Zeeshan Raza
Practice area
Immigration
Year of call: 2012
Zeeshan specialises in all aspects of Immigration and Human Rights Law, including in the Public law and European Law sphere. Zeeshan has developed a substantial practice, encompassing all matters within the jurisdiction. Zeeshan has always found a way to address complex areas of law, whilst maintaining a clear and persuasive style of advocacy.
Zeeshan has developed a superb understanding of the law, and also recognises the importance of client care, both in terms of pre-appeal preparation and during any hearing. It is this combination of service which is imperative in obtaining favourable outcomes for clients.
He has worked on, and continues to work on a number of high profile cases, which address current important legal principles.
Zeeshan has a particular focus on all Human Rights matters, in relation to both removal and deportation, as well as under the PBS.
He recognises the importance of having a measured and personal approach in conducting any matter with lay clients, essentially stemming from the significant individual importance each case has upon that individual. This recognition is illustrated in his approach to any of his clients, as well as his fearless approach in pursuing matters on behalf of those clients in Courts and Tribunals.
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Current Cases of Note:
RK and DK v SSHD – This is currently the lead case on ETS/TOEIC litigation. The matter is due to be heard before a presidential panel of the Upper Tribunal in March 2021. Zeeshan is arguing that the SSHD’s evidence is incapable of discharging the burden of proof upon them, such that Appellant’s have no case to answer. This will be a significant decision, affecting upwards of 40,000 individuals who have been affected by the ETS/TOEIC scandal.
SS (India) v SSHD – Permission to appeal has been granted by the CA, with the matter due to be heard in June 2021. This case raises an important point of principle between the distinction, if any, between an assessment of reasonableness under s.117B(6) and the Immigration Rules.
MI (Pakistan) v SSHD – This is an appeal to the CA against the UT’s reported decision in Imran (Section 117C(5); children, unduly harsh) [2020] UKUT 83. Zeeshan is arguing that this decision is inconsistent with the CA’s recent judgment in HA (Iraq) [2020] EWCA Civ 1176, in that it fails to give primacy to s.55 in the context of s.117C(5).
HS (India) v SSHD – This matter is pending permission to the CA. It raises important points of principle relating to the revocation of a deportation order in circumstances where an individual is not a foreign criminal under s.117D(2).
Other Decided Cases of Note:
Waqar Ali v SSHD JR/2254/2019 – A substantive JR decision, wherein the UT provides valuable clarification of the meaning of in-time under 39E of the Immigration Rules. The Respondent has sought permission to appeal to the CA against this decision.
Languages:
Zeeshan is fluent in Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi.