Sign in

Irene Tsherit

@irenetsherit.bsky.social
306 followers 152 following 45 posts

Immigration and asylum lawyer. Own views, mainly immigration law and policy.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Dan Sohege @danielsohege.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
This is the definition of a PR stunt. Mahmood's "safe routes" are so restrictive and limited to be effectively worthless. Considering Labour has closed more safe routes than previous government, this is a purely media driven move over providing genuine protection. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
UK to open new refugee resettlement routes for Afghan women and Palestinians
Exclusive: Move by Shabana Mahmood comes after closure of Afghan scheme last year but experts say numbers too small to deter Channel crossings
17324
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Nicola Kelly @nicolakellywrites.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
The urgent review should be looking at the far-right stabbing through dinghies at sea and attacking search and rescue crews - not migrants landing without interception. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Home Secretary hits out at 'unacceptable' migrant landings in Kent
The arrivals of two unescorted migrant boats mark the first uncontrolled landings recorded in the UK since 2025.
23813
Irene Tsherit @irenetsherit.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Disingenuous and performative. She actively encouraged the hostile rhetoric that led to this, cloaked in 'legitimate concern'. The horse has bolted, hun www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Shabana Mahmood urges police to curb far-right, anti-migrant protests
Home secretary tells officers to make ‘full use’ of their powers after masked vigilantes cause weekend of chaos
010
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
80 year-olds with pro-Palestine signs: arrested as terrorists. Greens planning to block a road, to highlight an existential crisis: sent down for years. Masked far-right thugs blocking roads and ports, using intimidation, obstruction & threatening behaviour: no arrests. The real two-tier policing.
9533551384
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Work Rights Centre @workrights.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Today, we celebrate a hard-earned win for migrant workers and allies. The fight continues to ensure every exploited worker gets true access to justice and compensation. ✊ Coverage of the changes www.theguardian.com/world/2026/s... Actual changes www.gov.uk/government/p...
theguardian.com
Care workers and others fleeing UK modern slavery win visa reprieve
Home Office concedes skilled workers abused by sponsors can change employer and complete visa term
011
Irene Tsherit @irenetsherit.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
🎉
000
Irene Tsherit @irenetsherit.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
So much this 👇
023
Irene Tsherit @irenetsherit.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
💯
010
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Alasdair Mackenzie @alasdairmackenzie.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
And most startlingly (at least if one remembers how things were till recently), it’s being presented as an obvious, sensible policy, one which will *keep out* the far right - whereas in reality it *is* the far right, coddled and nurtured at the heart of our politics and commentariat 9/
Public trust will be rebuilt not only by taking tough decisions but by believing that these policies are correct rather than a necessarily evil to see off bogeymen on the right
2296
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Free Movement @freemovement.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Important concession: the Home Office has accepted that recognised trafficking survivors can have their skilled worker visas varied to victim of trafficking leave — even if technically still valid. No one should be trapped on a visa tied to their exploiter.
freemovement.org.uk
Home Office concedes that trafficking survivors with skilled worker visas can have their leave varied to VTS leave - Free Movement
The Home Office has accepted that decision makers have a discretion to vary an existing form of leave to remain in order to consider VTS leave.
034
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Sonia L @sonial77.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
New reported UTIAC decision on Albanian male victims of trafficking: tribunalsdecisions.service.gov.uk/utiac/2026-u... Says there will be cases where there is a risk of re-trafficking and lists relevant factors. Tribunal also said there will be cases where state protection is not effective.
tribunalsdecisions.service.gov.uk
Tribunal decisions
022
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Alasdair Mackenzie @alasdairmackenzie.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Reminder that the Tories believe any non-British person who commits more than a minor parking or traffic offence should be automatically deported. They “believe in second chances”, apparently, but only for literal Nazis.
