September 17, 2026
UK Right to Work Changes from 1 October 2026: What Employers Need to Know
The UK’s right to work regime is undergoing a significant expansion from 1 October 2026, extending compliance obligations beyond traditional …
Read moreContact Irfan
Irfan has practised immigration law for over 10 years, with a particular focus on business immigration — advising organisations on sponsor licences, compliance, and work visas. His clients range from start-ups to established businesses with an international presence, alongside charities and education providers.
Irfan is regularly instructed on complex corporate and licence structures, advising on the immigration implications of restructures, mergers, and changes in ownership.
Beyond advisory work, Irfan also has extensive experience in personal immigration matters including naturalisation. He represents clients challenging adverse Home Office decisions — before the Immigration Tribunals, and in Administrative Review and Judicial Review proceedings.
Irfan has led the design and development of a bespoke Sponsor Licence Platform, giving clients a clearer, more strategic view of licence oversight and compliance.
Irfan has presented at ILPA’s flagship Sponsor Licence Law Conference on licence downgrades, suspensions and revocations.
Irfan has been featured as a Global Mobility Leader by The Global Mobility Lawyer and recognised in The Legal 500.
Irfan's Experience
- Advised a client following the refusal of their sponsor licence application, identifying and resolving the compliance issues underlying the refusal /rejection and securing approval of the licence on re-application.
- Advised a group of companies in the care sector following the revocation of a sponsor licence, including advice and assistance on the most appropriate entity to hold the new licence, eligibility, and minimising disruption to the group’s sponsored workforce – successfully secured a new sponsor licence for the group.
- Acted for an employer facing a civil penalty of up to £120,000, successfully challenged the Home Office and secured no further action.
- Advised an overseas company on its immigration options for establishing and expanding its operations in the UK, including sponsor licence strategy and the movement of key overseas workers into the business.
2018
Irfan enjoys playing squash, a gripping film or TV show and spending time with his family.
Irfan holds a First Class (Honours) degree in law from the University of Sunderland, and completed his Legal Practice Course at Northumbria University.
From time-to-time Irfan writes for Free Movement and The Global Mobility Lawyer.
Irfan has also citied in external publications for commentary on complex and emerging immigration issues including Treasury Today https://treasurytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/treasurytoday-2025-03-04-march-april-3.pdf and City Wealth https://www.citywealthmag.com/news/the-global-migration-shake-up-why-the-wealthy-are-moving-where-theyre-heading-next/
Irfan's Updates
September 17, 2026
Mandatory multi-factor authentication — what sponsors need to do
The Home Office has begun rolling out mandatory multi-factor authentication (MFA) across the Sponsor Management System (SMS), and it forms …
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