S. 1(3)(4) inserted (14.12.2001) by 2001 c. 24, s. 35
Words in s. 1(4) inserted (28.6.2018) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), ss. 66(3), 95(1); S.I. 2018/732, art. 2 (with art. 3)
S. 1(4)(b) and word repealed (14.3.2005) by Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005 (c. 2), s. 16(2)(b)(3) (with s. 16(4))
S. 2 substituted (1.4.2003) by 2002 c. 41, ss. 114(3), 162(1), Sch. 7 para. 20 (with s. 159); S.I. 2003/754, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 3, 4, Sch. 2 para. 5) (as amended (8.4.2003) by S.I. 2003/1040, art. 2)
Words in s. 2(1)(a)(b) substituted (31.8.2006) by Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 (c. 13), s. 62(1)(2), Sch. 1 para. 14(a); S.I. 2006/2226, art. 3, Sch. 1
Words in s. 2(2)(a) omitted (1.12.2016) by virtue of Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), ss. 64(2), 94(1) (with s. 64(5)); S.I. 2016/1037, reg. 5(h)
Words in s. 2(2)(a) substituted (31.8.2006) by Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 (c. 13), s. 62(1)(2), Sch. 1 para. 14(b)(ii); S.I. 2006/2226, art. 3, Sch. 1
S. 2(2)(ca) inserted (28.7.2014) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 9 para. 2; S.I. 2014/1820, art. 3(cc)
Words in s. 2(3) substituted (31.8.2006) by Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 (c. 13), s. 62(1)(2), Sch. 1 para. 14(c)(i); S.I. 2006/2226, art. 3, Sch. 1
Words in s. 2(3) inserted (31.8.2006) by Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 (c. 13), s. 62(1)(2), Sch. 1 para. 14(c)(ii); S.I. 2006/2226, art. 3, Sch. 1
Words in s. 2A sidenote inserted (2.4.2001) by 2000 c. 34, s. 9(1), Sch. 2 para. 27 (with s. 10(5)); S.I. 2001/566, art. 2(1) (subject to art. 2(2))
S. 2A inserted (2.10.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 169(1), Sch. 14 paras. 118, 121; S.I. 2000/2444, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with transitional provisions in arts. 3, 4, Sch. 2 para. 5(2))
S. 2A repealed (1.4.2003) by 2002 c. 41, ss. 114(3), 161, 162(1), Sch. 7 para. 21, Sch. 9 (with S. 159); S.I. 2003/754, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 3, 4, Sch. 2 para. 5)
S. 2B inserted (1.4.2003) by 2002 c. 41, ss. 4(2), 162(1); (with s. 159); S.I. 2003/754, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 3, 4, Sch. 2 para. 5)
Words in s. 2B inserted (4.4.2005) by Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004 (c. 19), s. 48(3), Sch. 2 para. 11; S.I. 2005/565, art. 2(d) (with
Ss. 2C, 2D inserted (25.6.2013) by Justice and Security Act 2013 (c. 18), ss. 15, 20(1); S.I. 2013/1482, art. 2 (with arts. 3, 4)
Word in s. 2C(1) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Act 2020 (Consequential, Saving, Transitional and Transitory Provisions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1309), regs. 1(2), 11(2)(a)
Word in s. 2C(2) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Act 2020 (Consequential, Saving, Transitional and Transitory Provisions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1309), regs. 1(2), 11(2)(a)
Words in s. 2C(5) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Act 2020 (Consequential, Saving, Transitional and Transitory Provisions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1309), regs. 1(2), 11(2)(b)
Words in s. 2D(1)(a)(i) inserted (12.2.2015) by Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (c. 6), ss. 47, 52(5)
S. 2E inserted (6.4.2015) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), ss. 18, 75(3); S.I. 2015/371, art. 4(a)
Words in s. 3(1) substituted (15.1.2018) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), s. 94(1), Sch. 10 para. 23; S.I. 2017/1241, reg. 2(c) (with Sch.) (as amended by S.I. 2018/31, reg. 2)
Words in s. 3(2) inserted (4.4.2003) by The Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 (Consequential and Incidental Provisions) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1016), art. 2(2), Sch. para. 10
S. 4 repealed (1.4.2003) by 2002 c. 41, ss. 114(3), 161, 162(1), Sch. 7 para. 22, Sch. 9 (with s. 159); S.I. 2003/754, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 3, 4, Sch. 2 para. 5)
