BHD Coronavirus Update – Continuity of BHD Legal Services – 26.03.2020

In light of the recent coronavirus outbreak and uncertain times ahead, we as an established legal practice are ensuring continuity of our legal services during this difficult time. It is anticipated that there will be minimal interruption to our legal services and case/client management throughout the coronavirus outbreak.

In order to assist existing and new clients, while minimizing the impact of coronavirus by promoting safety of our staff and clients, we are no longer conducting face-to-face meetings with our clients.

We have adapted our operating processes and work-flow systems to enable all our staff to work remotely. Using our cloud-based case management system, our cases are being attended to and all our lawyers will be able to communicate with clients via telephone and video conferencing.

At this time, there is an even greater need for legal services, resulting directly from coronavirus and a subsequent chain reaction of events leading to clients requiring legal help. In respect of all legal services we offer, the following being some illustrations, may be of interest to you, resulting from coronavirus related direct actions:

Immigration – remaining in the UK.

Employment – unfair dismissal or redundancy, contingency planning.

Company/Commercial – breaches of contract, company and commercial disputes.

Wills & Estate Planning – Structuring your estate and reviewing your Will, Trusts and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

We are currently advising nationals of affected countries from around the world, whom are currently in the United Kingdom. There is a base at present to submit applications for these people to be granted leave to remain in the United Kingdom, on the basis that there are significant obstacles to reintegrate back to coronavirus affected countries, which are currently, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy , Japan, Korea, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

We are aware of Home Office policy at present, that allows nationals of China to automatically extend their leave to remain. There is a relaxed attitude towards the need for them to leave the UK in order to obtain entry clearance, and to return again back to the UK.

The seriousness of the coronavirus outbreak means, in our opinion, that no person should be returned to a coronavirus affected country. Also that those who are living in the UK as overstayers, yet enjoying family lives, can argue a claim to remain in the UK on the basis that there are insurmountable obstacles to such family life being enjoyed abroad, or that it would be a breach of human rights to require an applicant to leave the UK to obtain entry clearance to enjoy family life in the UK.

Barnes Harrild & Dyer solicitors are situated in Croydon and Central London and specialise in immigration law. We continue to operate working remotely throughout the coronavirus pandemic. The best way to contact us for a priority response, is to select from the blue boxes at top of this screen to either book a consultation, or alternatively request a callback. We will respond straight away.