Raklaw Solicitors

09/10/2026

Possessing or Supplying a SIM Farm? New Rules Apply

From 29 October 2026, new criminal offences relating to the possession and supply of SIM farms come into force across the UK.

The changes are contained in the Crime and Policing Act 2026.

What is a SIM farm?

A SIM farm is broadly a device capable of using five or more physical SIM cards simultaneously or interchangeably to make calls or send or receive messages.

These devices can be exploited to send large volumes of scam texts and facilitate telecommunications fraud.

What is changing?

Possession
Possessing a SIM farm will become a criminal offence. A statutory defence is available where the person can prove they had a good reason or lawful authority for possessing it.

Supply
Supplying a SIM farm will also become an offence.

For suppliers relying on the statutory defence, the Act requires, among other things, reasonable checks that the recipient will have a good reason or lawful authority to possess the device and the recording of specified information before supply.

Legitimate uses remain protected

The Act specifically recognises examples including:

• broadcasting
• public transport
• electronic communications networks
• freight tracking or monitoring

These examples are not exhaustive.

What should businesses do?

Businesses that possess or supply multi-SIM devices should review whether their equipment falls within the new definition and ensure appropriate procedures, checks and records are in place before 29 October 2026.

Official sources:
Home Office, Possession and supply of SIM farms
GOV.UK official guidance⁠

Crime and Policing Act 2026, sections 151–153
Legislation.gov.uk – SIM farm offences⁠

Crime and Policing Act 2026 (Commencement No. 3 and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2026, regulation 5
Legislation.gov.uk – commencement on 29 October 2026⁠

Information correct as at 8 October 2026. This post is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

02/10/2026

Right to Work Checks Expanded from 1 October 2026

From 1 October 2026, the UK’s Right to Work scheme has been expanded.

Businesses may now have Right to Work responsibilities not only for traditional employees, but also in certain arrangements involving:

■ people working under a worker’s contract
■ individual subcontractors
■ online matching services providing individual service providers to customers or clients

For these newly covered arrangements, civil-penalty liability generally applies where the employment or relevant contractual arrangement begins on or after 1 October 2026.

What should businesses do?

Before work begins, make sure the individual has the legal right to carry out the work being offered.

Depending on their status, this may involve:

■ a Home Office online check using a share code
■ prescribed document checks
■ the Employer Checking Service
■ follow-up checks where permission is time-limited

Businesses should also retain the required evidence of each check.

Sponsor Licence holders

14/09/2026

We’re delighted to share that our Founder & Director, Rakesh Prajapati has been named Professional of the Year at The Apex Awards 2026.

This recognition is a testament to his vision, dedication and leadership, and to the continued growth and development of the firm.

A huge congratulations to Rakesh on this well-deserved achievement. We’re incredibly proud to see his hard work and commitment recognised.

Congratulations! 🏆

09/09/2026

EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS): Eligible individuals with pre-settled status may now be granted settled status without having to submit a fresh valid application in certain circumstances, simplifying the route to permanent residence for qualifying applicants.

Long Residence Applications: the Home Office will have the ability to vary failed Long Residence applications into Family Life or Private Life applications where an applicant may qualify under those routes, potentially preventing individuals from having to start a new application process and pay additional fees.

Fee Waivers & FLR Applications Important changes have also been made to the way fee waiver requests are assessed. The route specified in a fee waiver application will now play a key role in determining the application date for any subsequent immigration application. This is particularly relevant for individuals applying under Further Leave to Remain (FLR) routes based on family or private life, where timing can be crucial to maintaining lawful status and continuity of residence. Applicants should ensure that fee waiver requests are completed accurately and submitted under the correct immigration route.

Visitors and Erasmus+ Participants: New permitted activities are being added to the Visitor route, including participation in workshops, debates, skills competitions, rehearsals and specified Erasmus+ programme activities, providing greater opportunities for educational and cultural exchanges.

Skilled Worker Applications Although these changes do not introduce a new general Skilled Worker salary threshold, amendments affecting the Skilled Worker route are being introduced. Certain Skilled Workers who receive a positive decision under the National Referral Mechanism as victims of modern slavery may gain greater flexibility to work for other employees during their existing period of permission. Employers and migrant workers should review these changes carefully when considering sponsorship and future immigration applications.

