal-case-home-office-called-out-for-moving-goal-post/) - In the recent case (7 March 2019) of R (Islam) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2019] EWCA Civ 500, the Court of Appeal considered Mr Islam’s appeal against the Home Office’s refusal of his application under the Points Based System. The main issue centred on what documentary evidence the Home Office should
- [CAN I USE THE NHS OR WILL I BE DEPORTED?](https://www.douglass-simon.com/can-i-use-the-nhs-or-will-i-be-deported/) - Over the years, migrants have asked this question repeatedly. There is clear confusion about what the Home Office mean by “no recourse to public funds” and this has often caused our clients to misperceive their rights. I will explore in this article the rights of overstayers, migrants who are subject to immigration control and those
- [“RIGHT TO RENT” scheme found discriminatory on the 1st of March 2019](https://www.douglass-simon.com/right-to-rent-scheme-found-discriminatory-on-the-1st-of-march-2019/) - On the 1st of February 2016 the Government introduced the “Right to Rent” scheme. Given its function, it was arguably misnamed as its purpose was not to provide Tenants with “rights” to rent but to limit it. The scheme requires landlords to check prospective tenants leave to remain in the UK. Failure to do
- [FILIPINOS REMARRYING IN THE UK](https://www.douglass-simon.com/filipinos-remarrying-in-the-uk/) - A common misconception is that Filipinos in the UK cannot divorce if married in the Philippines. This is wrong, but you need to distinguish between the validity of divorce in the UK and the Philippines. Picture this, Mario and Petra married in the Philippines, where they both lived. Petra left for the UK and now
- [BRITISH CITIZENSHIP – WHAT IS GOOD CHARACTER?](https://www.douglass-simon.com/british-citizenship-what-is-good-character/) - In the past two years, there has been a vast increase in applications for Naturalisation as many people are concerned about Brexit and their rights to remain in the United Kingdom once the United Kingdom has left the European Union. In this article, we will look at the requirements for Naturalisation, not only for those
- [Paddington Bear applies for a visa](https://www.douglass-simon.com/paddington-bear-applies-for-a-visa/) - I have always been a fan of Paddington Bear. What’s not to love. He’s a resourceful, hardworking and loving bear, but how would the most loveable immigrant bear fare with an application for leave to remain in the UK? Paddington, you will remember, arrived in the UK and despite initial reluctance on part of
- [How to win Immigration Appeals](https://www.douglass-simon.com/how-to-win-immigration-appeals/) - There have been substantial changes to appeal procedure and law in the last decade. Today Immigration Law is more challenging than ever; what is the secret to a successful appeal? The answer? Preparation, Preparation, Preparation. The process starts with good appeal grounds which should refer to relevant law. All too often, I come
- [Twitter and Facebook](https://www.douglass-simon.com/twitter-and-facebook/) - We are active on Twitter and Facebook. Please follow us for updates and news. Twitter - Douglass Simon Law @douglass_law Facebook - Douglass Simon Solicitors
- [Government Turnaround on Immigration Appeal Fee Increases](https://www.douglass-simon.com/government-turnaround-immigration-appeal-fee-increases/) - The government have done a full turnaround on the fee increases introduced on the 10th October 2016 to First-tier Tribunal Appeal fees. All fees with immediate effect are to return to their previous rate. The increase meant that the fee for an oral appeal increased from £140 to £800 and an appeal on the papers
- [Points Based Immigration Update](https://www.douglass-simon.com/points-based-immigration-update/) - According to the Office for National Statistics net migration reached an all-time high of 336,000 in the year to June 2015. Immigration remains a politically sensitive issue and the government has turned their interest to the Tier 2 entry route into the UK. They have commissioned the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to review the visa
- [EEA Permanent Residence](https://www.douglass-simon.com/eea-permanent-residence/) - There have been no changes to the rights or status of EU nationals in the UK following the referendum on whether the UK should remain within the EU. Having triggered Article 50, the UK Government will introduce changes to Law and Policy, but it will be some time until any changes are implemented. We will
- [Tier 4 Immigration Rule Changes for Students](https://www.douglass-simon.com/tier-4-immigration-rule-changes-students/) - On 13 July 2015 Statement of Changes HC 297 was presented to parliament. It introduces changes that became effective on the 14th July 2015, 3rd August 2015 and 12th November 2015. Changes effective from 14 July 2015 Applicants who made an application prior to the 14th July 2015 that are still pending