Words in s. 5(1)(a)(b)(2) inserted (1.4.2003) by 2002 c. 41, ss. 4(3), 162(1), (with s. 159); S.I. 2003/754, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 3, 4, Sch. 2 para. 5)
Words in s. 5(1)(b) substituted (2.4.2001) by 2000 c. 34, s. 9(1), Sch. 2 para. 28(b) (with s. 10(5)); S.I. 2001/566, art. 2(1) (subject to art. 2(2))
S. 5(2A) inserted (1.4.2003) by 2002 c. 41, ss. 114(3), 162(1), Sch. 7 para. 23(b) (with s. 159); S.I. 2003/754, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 3, 4, Sch. 2 para. 5)
Words in s. 5(2A) substituted (15.2.2010) by The Transfer of Functions of the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/21), art. 1, Sch. 1 para. 15 (with Sch. 4)
Words in s. 5(4)(a) substituted (15.1.2018) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), s. 94(1), Sch. 10 para. 24(2); S.I. 2017/1241, reg. 2(c) (with Sch.) (as amended by S.I. 2018/31, reg. 2)
Words in s. 5(5) substituted (15.1.2018) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), s. 94(1), Sch. 10 para. 24(3); S.I. 2017/1241, reg. 2(c) (with Sch.) (as amended by S.I. 2018/31, reg. 2)
S. 5(5A) inserted (20.10.2014) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 9 para. 10(2); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 2(e) (as amended (2.3.2015 and 6.4.2015) by S.I. 2015/371, arts. 1(2)(3), 7, 8; and with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/2928, art. 2 (which S.I. is revoked (6.4.2015) by S.I. 2015/371, arts. 1(3), 9))
Words in s. 5(5A) substituted (15.1.2018) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), s. 94(1), Sch. 10 para. 24(4)(a); S.I. 2017/1241, reg. 2(c) (with Sch.) (as amended by S.I. 2018/31, reg. 2)
Words in s. 5(5A) substituted (15.1.2018) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), s. 94(1), Sch. 10 para. 24(4)(b); S.I. 2017/1241, reg. 2(c) (with Sch.) (as amended by S.I. 2018/31, reg. 2)
S. 5(7) repealed (2.10.2000) by 2000 c. 23, s. 82, Sch. 5 (with s. 82(3)); S.I. 2000/2543, art. 3
Words in s. 6(2)(c) substituted (12.4.2010 being the date that 2002 c. 26, s. 27 comes into force, see S.I. 2010/113, art. 2, Sch. para. 7) by Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 (c. 28), s. 91(2)(3) (with s. 101(2))
S. 6A inserted (25.6.2013) by Justice and Security Act 2013 (c. 18), s. 20(1), Sch. 2 para. 9(2); S.I. 2013/1482, art. 2 (with arts. 3, 4)
Words in s. 6A heading substituted (20.10.2014) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 9 para. 26(4)(a); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 2(e) (with
Words in s. 6A(1) substituted (20.10.2014) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 9 para. 26(4)(b); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 2(e) (with
Words in s. 6A(2)(a) substituted (20.10.2014) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 9 para. 26(4)(c)(i); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 2(e) (with
Words in s. 6A(2)(b) substituted (20.10.2014) by Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), s. 75(3), Sch. 9 para. 26(4)(c)(ii); S.I. 2014/2771, art. 2(e) (with
S. 7(1A) inserted (25.6.2013) by Justice and Security Act 2013 (c. 18), s. 20(1), Sch. 2 para. 9(3); S.I. 2013/1482, art. 2 (with arts. 3, 4)
Words in s. 7(3) inserted (28.6.2018) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), ss. 66(4), 95(1); S.I. 2018/732, art. 2 (with art. 3)
S. 7(4) repealed (2.10.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 169(1)(3), Sch. 14 para. 118, 123, Sch. 16; S.I. 2000/2444, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with transitional provisions in arts. 3, 4)
S. 7A inserted (2.10.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s.169(1), Sch. 14 paras. 118, 124; S.I. 2000/2444, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with transitional provisions in arts. 3, 4)
S. 7A repealed (1.4.2003) by 2002 c. 41, ss. 114(3), 161, 162(1), Sch. 7 para. 24, Sch. 9 (with s. 159); S.I. 2003/754, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 3, 4, Sch. 2 para. 5)