theguardian.com
Kemi Badenoch defends selection of man jailed for harassing Jewish MP in council election – as it happened
Conservative leader tells press she stands by decision to select Joshua Bonehill-Paine as a candidate for local election in Somerset
17710263
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Anti Trafficking and Labour Exploitation Unit @atleu.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
We are looking for a new Head of Operations! Use your skills to help make a difference for survivors of #HumanTrafficking and #ModernSlavery Apply today! www.atleu.org.uk/join-us
022
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Colin Yeo @colinyeo.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
1/2 This and similar incidents should be called out for what it is. A Home Office official manufactured country information to refuse an asylum case. Some lawyers have been doing the same to try to win their cases. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Home Office used ‘AI hallucinated’ information to refuse asylum claim, judge suggests
Upper tribunal unable to find document cited in case and claims it is ‘analogous to relying on bogus evidence’
210652
Irene Tsherit @irenetsherit.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Lawyers have been facing serious consequences for this sort of thing. Will anyone at the Home Office take the blame for misleading the court? The buck should stop with the person at the top imho
031
Irene Tsherit @irenetsherit.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Many have had their suspicions for a while.. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Home Office used ‘AI hallucinated’ information to refuse asylum claim, judge suggests
Upper tribunal unable to find document cited in case and claims it is ‘analogous to relying on bogus evidence’
001
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
James Bowes @jamesbowes01.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Just exempting care workers would be ridiculous. Basically it would be a case of designing a policy to kick out care workers, panicking when you realise how stupid an idea that is, and then kicking out a load of engineers, scientists etc out of sheer stubbornness.
1236396
Irene Tsherit @irenetsherit.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Can't think of a worse own goal than re-appointing Mahmood as Home Sec. This should have been so obvious.
021
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Alasdair Mackenzie @alasdairmackenzie.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Would scarcely be the first time the Home Office’s deranged priorities are preventing much-needed social improvements, which is another reason why re-appointing an immigration ultra as Home Secretary is such a disaster for us all
115538
Irene Tsherit @irenetsherit.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
We've been told hope is coming, but these cabinet appointments are anything but. I'm so tired of opportunities being squandered to pander to right wing press. Honestly the worst start, why do I bother trying to be optimistic 🤦‍♀️
000
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Jonathan Kingham @jonkingh.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Rather despondent this morning. Each and every of Shabana Mahmood’s planned reforms will cause immense harm for no benefit, be hugely costly to implement, and cause extensive upheaval and complexity. The excellent recent letter by various Labour MPs explained this very well.
22510
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Alasdair Mackenzie @alasdairmackenzie.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Ultimately if rights are to mean anything, we must defend everyone’s rights together, and we can never accept a policy of division
19330
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Alasdair Mackenzie @alasdairmackenzie.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
If the price for a bit of mild social progress is more racist crackdowns led by Mahmood, that’s not only a catastrophe for migrants & their families, but also a catastrophe for the chances of all of us of resisting the far right
theguardian.com
Andy Burnham vows to ‘bring back hope’ as he unveils his cabinet
New prime minister says government must ‘do better’ to deliver change but promises prudent approach to economy
11446107
Irene Tsherit @irenetsherit.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
💯
000
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Dr Jo Wilding @jowilding.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Did you know a barrister is facing prison just for reminding a jury they have the right to vote with their conscience? This historic right has existed since 1670. We can't let it be silenced in court now. Add your name to help protect Britain's juries: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/sa...
you.38degrees.org.uk
Save Britain's Juries
Juries have had the right to acquit based on their conscience for centuries. Now, a barrister is facing jail just for mentioning it in court. Add your name to help save Britain's juries.
053
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Alasdair Mackenzie @alasdairmackenzie.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Yes, as I recall the words were “island of strangers”, “one-nation experiment in open borders“, “squalid chapter” and “incalculable damage”
19543
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU) @gmiau.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Where are we now on earned settlement? - With Starmer resigning and Burnham preparing to take the reins, a change of leadership is a chance to change direction. - 200,000 ppl responded to the public consultation on earned settlement, and 500 travelled to Parliament in March to lobby their MPs.
