Rajkiran Arhestey

Immigration

Kiran accepts instructions on a range of immigration matters.

Selected Cases

• Led by Alan Payne KC and Sian Reeves for the SSHD in a number of challenges to the Public Order Disqualification. Judgment is awaited in the lead case, ABW v SSHD, heard in February and May 2025. A previous judgment gives guidance on the respective jurisdictions of the Upper Tribunal and the High Court – ABW v SSHD [2025] WLR 1685.
• Led by Julia Smyth KC in the Court of Appeal in Shyti v SSHD [2023] EWCA Civ 770 and Ahmed v SSHD [2023] EWCA Civ 1087, cases concerning decisions to deprive individuals of citizenship on the basis of fraud. The Court heard argument as to the effect of R (Begum) v Special Immigration Appeal Commission [2021] UKSC 7 on appeals to the FTT brought pursuant to s.40A of the British Nationality Act 1981. Following written submissions, the Appellant’s application for permission to appeal to the Supreme Court was refused.
• Led by Natasha Barnes in ongoing JR proceedings arising out of a dual national prisoner’s decision to renounce British citizenship and the subsequent refusal by SSHD to reinstate their citizenship.
• Advised and negotiated settlement for the SSHD multiple times on appeals to the Court of Appeal arising out of deprivation of citizenship.
• Sole Counsel for SSHD in a judicial review in the Upper Tribunal concerning a decision to refuse to grant biometric excuse to two individuals in Afghanistan.