Word in s. 8 heading inserted (28.6.2018) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), ss. 66(6), 95(1); S.I. 2018/732, art. 2 (with art. 3)
Words in s. 8(1) inserted (28.6.2018) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), ss. 66(5)(a), 95(1); S.I. 2018/732, art. 2 (with art. 3)
Words in s. 8(2) omitted (28.6.2018) by virtue of Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), ss. 66(5)(b), 95(1); S.I. 2018/732, art. 2 (with art. 3)
Words in Sch. 1 para. 5 substituted (1.10.2009) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), s. 148(1), Sch. 17 para. 28; S.I. 2009/1604, art. 2(e)
Sch. 1 para. 5(b) substituted (4.4.2005) by Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004 (c. 19), s. 48(3), Sch. 2 para. 12; S.I. 2005/565, art. 2(d) (with
Words in Sch. 1 para. 5(b) substituted (15.2.2010) by The Transfer of Functions of the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/21), art. 1, Sch. 1 para. 16 (with Sch. 4)
Sch. 2 repealed (1.4.2003) by 2002 c. 41, ss. 114(3), 161, 162(1), Sch. 7 para. 26, Sch. 9 (with s. 159); S.I. 2003/754, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 3, 4, Sch. 2 para. 5)
Sch. 2 para. 1 and crossheading substituted (2.10.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 169(1), Sch. 14 paras. 118, 126; S.I. 2000/2444, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with transitional provisions in arts. 3, 4)
Sch. 2 para. 1 substituted (2.10.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 169(1), Sch. 14 paras. 118, 126; S.I. 2000/2444, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with transitional provisions in arts. 3, 4)
Sch. 2 para. 2 substituted (2.10.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 169(1), Sch. 14 paras. 118, 126; S.I. 2000/2444, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with transitional provisions in arts. 3, 4)
Words in Sch. 2 para. 4 substituted (2.10.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 169(1), Sch. 14 paras. 118, 127; S.I. 2000/2444, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with transitional provisions in arts. 3, 4)
Words in Sch. 2 para. 4 inserted (2.4.2001) by 2000 c. 34, s. 9(1), Sch. 2 para. 29(a) (with s. 10(5)); S.I. 2001/566, art. 2(1) (subject to art. 2(2))
Sch. 2 para. 5 repealed (2.10.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 169(1)(3), Sch. 14 paras. 118, 128, Sch. 16; S.I. 2000/2444, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with transitional provisions in arts. 3, 4)
Sch. 2 para. 6 and crossheading substituted (1.8.2000 for specified purposes and otherwise 2.10.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 169(1), Sch. 14 paras. 118, 129; S.I. 2000/1985, art. 2, Sch. 1; S.I. 2000/2444, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with transitional provisions in arts. 3, 4)
Sch. 2 para. 6 substituted (1.8.2000 for specified purposes and otherwise 2.10.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 169(1), Sch. 14 paras. 118, 129; S.I. 2000/1985, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with transitional provisions in art. 3); S.I. 2000/2444, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with transitional provisions in arts. 3, 4)
Words in Sch. 2 para. 6 inserted (2.4.2001) by 2000 c. 34, s. 9(1), Sch. 2 para. 29(b) (with s. 10(5)); S.I. 2001/566, art. 2(1) (subject to art. 2(2))
Sch. 2 para. 7 and crossheading substituted (1.8.2000 for specified puposes and otherwise 2.10.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 169(1), Sch. 14 paras. 118, 129; S.I. 2000/1985, art. 2, Sch. 1; S.I. 2000/2444, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with transitional provisions in arts. 3, 4)
Sch. 2 para. 7 substituted (1.8.2000 for specified purposes and otherwise 2.10.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 169(1), Sch. 14 paras. 118, 129; S.I. 2000/1985, art. 2, Sch. 1; S.I. 2000/2444, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with transitional provisions in arts. 3, 4)
Words in Sch. 2 para. 7 inserted (2.4.2001) by 2000 c. 34, s. 9(1), Sch. 2 para. 29(b) (with s. 10(5)); S.I. 2001/566, art. 2(1) (subject to art. 2(2))