- [Changes to Immigration Rules for Domestic Workers](https://www.douglass-simon.com/changes-immigration-rules-domestic-workers/) - The government has announced changes to the Immigration Rules in their Statement of Changes dated 11 March 2016. These changes are due to be implemented on 6 April 2016. Overseas Domestic Workers will be able to change employers under the new laws. The previous Rules state that Domestic Workers are only permitted to work with
- [BREXIT: What this means for Immigration](https://www.douglass-simon.com/brexit-means-immigration/) - Britain has voted to leave to European Union by 52% to 48%. Following the announcement of these results, PM David Cameron has also resigned. The government will now trigger Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon to formally notifying their intention to withdraw which would commence the two year negotiating period for the UK to
- [Immigration and Asylum Tribunal Fees to Increase Significantly](https://www.douglass-simon.com/immigration-asylum-tribunal-fees-increase-significantly/) - The Government recently announced their intention to make major increases to Tribunal Fees to take effect as soon as possible. Despite significant opposition to the increases when the new fees were circulated for consultation the Government has decided to press ahead with the fee increases. Therefore from Monday, 10th October 2016 fees at the First-tier
- [English Language Requirement for Partners and Parents](https://www.douglass-simon.com/english-language-requirement-partners-parents/) - The Government has introduced a new English language requirement to take effect from 1 May 2017 for applicants applying for further leave in the UK as a partner or parent, after completing 30 months here on a 5-year route to settlement under Appendix FM. A new English language requirement at level A2 of the Common

## Pages

- [Home](https://www.douglass-simon.com/) - Founded in 1997, we have a worldwide client base covering the United Kingdom, Europe, Africa, North America and Asia. As part of our dedication to our multinational clients, we can assist in the following languages: Tagalog (Filipino), Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Arabic, German, Italian and Sinhalese. We are an international firm with offices located in
- [Careers](https://www.douglass-simon.com/careers/) - Probate Solicitor An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Probate Solicitor to join our Richmond office. The firm: We are a well-established and multi-office practice. We have been serving the community for over two decades. The focus of our dedicated team is to provide a high level of client care. We are
- [Contact Us](https://www.douglass-simon.com/contact-us/) - Contact us by email, telephone or post. Please refer to the 'Overseas Office’ page of this website for enquiries with regard to our Manila (Philippine) office. Telephone Richmond: 020 3375 0555 Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:30pm Overseas callers: 0044 20 3375 0555 or 0044 20 7373 4429 Email For general enquiries or assistance: info@douglass-simon.com We
- [Terms and Conditions](https://www.douglass-simon.com/disclaimer/) - This website has been prepared to provide information about Douglass Simon Solicitors. We make every effort to ensure that the contents are both accurate and up to date. Use of this website is subject to the following terms and conditions. Please read them carefully. The content and design of this website are subject to
- [About Us](https://www.douglass-simon.com/about-us/) - Our solicitors and staff are multicultural. We thrive and are proud of our diversity which is reflected in our clientele and our areas of expertise. Our founder Ms Lira Simon Cabatbat has over 25 years legal experience. She specialises in all aspects of Immigration, Human Rights and Family law. Ms Cabatbat is renowned for
- [Corona Virus - Covid 19 Notice](https://www.douglass-simon.com/corona-virus-covid-19-notice/) - Open for Business We are open as usual during the period of lockdown. Our solicitors are regarded as key workers and we continue to work in our offices. We have in place safety measures to ensure staff and client safety. Should you wish to make an appointment to meet with us please
- [Late Opening](https://www.douglass-simon.com/free-legal-surgeries/) - Late opening at our Richmond office Appointments are available outside the usual working hours at our Richmond office on Thursdays between 5 to 7pm. Please call us on 020 3375 0555 to book an appointment. Fixed fee initial consultation We offer fixed fee consultations our Richmond office. These consultations are by appointment only. Please
- [Overseas Office](https://www.douglass-simon.com/overseas-office/) - Metro Manila (Taguig) Philippines We have now established a presence in Manila Philippines to provide specialist advice in English Immigration law. We are conveniently located near the British Embassy in Taguig Metro Manila. All work is carried out by qualified English lawyers who specialise in various areas of Immigration law, both private and corporate.
