Families reunited after Kingston and Richmond Law Centre’s Supreme Court win

Kingston and Richmond Law Centre has contributed to a Supreme Court victory which will have far-reaching effects for people settled in the UK who hope to bring dependent family members from overseas to live with them. Previously, the Home Office told people that they had to prove they could support their spouse, child, parent or grandparent without any help from relatives or friends. However, on 16 December 2009 the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that support provided by others (third party support) could also be counted. Kingston and Richmond Law Centre (part of South West London Law Centres) represents a Sri Lankan man who hopes to join his son in the UK.

His case - and those of four others - have now been sent back to the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal so that the long-term viability of the third party support can be assessed in each case.  If it is accepted that the third party has made a genuine commitment to support these people, they should be allowed to join their relatives in the UK. 

Read the judgement:
Supreme Court Judgement