Sch. 3 substituted (15.1.2018 for specified purposes, 31.8.2021 for E.W. in so far as not already in force) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), s. 94(1), Sch. 10 para. 25; S.I. 2017/1241, reg. 2(c) (with Sch.) (as amended by S.I. 2018/31, reg. 2); S.I. 2021/939, reg. 2(b) (with Sch. paras. 1, 2)
Act restricted (2.10.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 73(9); S.I. 2000/2444, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with arts. 3, 4)
Act amended (22.5.2000 for specified purposes and 2.10.2000 otherwise) by 1999 c. 33, s. 74; S.I. 2000/1282, art. 2, Sch.; S.I. 2000/2444, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with arts. 3, 4)
Act resticted (2.10.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 76(2)(3); S.I. 2000/2444, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with arts. 3, 4)
Act modified (14.12.2001) by 2001 c. 24, s. 24(3)
Act: power to apply (with modifications) conferred (1.4.2003) by 2002 c. 41, ss.109(2)(a), 162(1) (with s. 159); S.I. 2003/754, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 3, 4, Sch. 2 para. 5)
Act applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2000/2326, reg. 31(8) (as substituted (1.4.2003) by The Immigration (European Economic Area) (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/549), regs. 1, 2(8) (with reg. 3(1))
Act applied (with modifications) (31.1.2020) by The Immigration (Citizens Rights Appeals) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/61), Sch. 1 para. 4 (as amended (8.5.2023) by The Immigration (Citizens’ Rights Appeals) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/441), reg. 7(1))
S. 2 excluded (30.4.2006) by The Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1003), reg. 1, Sch. 2 para. 4(2)
S. 2(5) excluded by 2002 c. 41, s. 97A(2)(c) (as substituted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 54(3), 61(2); S.I. 2013/1042, art. 4(c))
S. 5 modified (14.12.2001) by 2001 c. 24, s. 27(5)
Ss. 5, 6 applied by 2002 c. 41, s. 97A(2K) (as inserted (25.6.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 54(4), 61(2); S.I. 2013/1042, art. 4(c))
S. 5 applied (with modifications) (31.1.2020) by The Immigration (Citizens Rights Appeals) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/61), regs. 1(2), 15(11)(12)
S. 5(1) amended (22.5.2000 for specified purposes and otherwise 2.10.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 74(3)(a); S.I. 2000/1282, art. 2, Sch.; S.I. 2000/2444, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with transitional provisions in arts. 3, 4)
S. 6: functions transferred (6.5.1999) by S.I. 1999/901, art. 5, Sch. (with arts. 8, 9)
S. 6 applied (14.12.2001) by 2001 c. 24, s. 27(1)(a)
S. 6 applied (31.1.2020) by The Immigration (Citizens Rights Appeals) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/61), regs. 1(2), 15(11)
S. 7 applied (14.12.2001) by 2001 c. 24, s. 27(1)(b)
S. 7(2)(3) applied by 2001 c. 24, s. 24(5) (as added (22.9.2004) by Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004 (c. 19), ss. 32(1), 48(2))
S. 8 modified (14.12.2001) by 2001 c. 24, s. 27(5)
S. 9(3) modified (12.2.2015) by Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (c. 6), ss. 51(8), 52(5)
S. 9(3) power to extend (with modifications) (Channel Islands or Isle of Man) any amendments or repeals made to this Act by 2016 c. 19, to which this section relates (12.5.2016) by Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), ss. 94(5), 95(6)(7)(c)
S. 9(2) power partly exercised (26.5.1998): 11.6.1998 appointed for ss. 5 and 8 by S.I. 1998/1336, art. 2
S. 9(2) power fully exercised (31.7.1998): 3.8.1998 appointed for the provisions of the Act not already in force by S.I. 1998/1892, art. 2
An Act to establish the Special Immigration Appeals Commission; to make provision with respect to its jurisdiction; and for connected purposes.
Be it enacted by the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—
There shall be a commission, known as the Special Immigration Appeals Commission, for the purpose of exercising the jurisdiction conferred by this Act.