1910
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Electronic Immigration Network @ein-website.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
The new Immigration & Asylum Bill, a broken time machine www.ein.org.uk/blog/new-imm... "This resurrection of adjudicators siphons off immigration & asylum, marks it as an exception, not to enable judgment by one’s peers, but to deny castaways judicial time. This has clear rule of law implications."
ein.org.uk
The new Immigration and Asylum Bill, a broken time machine
Written by Zoe Bantleman, University of Oxford and Alex Papasotiriou, Richmоnd Chambers
056
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Ian Dunt @iandunt.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Also: the unspeakable hypocrisy of these people saying refugees should 'pay their way'. We have spent years, decades actually, begging the Home Office to let asylum seekers work so their could have some meaning and material advantage in their life, to no avail.
15634124
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Alasdair Mackenzie @alasdairmackenzie.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Force people to live in grim, substandard accommodation and then make them pay for the privilege. Does she spend her spare time inventing ever more grotesque ways of humiliating people?
6339
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Colin Yeo @colinyeo.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Great way to disincentivise refugees from working and integrating. Also, we refuse to let them support themselves, force them to live in taxpayer funded accommodation for years and then force them to pay back some of the cost? Morally indefensible. How is this different from the far right?
612657
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Sonia L @sonial77.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
I think that the worst thing about the "refugee tax" is that the high accommodation costs are caused by the Home Office, and in particular their inability to make fast AND accurate decisions, leaving people rotting in those grim places. Refugees are effectively being fined for HO incompetence.
327196
Irene Tsherit @irenetsherit.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
💯
000
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Alasdair Mackenzie @alasdairmackenzie.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Even if I trusted Labour to go through with the positive proposals here, I’d find it wildly offensive to be asked to accept that an expansion of some people’s rights was to be paid for with further performative trampling on others’, for the entertainment of racists
theguardian.com
Mahmood outlines safe immigration routes plan to win over Labour left
Home secretary speeds up major part of bill governing asylum and refugees as new prime minister set to take over
1377
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Colin Yeo @colinyeo.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
THIS is why the asylum appeal success rate is so high. It’s not a bunch of tree-hugging judges. It’s a bunch of utterly demoralised, very junior, badly-trained, badly-led officials at the Home Office consistently making bad decisions
619153
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Free Movement @freemovement.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
New: Job ad: Public Lawyer (Maternity cover), ATLEU
freemovement.org.uk
Job ad: Public Lawyer (Maternity cover), ATLEU - Free Movement
We are a charity that specialises in working with survivors of trafficking. We are looking for a public lawyer for a 12-month maternity cover post (working 21
012
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
I don't think the public realise the scale of the problem. I'm supporting several sponsored care workers to recover and get justice for the horrific exploitation they have experienced. Their exploiters used the Home Office's rules to abuse them. The rules also hinder them getting justice.
04018
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Anti Trafficking and Labour Exploitation Unit @atleu.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Survivors of human trafficking in detention face huge barriers to disclosing their experiences. Yet, when they do, they are criticised for being 'last-minute'. This briefing by the Detention Taskforce examines survivors' experiences with the immigration system.
detentionaction.org.uk
Briefing on Barriers to Disclosure: A survivor of trafficking's journey through the immigration process. - Detention Action
The Detention Taskforce on Survivors of Trafficking in Immigration Detention, of which Detention Action is a member, has published a...
035
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Senthorun S. Raj @senthorun.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Gay folks who claim asylum have to “out” themselves to bureaucrats who ask invasive and demeaning questions, face stigma from their broader communities, have to deal with abuse from people sharing their accommodation. The idea it’s “easy” to just pretend to be gay for asylum is breathtakingly false.
010724
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Public Law Project @publiclawproject.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
1/3 Following recent reporting on LGBTQI+ asylum claims, we share the concerns highlighted by @rainbowmigration.bsky.social. "The asylum system is hostile and complex, and particularly difficult for LGBTQI+ people... www.rainbowmigration.org.uk/news/behavio...
rainbowmigration.org.uk
Behaviour by a small number of bad-faith actors does not reflect the reality of LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum - Rainbow Migration
Every day we work with LGBTQI+ people who have fled life-threatening situations and are hoping to rebuild their lives in safety here. For many, claiming asylum can be their only way to escape persecut...
