UK Immigration: Syrian Artist’s Business Visitor Visa Refused

This week it was reported that one of Syria’s most renowned artists was refused entry into the UK. Thaier Helal’s application for a  business visitor visa was refused on the basis that the Home Office were “not satisfied he [was] genuinely seeking entry to the United Kingdom as a business visitor.” Mr Helal has now lodged an appeal against the Home Office’s decision and is awaiting a decision.

Home Office Refuses Syrian Artist’s Business Visa

Mr Helal is based in the Emirates of Sharjah, where he is a lecturer at the University of Sharjah and was due to come to the UK for his first art exhibition in London, which was meant to take place today. The 47 year old Syrian national submitted his Business Visitor visa application enclosing references, bank statements and a letter from the university in accordance with the Immigration Rules, but was informed last week that his visa application was refused. The Home Office were not satisfied that Mr Helal was seeking entry into the UK as a business visitor, furthermore they did not believe that he intended to leave the UK before the expiry of his business visa.

Mr Helal has been granted a number of Schengen visas, allowing him to travel all over Europe for the purpose of exhibiting his work. Mr Helal is not the only artist from the Middle East who has had trouble entering the UK. In 2013, Ali Abukhattab and Samah al-Sheikh who are writers from Gaza were due to present their work at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) , but their UK visa applications were refused and believe that it is because they are from the Middle East.

Khaled Samawi, the founder of the Ayyam Gallery commented on the UK Home Office’s continuous refusal of Middle Eastern artists:

“We are facing enormous problems sending our Syrian artists for exhibitions and arts related events abroad at the moment, it is such a great shame as this is a highly tumultuous time for our country and I believe that it is so important for their message to be heard by international audiences.”

Eligibility for UK Business Visit Visas & Appeals

The Business visitor visa is for people those coming to the UK who wish to carry out “permitted activities” as specified by the Immigration Rules.

To meet the requirements of UK Business Visit Visa:

  • You intend to visit the UK for the purpose of conducting business on behalf of your overseas employers.
  • You must plan to visit the UK for a maximum of 6 months and demonstrate an intention to leave at the end of that period.
  • You will need to demonstrate that you are able to maintain and accommodate yourself and any dependants without seeking recourse to public funding.

Our expert immigration Solicitors undertake a great deal of appeal work before the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal and have a successful track record of successful results for our clients. We have the experience and the knowledge required to take your case forward successfully. Our expert team of lawyers can assist you with the preparation and submission of your immigration appeal as we understand that this can be a stressful time and a lengthy process. Our city of London of lawyers will analyse and review your application, as well as suggest documents that will strengthen your appeal to the tribunal after examining the Home Office’s refusal letter.

Furthermore, we will prepare and submit your appeal and get one of our legal experts to represent you at your appeal hearing.

Successful UK Business Visitor Visas

Our team of experienced and professionally qualified immigration solicitors and barristers will be able to guide you through the process of making an application step by step and limit the possibility of failure by complying with the strict letter of law.

We also undertake a great deal of appeal work before the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal and have a successful track record of successful results for our clients. We have the experience and the knowledge required to take your case forward successfully. If you have had an application refused, contact us to discuss your case so that we can provide you with a case assessment.

Contact us so that we can review your case and provide you with an assessment.

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