:: Welcome to Harvey Son & Filby Solicitors ::

date:07-10-2008
In most sales and purchases of businesses the Buyer wants to start working as soon as they can and the Seller wants the Buyer to make a legally binding commitment so that he can complete his sale as quickly as possible.

The problem is that the legal work involved which is often slow and complicated. This holds up completion of the deal which frustrates both the Buyer and the Seller. Sometimes the deal may fall apart and any money paid direct by the Buyer to the Seller may not be recovered. Also legal and surveyors fees are wasted by both sides. The Seller has to look for another Buyer and start again and the Buyer has to look for another business to buy.

We have been considering for sometime how to resolve these problems. Now we are pleased to announce that we have devised a fast-track special scheme that will enable commercial business and property to change hands quickly but still safeguarding the legal position of both the Buyer and the Seller.

If you are interested in this, it is important that you contact us before making any arrangements regarding the deal as otherwise we may not be able to fit your case within the fast-track scheme.
date:07-10-2008
The firm’s partner, Richard Kong, a senior immigration solicitor will be in our Beijing office from 20 to 24 October 2008. Richard is experienced in all areas of UK Immigration including related EU law such as business investment (over £200k) / investor (over £1m) visa, Tier 1 – Migrant visas, work permits, student visa, family reunion, spouse / marriage visa and other categories of immigration to the UK. Any person requiring legal advice in Beijing pertaining to the UK immigration, please contact our London office on 0208 349 8333 to book an appointment to see Richard in our Beijing office.
date:17-09-2008
The UK Border Agency have published the codes of practice for Tier 2 (sponsored skilled workers). All employers want to sponsor a skilled migrant must use the codes of practice to check the skill level and appropriate rate for the job, and for advice on where to advertise the job under the Point Based System.
date:08-09-2008
A strict new list of shortage jobs which targets migration better at the needs of British businesses, while reinforcing the selective approach of the new Australian-style points based system, will be published in October, ahead of the skilled worker tier of the points system - known as Tier 2 - coming on-line in November. It will reduce the number of jobs open to migrants from one million to 700,000. The list also defines more tightly which positions cannot easily be filled by resident workers.
date:29-08-2008
From 25 November 2008, the UK Border Agency will begin to issue identity cards to foreign nationals applying for further leave to remain in the United Kingdom under certain categories. The first cards will be issued to migrants applying as student; or the husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner of someone holding permanent residence in the United Kingdom.
date:15-08-2008
At the end of November, the UK Boarder Agency will be launching the skilled worker tier (tier 2) and the temporary worker tier (tier 5). Employers are recommended to make your application for a sponsor licence by 1 October if you want it to be considered in time for the opening of tiers 2 and 5.
date:28-07-2008
The Home Office announced on 28 July 2008 that from this date, employers and educational institutions can apply to join the sponsor register for tiers 2, 4 and 5 of the points-based system.If you are an employer or educational institution and plan to bring in migrants to work or study in the UK under the above tiers of the points based system you must apply for a sponsor licence. Tiers 2 and 5 are expected to open in November 2008. Tier 4 is expected to open in spring 2009.
date:28-07-2008
The age at which someone can apply for a marriage visa will increase from 18 to 21 as part of a crackdown on forced marriage, the Home Office announced on 23 July 2008. The other key proposals announced are: (1) ask foreign spouses to enter into an agreement to learn English before they come to the UK; (2) introduce a power to revoke leave to remain where there is evidence that the marriage route has been abused; and (3) require all sponsors to register their intention to marry overseas before they leave the UK.
date:27-07-2008
The European Union's top court has ruled that non-EU nationals married to EU citizens are entitled to live in their spouse's country of residence regardless of their current immigration status. "The right of a national of a non-member country who is a family member of a Union citizen to accompany or join that citizen cannot be made conditional on prior lawful residence in another member state," the ruling said. The court said the host member state "is, however, entitled to impose penalties, in compliance with the Directive, for entry into and residence in its territory in breach of the national rules on immigration".
date:27-07-2008
Britain-Ireland border check plan: the first formal border checks between Britain and the Irish Republic in more than 80 years have been proposed by the Government. Full passport inspections could be part of the revisions, a Home Office consultation paper has revealed. These would apply to those travelling by air and sea, but could also include more immigration checks between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland.
date:16-07-2008
The maximum stay in the UK is still six months for visitors although shorter periods can be imposed at the discretion of immigration control.
date:12-07-2008
People will need a license to sponsor family members from abroad under proposed changes to the visa system. Sponsors will have a duty to ensure that their visitors leave before their visa runs out or face a penalties or jail sentence.
date:16-07-2008
The current International Graduates Scheme (IGS) will be incorporated into the new Points Based System (PBS) with effect from 30 June 2008.

Paul Harvey, Senior Partner