immigration rules CASES

January 18, 2026

National Case Law Archive

Law books on a desk

Alexander v Immigration Appeal Tribunal [1982] UKHL 11

A Sri Lankan citizen was refused leave to enter the UK as a student because the immigration officer was not satisfied she intended to leave after completing her studies. The House of Lords held that Rule 21 of the Immigration Rules gave the immigration officer discretion to admit her for a short period despite not satisfying all requirements. Facts The appellant, a citizen of Sri Lanka, arrived at Heathrow Airport on 19 September 1978 seeking entry as a student to begin a three-year course in marketing studies. She was subject to immigration control under the Immigration Act 1971 and the

January 18, 2026

National Case Law Archive

Law books on a desk

Abdi v Secretary of State for the Home Department [1995] EWCA Civ 27

Somali refugee Mrs Abdi sought entry clearance for her orphaned nieces and nephews under the Somali family reunion policy. The Home Secretary refused, not being satisfied they were her dependants. The Court of Appeal held the decision was not in accordance with law as it was based on a factual misapprehension regarding dependency, and remitted the case for reconsideration. Facts Mrs Dhudi Saleban Abdi, a Somali citizen, was granted refugee status in the United Kingdom in October 1989. She applied for entry clearance for the respondents, who were the orphan children of her deceased brother (her nieces and nephews), to