Schedule 1 to this Act shall have effect in relation to the Commission.
The Commission shall be a superior court of record.
A decision of the Commission shall be questioned in legal proceedings only in accordance with—
section 7
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A person may appeal to the Special Immigration Appeals Commission against a decision if—
he would be able to appeal against the decision under section 82(1)
an appeal against the decision under section 82(1)
The following provisions shall apply, with any necessary modifications, in relation to an appeal against an immigration decision under this section as they apply in relation to an appeal under section 82(1) of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002—
section 3C
section 78 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 (no removal while appeal pending),
section 79 of that Act (deportation order: appeal),
section 78A of that Act (restriction on removal of children and their parents),
section 82(3) of that Act (variation or revocation of leave to enter or remain: appeal),
section 84 of that Act (grounds of appeal),
section 85 of that Act (matters to be considered),
section 86 of that Act (determination of appeal),
section 87 of that Act (successful appeal: direction),
section 96 of that Act (earlier right of appeal),
section 104 of that Act (pending appeal),
section 105 of that Act (notice of immigration decision), and
section 110 of that Act (grants).
The following provisions shall apply, with any necessary modifications, in relation to
section 85(4) of that Act (matters to be considered),
section 86 of that Act (determination of appeal),
section 87 of that Act (successful appeal: direction), and
section 110 of that Act (grants).
An appeal against the rejection of a claim for asylum under this section shall be treated as abandoned if the appellant leaves the United Kingdom.
A person may bring or continue an appeal against an immigration decision under this section while he is in the United Kingdom only if he would be able to bring or continue the appeal while he was in the United Kingdom if it were an appeal under section 82(1) of that Act.
In this section “
A person may appeal to the Special Immigration Appeals Commission against a decision to make an order under section 40 of the British Nationality Act 1981 (c. 61) (deprivation of citizenship) if he is not entitled to appeal under section 40A(1) of that Act because of a certificate under section 40A(2)
Subsection (2) applies in relation to any direction about the exclusion of a
is made by the Secretary of State wholly or partly on the ground that the exclusion from the United Kingdom of the
is not subject to a right of appeal, and
is certified by the Secretary of State as a direction that was made wholly or partly in reliance on information which, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, should not be made public—
in the interests of national security,
in the interests of the relationship between the United Kingdom and another country, or
otherwise in the public interest.
The
In determining whether the direction should be set aside, the Commission must apply the principles which would be applied in judicial review proceedings.
If the Commission decides that the direction should be set aside, it may make any such order, or give any such relief, as may be made or given in judicial review proceedings.
Subsection (2) applies in relation to any decision of the Secretary of State which—
is either—
a refusal to issue a certificate of naturalisation under section 6
a refusal to grant an application of the kind mentioned in section 41A of that Act (applications to register an adult or young person as a British citizen etc.), and
is certified by the Secretary of State as a decision that was made wholly or partly in reliance on information which, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, should not be made public—
in the interests of national security,
in the interests of the relationship between the United Kingdom and another country, or
otherwise in the public interest.
The applicant to whom the decision relates may apply to the Special Immigration Appeals Commission to set aside the decision.
In determining whether the decision should be set aside, the Commission must apply the principles which would be applied in judicial review proceedings.
If the Commission decides that the decision should be set aside, it may make any such order, or give any such relief, as may be made or given in judicial review proceedings.
Subsection (2) applies in relation to a relevant deportation decision which has been certified under section 97 or 97A(1) of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 (certification on grounds of national security etc).
The person to whom the decision relates may apply to the Special Immigration Appeals Commission to set aside the decision.
In determining whether the decision should be set aside, the Commission must apply the principles which would be applied in judicial review proceedings.
If the Commission decides that the decision should be set aside, it may make any such order, or give any such relief, as may be made or given in judicial review proceedings.
In this section “
the decision is not subject to a right of appeal, or
the decision (being subject to a right of appeal) gives rise to issues which may not be raised on such an appeal.
In the case of a person to whom subsection (2) below applies, the provisions of
This subsection applies to a person who is detained under the Immigration Act 1971
the Secretary of State certifies that his detention is necessary in the interests of national security,
he is detained following a decision to refuse him leave to enter the United Kingdom on the ground that his exclusion is in the interests of national security, or
he is detained following a decision to make a deportation order against him on the ground that his deportation is in the interests of national security.
