We sought the meetings with the MoJ/LAA and Home Office, whereas the ICIBI asked to meet with us to learn more from us about the citizenship fee waiver for their ongoing inspection. For a copy of our joint submission, see HERE.
With the MoJ/LAA we discussed the importance of distinguishing nationality and immigration matters, and the need to return nationality and passport matters to legal aid scope. With the Home Office we discussed several issues including the importance of distinguishing nationality and immigration matters, the good character requirement, fees and fee waivers, and delays.
We will be providing further information to each department in follow-up to these meetings and are encouraged to believe there will be future opportunities with them to discuss these and other issues. We are grateful to the relevant officials for their time and engagement on all the issues we have raised.
Solange Valdez-Symonds, PRCBC CEO and solicitor
October 2024