Author: Marta Grzelak, Partner at McHale & Co Solicitors* (see website).
*McHale & Co Solicitors do not provide legal advice in Scotland
In order to briefly illustrate an issue regarding deportation as well as the procedure of appealing deportation order I would like to share with our readers a very recent case our firm was successfully involved in.
Our client settled in the United Kingdom in 2006. He was a model resident from the beginning, had a permanent employment, started a family and only recently purchased a house.
He was later convicted of an offence in 2008 when he was caught drink-driving having exceeded the allowed limit by a modest amount. Even though his conduct was otherwise impeccable through out his time spent in the United Kingdom, our client has been served with a deportation order issued by the Home Office. It was claimed that our client was a ‘threat to the country’ and referred to a crime committed by him in 1990s when he still resided in Poland.
Our client subsequently asked us for help in seeking an appeal to this decision and he immediately received a legal advice about immigration law from our Polish solicitor.
The communication between the client and our lawyer handling this case was fast and efficient as our client could converse with our Polish solicitor at all times.
Our application to appeal the above decision of Home Office was supported with statements we had obtained from our client’s neighbours and employed who all confirmed he is a man of good reputation who actively participates in the life of his local community in England.
All our efforts and full commitment to the case resulted in the appeal being successful and, in effect, allowed our client to stay in England.
The above case is only one example of many attempts to deport UK residents of different nationalities, including Poles, whose deportation orders we have managed to successfully appeal. Unfortunately, many are not aware of their legal rights and possibilities which are contained within deportation procedures. They are simply deported without any attempt to defend themselves against the decision of the Home Office and which could allow them to avoid deportation. These procedures are complex which is why it is always recommended to seek an independent advice of experienced solicitor. Naturally, we will be delighted to answer any questions in this area.