Case Study 2: Investor

Mr A B, a Syrian national, entered the UK as a visitor. He then applied during the currency of his leave to remain as an investor, having considerable wealth over and above the minimum requirement of £1m, at least £750,000 of which under immigration rules should be invested in permitted investments such as government bonds, and the balance in durable assets such as mortgage free property.

Problems arose because Mr A B did not have entry clearance from the British Embassy in Damascus to come to the UK under this category, and he could not switch from a visitor status to a business category.

The benefit of his enormous wealth, for the UK economy, and other compassionate circumstances, were such that on an exceptional basis, the Home Office waived the requirement of Entry Clearance and granted Mr A B leave to remain as an investor, and his family dependency status.