The Lord Chancellor may make rules—
for regulating the exercise of the rights of appeal conferred by section 2
for prescribing the practice and procedure to be followed on or in connection with appeals under that section
for other matters preliminary or incidental to or arising out of such appeals, including proof of the decisions of the Special Immigration Appeals Commission.
Rules under this section shall provide that an appellant has the right to be legally represented in any proceedings before the Commission on an appeal under section 2
Rules under this section may, in particular, do anything which may be done by
Rules under this section may, in particular—
make provision enabling proceedings before the Commission to take place without the appellant being given full particulars of the reasons for the decision which is the subject of the appeal,
make provision enabling the Commission to hold proceedings in the absence of any person, including the appellant and any legal representative appointed by him,
make provision about the functions in proceedings before the Commission of persons appointed under section 6 below, and
make provision enabling the Commission to give the appellant a summary of any evidence taken in his absence.
Rules under this section may also include provision—
enabling any functions of the Commission which relate to matters preliminary or incidental to an appeal, or which are conferred by
conferring on the Commission such ancillary powers as the Lord Chancellor thinks necessary for the purposes of the exercise of its functions.
The power to make rules under this section shall include power to make rules with respect to applications to the Commission under
Rules under this section must secure that, where the Commission has decided not to release a person on
In making rules under this section, the Lord Chancellor shall have regard, in particular, to—
the need to secure that decisions which are the subject of appeals are properly reviewed, and
the need to secure that information is not disclosed contrary to the public interest.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The power to make rules under this section shall be exercisable by statutory instrument.
No rules shall be made under this section unless a draft of them has been laid before and approved by resolution of each House of Parliament.
The relevant law officer may appoint a person to represent the interests of an appellant in any proceedings before the Special Immigration Appeals Commission from which the appellant and any legal representative of his are excluded.
For the purposes of subsection (1) above, the relevant law officer is—
in relation to proceedings before the Commission in England and Wales, the Attorney General,
in relation to proceedings before the Commission in Scotland, the Lord Advocate, and
in relation to proceedings before the Commission in Northern Ireland, the
A person appointed under subsection (1) above—
if appointed for the purposes of proceedings in England and Wales, shall have a general qualification for the purposes of section 71 of the
if appointed for the purposes of proceedings in Scotland, shall be—
an advocate, or
a solicitor who has by virtue of section 25A of the
if appointed for the purposes of proceedings in Northern Ireland, shall be a member of the Bar of Northern Ireland.
A person appointed under subsection (1) above shall not be responsible to the person whose interests he is appointed to represent.
Sections 5 and 6 apply in relation to reviews under section 2C
Accordingly—
references to appeals are to be read as references to reviews (and references to appeals under section 2 or 2B are to be read as references to reviews under section 2C
references to an appellant are to be read as references to an applicant under section 2C(2)
Where the Special Immigration Appeals Commission has made a final determination of an appeal, any party to the appeal may bring a further appeal to the appropriate appeal court on any question of law material to that determination.
Where the Commission has made a final determination of a review under section 2C or 2D, any party to the review may bring an appeal against that determination to the appropriate appeal court.
An appeal under this section may be brought only with the leave of the Commission or, if such leave is refused, with the leave of the appropriate appeal court.
In this section
in relation to a determination made by the Commission in England and Wales, the Court of Appeal,
in relation to a determination made by the Commission in Scotland, the Court of Session, and
in relation to a determination made by the Commission in Northern Ireland, the Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If the Special Immigration Appeals Commission is satisfied that—
the conditions in subsection (4) or (5) are fulfilled in relation to a final determination to which section 7(1) or (1A) applies, and
in respect of that final determination, a sufficient case for an appeal to the Supreme Court has been made out to justify an application under section 7C,
the Commission may grant a certificate to that effect.
The Commission may grant a certificate under this section only on an application made by a party to the appeal or review to which the final determination relates.
The Commission may not grant a certificate under this section if the final determination is made by the Commission in Scotland.
