Independent Scottish legal firm Lindsays has launched a new service – and appointed a new Partner – advising individuals and businesses on immigration issues.
The new offering comes in response to growing demand for expert guidance in the increasingly complex area of UK immigration law.
It complements the firm’s existing employment and personal legal services, with a focus on helping people who wish to live, work, start a business or study in the UK, as well as those looking to bring family members to the UK, extend their stay, or apply for British citizenship.
Gurjit Pall, a highly experienced Glasgow-based immigration lawyer, has started work as a Partner today (Mon March 3) to lead the new service. With more than a decade of experience in advising both individuals and businesses, he joins Lindsays from his most recent role as Immigration Legal Director at Thorntons.
He said: “This role is incredibly rewarding because it allows me to make a real difference in people’s lives. I’m thrilled to join Lindsays as the firm grows its immigration law offering.
“We recognise that navigating UK immigration can be a complex and daunting process, and the right legal advice can significantly ease that journey.
“Attracting international talent is crucial for many sectors, but it requires careful management of legal requirements, particularly when sponsoring staff. Doing so effectively can be a key driver of growth and success for businesses.”
Since Brexit, Lindsays has seen a steady rise in demand for immigration advice across various visa routes, including skilled worker visas, global talent visas, individuals with UK ancestry and applications for those seeking to reunite with partners or family members in the UK.
In the wake of these changes, the number of employers seeking immigration support has surged, with all employers wishing to sponsor staff from overseas now required to hold a sponsor licence from the UK Home Office. Employers must also conduct Right to Work checks for all individuals employed and, where appropriate, before the employee’s temporary visa expires.
Ben Doherty, Partner and Head of Employment at Lindsays, said: “Migration continues to play a vital role in the UK economy.
“Since Brexit, the number of employers holding sponsorship licences has grown from 30,000 to over 127,000.
“Over the last five years the number of queries we’re receiving about this has similarly increased.
“It’s not just bigger employers who need to have a licence now. The number of employers from mid-size downwards seeking support – including in the social care and hospitality sectors – has grown considerably.”
Lindsays Managing Partner Alasdair Cummings added: “As a firm, we pride ourselves on responding to the needs of the people we work with. The expansion of our work around immigration law is another step in that commitment – one that we’re delighted to strengthen with Gurjit joining the team.
“The direction of our work here builds on services offered by our Employment and Private Client teams, advising employers on sponsor licences and guiding individuals who wish to move to the UK, particularly those with ties to Scotland.”
Lindsays lawyers operate from offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Perth and Crieff.