Get in touch with us today.
T: 02033452000
E: [email protected]
W: www.raklaw.co.uk

18/08/2026

Personal injury

A serious injury can affect much more than just your physical health. It can impact your ability to work, your finances, your family life, and your overall wellbeing. If you’ve been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation for the pain and suffering you’ve experienced, as well as any financial losses caused by the accident.
Personal injury claims can arise from a wide range of situations, including:
• Road traffic accidents involving cars, motorcycles, cyclists, pedestrians or public transport.
• Accidents at work caused by unsafe working conditions, inadequate training, or faulty equipment.
• Slips, trips and falls in public places, shops, restaurants, or other premises.
• Injuries caused by defective products.
• Medical negligence and other incidents where a duty of care has been breached.
Compensation can help cover:
• Loss of earnings.
• Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs.
• Travel expenses related to treatment.
• Care and assistance provided by family members or professionals.
• Pain, suffering and the impact the injury has had on your daily life.
Evidence is crucial in personal injury cases. Medical records, photographs, witness details, accident reports and financial documents can all play an important role in supporting your claim.
At RakLAW Solicitors, we understand that recovering from an injury can be a stressful and uncertain time. Our team is committed to providing clear, practical advice and guiding clients through every stage of the claims process.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury that was caused by someone else’s negligence, contact us today to discuss your circumstances and find out how we can help.
Get in touch with us today.
T: 02033452000
E: [email protected]
W: www.raklaw.co.uk

13/08/2026

07/08/2026

Anti- Money Laundering

Money laundering is the process of disguising money or assets obtained through criminal activity, so they appear to come from legitimate sources. It is a serious criminal offence in the UK and is often linked to offences such as fraud, drug trafficking, tax evasion and organised crime.

Warning signs may include:
• Unusual or large cash transactions.
• Requests to move money through your bank account on behalf of someone else.
• Job offers promising “easy money” for receiving or transferring funds.
• Transactions that do not make commercial or financial sense.

What is a Money Mule?
A money mule is someone who allows their bank account to be used to transfer criminal funds. Many people are recruited through social media, messaging apps, or fake job advertisements without fully understanding the consequences.

The consequences can be severe:
• Criminal prosecution.
• Frozen or closed bank accounts.
• Difficulty obtaining mortgages, loans, or credit.
• Potential imprisonment for involvement in money laundering offences.

If you are facing allegations relating to money laundering or have concerns about an investigation, seeking legal advice at an early stage is essential.

Get in touch with us today.
T: 02033452000
E: [email protected]
W: www.raklaw.co.uk

28/07/2026

UK Immigration Fee Waiver: Could You Be Eligible?
Struggling to afford your visa application fee? You may be able to apply for a Fee Waiver if paying the fee would leave you unable to meet your essential living costs.

Can I get a fee waiver if I’m on Universal Credit?
Being on Universal Credit does not automatically guarantee approval, but it can be strong evidence that you’re on a low income and unable to afford the application fee. Financial circumstances are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

What if I’m on a 0-hour contract?
Yes, you can still apply. The Home Office looks at your actual income, expenses, savings and overall financial situation. Irregular or low earnings may support a fee waiver application if you cannot afford the fee.

Can adults and children get a fee waiver?
Yes. Eligible adults can apply, and partners and dependent children may also be included where applicable.

You may qualify if you:
• Cannot afford essential living costs such as food, heating or housing.
• Have no accommodation and cannot afford somewhere to live.
• Have a very low income and paying the fee would negatively impact a child’s wellbeing.
• Are applying under an eligible immigration route.

Documents you may need:
• Bank statements.
• Payslips or proof of earnings.
• Universal Credit or other benefit letters.
• Evidence of rent, bills and household expenses.
• Evidence of any financial support you receive.

Every case is different. Even if you’re working, receiving Universal Credit, self-employed, or on a 0-hour contract, you may still be eligible depending on your financial circumstances.

Need advice on a Fee Waiver application? Get in touch with us today.
T: 02033452000
E: [email protected]
W: www.raklaw.co.uk

24/07/2026

Celebrating the anniversary of RakLAW Solicitors! 🎉
we are grateful for the trust of our partners, colleagues and clients the dedication of our team, and the support of our community.

To mark this special anniversary, we took aim at a day of fun, teamwork, and friendly competition at the shooting range. 🎯

Here’s to many more successes ahead!

15/07/2026

What is a Spouse Visa?

The UK Spouse Visa allows a non-UK national to join and live with their husband, wife, civil partner, or long-term unmarried partner in the UK.

Visa Timeline
-33 months initial visa (if applying from outside the UK)
-30-month extension
-After 5 years, apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
-Eligible to apply for British Citizenship thereafter

Who Can Apply?

Both partners must be 18 years or older.
Your partner must be:
-A British or Irish citizen
-Settled in the UK (ILR, Settled Status, Permanent Residence)
-An eligible EU/EEA/Swiss citizen with Pre-Settled Status (living in the UK before 1 January 2021)
-Holding a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker Visa
-A refugee or person with humanitarian protection
-A stateless person with permission to stay

You Must Intend to Live Together Permanently in the UK

What Will You Need to Prove?

-Your relationship is genuine and subsisting
-You meet the financial requirements
-You have suitable accommodation in the UK
-You meet the English language requirement

Can I Apply From Inside or Outside the UK?

In many cases, you can apply from outside the UK or switch to a Spouse Visa from inside the UK, depending on your current immigration status.

Need advice on your eligibility or application? Contact us today.

Book a consultation with us -
T: 02033452000
E: [email protected]
W: www.raklaw.co.uk