The conditions in this subsection are that a point of law of general public importance is involved in the final determination and that point of law is—
a point of law that—
relates wholly or mainly to the construction of an enactment or statutory instrument, and
has been fully argued in the proceedings on the appeal or review to which the final determination relates and fully considered in the judgment of the Commission, or
a point of law—
in respect of which the Commission is bound by a decision of the appropriate appeal court or the Supreme Court in previous proceedings, and
that was fully considered in the judgments given by the appropriate appeal court or, as the case may be, the Supreme Court in those previous proceedings.
The conditions in this subsection are that a point of law of general public importance is involved in the final determination and that—
the proceedings entail a decision relating to a matter of national importance or consideration of such a matter,
the result of the proceedings is so significant (whether considered on its own or together with other proceedings or likely proceedings) that, in the opinion of the Commission, a hearing by the Supreme Court is justified, or
the Commission is satisfied that the benefits of earlier consideration by the Supreme Court outweigh the benefits of consideration by the Court of Appeal.
No appeal lies against the grant or refusal of a certificate under subsection (1).
If the Special Immigration Appeals Commission grants a certificate under section 7B in relation to a final determination, a party to the appeal or review to which the final determination relates may apply to the Supreme Court for permission to appeal directly to the Supreme Court.
An application under subsection (1) must be made—
within one month from the date on which that certificate is granted, or
within such time as the Supreme Court may allow in a particular case.
If on such an application it appears to the Supreme Court to be expedient to do so, the Supreme Court may grant permission for such an appeal.
If permission is granted under this section—
no appeal from the final determination to which the certificate relates lies to the appropriate appeal court, but
an appeal lies from that determination to the Supreme Court.
An application under subsection (1) is to be determined without a hearing.
Subject to subsection (4), no appeal lies to the appropriate appeal court from a final determination of the Commission in respect of which a certificate is granted under section 7B until—
the time within which an application can be made under subsection (1) has expired, and
where such an application is made, that application has been determined in accordance with this section.
No certificate may be granted under section 7B in respect of a final determination of the Special Immigration Appeals Commission where, by virtue of any enactment (other than sections 7B and 7C), no appeal would lie from that decision of the Commission to the appropriate appeal court, with or without the leave or permission of the Commission or the appropriate appeal court.
No certificate may be granted under section 7B in respect of a final determination of the Commission where, by virtue of any enactment, no appeal would lie from a decision of the appropriate appeal court on that determination of the Commission to the Supreme Court, with or without the permission or leave of the appropriate appeal court or the Supreme Court.
Where no appeal would lie to the appropriate appeal court from a final determination of the Commission except with the leave or permission of the Commission or the appropriate appeal court, no certificate may be granted under section 7B in respect of a final determination unless it appears to the Commission that it would be a proper case for granting leave to appeal to the appropriate appeal court.
No certificate may be granted under section 7B in respect of a decision or order of the Commission made by it in the exercise of its jurisdiction to punish for contempt.
The Lord Chancellor may make rules regulating, and prescribing the procedure to be followed on, applications to the Special Immigration Appeals Commission for leave to appeal under section 7 above
Rules under this section may include provision enabling an application
The power to make rules under this section shall be exercisable by statutory instrument.
No rules shall be made under this section unless a draft of them has been laid before and approved by resolution of each House of Parliament.
This Act may be cited as the Special Immigration Appeals Commission Act 1997.
This Act, except for this section, shall come into force on such day as the Secretary of State may by order made by statutory instrument appoint; and different days may be so appointed for different purposes.
Her Majesty may by Order in Council direct that any of the provisions of this Act shall extend, with such modifications as appear to Her Majesty to be appropriate, to any of the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
This Act extends to Northern Ireland.
Section 1.
The Special Immigration Appeals Commission shall consist of such number of members appointed by the Lord Chancellor as he may determine.
A member of the Commission shall hold and vacate office in accordance with the terms of his appointment and shall, on ceasing to hold office, be eligible for re-appointment.
A member of the Commission may resign his office at any time by notice in writing to the Lord Chancellor.
The Lord Chancellor shall appoint one of the members of the Commission to be its chairman.
The Lord Chancellor may pay to the members of the Commission such remuneration and allowances as he may determine.