- [Testimonials](https://www.douglass-simon.com/testimonials/)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.douglass-simon.com/privacy-policy/) - This policy will inform you of why and how Douglass Simon Solicitors use personal information from clients and other members of the public. When we refer to “we” or “us” in this policy we are referring to Douglass Simon Solicitors. Information we collect and hold Clients We will collect personal information about you when
- [Family & Matrimonial](https://www.douglass-simon.com/our-services/family-matrimonial/) - Our family team deals with all aspects of family law. Our solicitors are members of Resolution committed to providing a constructive approach and solution to Family problems. Our senior partner is a fully accredited Resolution specialist. Our areas of expertise include: Divorce and Nullity Financial Issues Cohabitation Disputes Children Disputes Care Proceedings; Social Services
- [Wills & Power of Attorney](https://www.douglass-simon.com/our-services/wills-power-attorney/) - Wills We provide a comprehensive advisory and drafting service for the preparation of your Will. Our service includes free storage of Wills for safekeeping. We are happy to provide you an advance estimate for preparing an individual Will or a pair of Wills for a couple. Whatever your individual circumstances, it makes sense
- [Employment Corporate](https://www.douglass-simon.com/our-services/employment-corporate/) - The enormous number of employment compliance issues means that employers increasingly require specialist advice to ensure that they are complying with the Law. Whatever the nature of the enquiry, our dedicated employment team can provide clear advice in a timely and cost effective manner. We can provide help and assistance in various areas including:
- [Immigration Personal](https://www.douglass-simon.com/our-services/immigration-personal/) - We can help you navigate through the myriad of laws / regulations in what is arguably the fastest changing and most challenging area of law in today’s modern world. Our national and international clientele receive expert advice from our multi-lingual team. We provide practical and comprehensive assistance, from making applications to challenging decisions before
- [Immigration Corporate](https://www.douglass-simon.com/our-services/immigration-corporate/) - In a global market we appreciate that businesses must be competitive and at Douglass Simon, we assist corporate clients to do exactly that. Our client base extends well beyond our locality, with clients from the Far East, South East Asia and Europe. In today’s fast-paced business world we can provide practical assistance in various fields
- [Employment Personal](https://www.douglass-simon.com/our-services/employment-personal/) - At Douglass Simon Solicitors, we have experience in all aspects of employment law and any workplace-related action. We can advise on a wide range of employment law issues including: Age & Disability Discrimination Bullying & Harassment Constructive Dismissal Contractual Disputes Drafting Of Employment Contracts Employee Fraud FCA Regulatory Issues Maternity & Paternity Issues Part-Time
- [Other Areas of Law](https://www.douglass-simon.com/our-services/other-areas-of-law/) - At Douglass Simon, we are able to assist on a variety of areas of law and practice. If your concern is outside our noted expertise please feel free to make contact with us and we shall be pleased to advise you if we can assist.
- [Probate](https://www.douglass-simon.com/our-services/probate/) - Whether you’re a personal representative or a beneficiary, Douglass Simon Solicitors can look after the administration of both testate (Will) and intestate (no Will) Estates. We can obtain grants of probate or letters of administration and act as professional Executors. We can also assist you with selling property. We understand that this may be a
- [Our Services](https://www.douglass-simon.com/our-services/)

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