164
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Rights of Women @rightsofwomen.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
The BBC’s claims on MVDAC-DVILR misuse do not reflect frontline reality. We see victim-survivors facing disbelief, delays, and barriers to safety. Misuse is the exception, not the norm. With 92 organisations, we have published this statement today: southallblacksisters.org.uk/news/false-d...
southallblacksisters.org.uk
"False Domestic Abuse Claims": Exception, Not the Norm - Southall Black Sisters
We are aware of the BBC’s investigation into allegations of individuals facilitating false domestic abuse claims via the Migrant Victims of
032
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Asylum Matters @asylummatters.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
BBC’s claims on MVDAC-DVILR misuse do not reflect frontline reality. Misuse is the exception, not the norm. With 92 organisations, we reject this framing and call for evidence-led debate rooted in lived experience. Read the full statement: southallblacksisters.org.uk/news/false-d...
southallblacksisters.org.uk
"False Domestic Abuse Claims": Exception, Not the Norm - Southall Black Sisters
We are aware of the BBC’s investigation into allegations of individuals facilitating false domestic abuse claims via the Migrant Victims of
092
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Dan Sohege @danielsohege.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
BBCs coverage isn't just misleading, it is inflammatory. It has predictably been latched onto by the far right and others, including this government, to call for even more restrictions on those seeking asylum. Along with others, I explain here how wrong it is 👇 www.thenational.scot/news/2602505...
thenational.scot
Experts condemn 'appalling' BBC story that 'raises risk of far-right attacks'
THE BBC has come under heavy fire after publishing a “misleading” report on asylum seekers which experts allege will put vulnerable people “at…
918290
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Jon Featonby @jonfeatonby.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
metro.co.uk/2026/04/15/a...
metro.co.uk
I know the true cost of 'proving' you're gay to seek asylum
I felt that, if my sexuality wasn’t believed, I would be classified as someone gaming the system.
035
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Helen Bamber Foundation 🧡 @helenbamber.org · 16/04/2026
Recent BBC articles highlight misconduct by a small number of unscrupulous advisers who charge thousands to fabricate asylum claims. This is fraud & must be stopped. But the coverage is selective, harmful & risks obscuring the wider reality of access to legal advice. 🧵
13117
Irene Tsherit @irenetsherit.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Yes! By all means, prosecute the unscrupulous criminals profiting from people's desperation. Don't demonise those they fleece!
1185
Irene Tsherit @irenetsherit.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
So much this. It's already so difficult to succeed in these cases and the process is gruelling. Lack of evidence and rage-bait angle of the BBC is beyond irresponsible. This will only further demonise vulnerable people at the mercy of predators waiting to cash in on their desperation and fear.
042
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Sunder Katwala (sundersays) @sundersays.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
BBC editorial staff should re-read their immigration review The corporation struggles to cover well stuff that is not politically contested or controversial It should cover controversial issues but it risks reinforcing major public misperceptions on key issues www.bbc.co.uk/news/enterta...
bbc.co.uk
BBC migration coverage: Review finds no consistent bias but risks to impartiality
A review of the BBC's coverage of migration suggests the corporation should explore stories in greater detail.
1026495
Irene Tsherit @irenetsherit.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Aahh, there it is 🤦‍♀️ any pretense of 'impartiality' and professional standards right out the window. Shockingly irresponsible by the BBC. When government says jump they now just say how high?
000
Reposted by Irene Tsherit
Alasdair Mackenzie @alasdairmackenzie.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
It’s genuinely staggering how little substance there is to today’s instalment of the BBC’s attempt to create a national crisis out of a few unproven allegations of immigration fraud 1/
bbc.co.uk
Migrants are making false domestic abuse allegations to stay in the UK, BBC investigation finds
In the third part of an undercover investigation, the BBC reveals how rules aimed at protecting abuse victims are being exploited.
23640269