The Lord Chancellor may, if he thinks fit in the case of any member of the Commission pay such pension, allowance or gratuity to or in respect of the member, or such sums towards the provision of such pension, allowance or gratuity, as he may determine.
If a person ceases to be a member of the Commission and it appears to the Lord Chancellor that there are special circumstances which make it right that the person should receive compensation, he may pay to that person a sum of such amount as he may determine.
The Commission shall sit at such times and in such places as the Lord Chancellor may direct and may sit in two or more divisions.
The Commission shall be deemed to be duly constituted if it consists of three members of whom—
at least one holds or has held high judicial office (within the meaning of
at least one is or has been
The chairman or, in his absence, such other member of the Commission as he may nominate, shall preside at sittings of the Commission and report its decisions.
The Lord Chancellor may appoint such officers and servants for the Commission as he thinks fit.
The Lord Chancellor shall defray the remuneration of persons appointed under paragraph 7 above and such expenses of the Commission as he thinks fit.
If a person in the United Kingdom appeals under section 2(1) above on being refused leave to enter, any directions previously given by virtue of the refusal for his removal from the United Kingdom cease to have effect, except in so far as they have already been carried out, and no directions may be so given so long as the appeal is pending.
If a person in the United Kingdom appeals under section 2(1) above against any directions given under Part I of Schedule 2 or Schedule 3 to the 1971 Act for his removal from the United Kingdom, those directions except in so far as they have already been carried out, have no effect while the appeal is pending.
But the provisions of Part I of Schedule 2 or, as the case may be, Schedule 3 to the 1971 Act with respect to detention and persons liable to detention apply to a person appealing under section 2(1) above as if there were in force directions for his removal from the United Kingdom, except that he may not be detained on board a ship or aircraft so as to compel him to leave the United Kingdom while the appeal is pending.
In calculating the period of two months limited by paragraph 8(2) of Schedule 2 to the 1971 Act for the giving of directions under that paragraph for the removal of a person from the United Kingdom and for the giving of a notice of intention to give such directions, any period during which there is pending an appeal by him under section 2(1) above is to be disregarded.
If directions are given under Part I of Schedule 2 or Schedule 3 to the 1971 Act for anyone’s removal from the United Kingdom, and directions are also so given for the removal with him of persons belonging to his family, then if any of them appeals under section 2(1) above, the appeal has the same effect under paragraphs 1 to 3A in relation to the directions given in respect of each of the others as it has in relation to the directions given in respect of the appellant.
A variation is not to take effect while an appeal is pending under section 2(1) above against the variation.
While an appeal under section 2(1) above is pending, the leave to which the appeal relates, and any conditions subject to which it was granted continue to have effect.
A person may not make an application for a variation of his leave to enter or remain while that leave is treated as continuing to have effect as a result of sub-paragraph (1).
For the purposes of section 2(1), in calculating whether, as a result of a decision, a person may be required to leave the United Kingdom within twenty-eight days, a continuation of leave under this paragraph is to be disregarded.
A deportation order is not to be made against a person under section 5 of the 1971 Act while an appeal duly brought under section 2(1) above against the decision to make it is pending.
In calculating the period of eight weeks set by section 5(3) of the 1971 Act for making a deportation order against a person as belonging to the family of another person, there is to be disregarded any period during which an appeal under section 2(1) above against the decision to make the order is pending.
A person is not to be required to leave, or be removed from, the United Kingdom if an appeal under section 2A is pending against the decision on which that requirement or removal would otherwise be based.
That does not prevent—
directions for his removal being given during that period;
a deportation order being made against him during that period.
But no such direction or order is to have effect during that period.
For the purposes of
Paragraph 1 of Schedule 4 to the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 has effect as if section 2
Section 81 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 shall have effect as if section 2
Section 3.
Paragraph 1(3) (power to grant bail) has effect as if—
Paragraph 2 (conditions of immigration bail) has effect as if—
Paragraph 3 (exercise of power to grant immigration bail) has effect as if—
Paragraph 6 (power to vary bail conditions) has effect as if—
Paragraph 7(1)(a)(ii) (removal etc of electronic monitoring condition: bail managed by Secretary of State) has effect as if—
Paragraph 8 (amendment etc of electronic monitoring condition: bail managed by First-tier Tribunal) has effect as if—