Immigration round-up: June 2026

In this month's round-up, Jasmine is joined by Mala Savjani, an associate solicitor at Wilsons. They cover the latest tribunal statistics, which make for grim reading as the asylum appeals backlog has climbed past 87,000 cases. With roughly twice as many cases coming in as going out, anyone lodging an appeal now faces a wait of close to three years.

Mala then unpacks the judicial review challenges to the Home Office's good character citizenship policy. Jasmine and Mala also cover a Court of Appeal decision on Iranian sur place claims, a win for Freedom from Torture and the Helen Bamber Foundation over asylum accommodation protections, and a curious split between the English and Scottish courts on age assessments. Plus, the new compliance regime for universities, the English language test fraud allegations saga, settlement and more! 

Asylum and protection (02:03)

Asylum appeal backlog rises to 87,450 cases

Home Office withdraws refusals in good character citizenship policy challenges

Court of Appeal declines to give wider guidance on Iranian sur place claims

Home Office unlawfully removed asylum accommodation protections for torture and trafficking survivors

Divergent approach to age assessments adopted in different parts of the UK

Settlement (19:15)

Yet another case on criminality for pre-2012 discretionary leave holder seeking settlement

Business and study (22:20)

Compliance flashes red for universities

Three rounds of sponsor guidance updates and what the latest changes mean for employers

High Court strikes out Home Secretary’s fraud accusations in TOEIC damages claim

Briefings - new and updated (30:58)

Legal aid for immigration cases: what is in scope and how to apply

Getting Global Talent endorsements right: what separates approvals from refusals

Briefing: the duty of refugee sea rescue in international law

How to apply for entry clearance for victims of transnational marriage abandonment

Age assessments: how to challenge a negative decision