Representatives from the legal, business and community/voluntary sectors were in attendance at Law Society House in Belfast yesterday for the launch of the Immigration Practitioners’ Group.

The new group, which has been set up by the Law Society of Northern Ireland, will be a forum for immigration practitioners to share information and to enhance training, by organising seminars and courses, in this ever-evolving and complex area of law.

Central to the aims of the group is finding new and better ways in which solicitors can engage with and support people in Northern Ireland come from another country and may not speak English as a first language.

The launch of the new group marks the continuation of the Law Society of Northern Ireland’s ongoing work in raising awareness of issues around diversity, equality and human rights, which began in 2016 with the launch of Law Society information leaflets in different languages.

The launch of the new group has been supported by its inaugural chair, solicitor Maria McCloskey, and Mr Justice McCloskey, former president of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber of the Upper Tribunal, who has extensive knowledge and experience of immigration justice issues in Northern Ireland.

Eileen Ewing, president of the Law Society of Northern Ireland, said: “The launch of the Immigration Practitioners’ Group is a continuation of the Law Society’s ongoing commitment to embracing the ever changing and diverse nature of our community in Northern Ireland.

“We recognise that each citizen in our democracy regardless of their race, religious belief or background must have access to independent legal advice, assistance and representation.”

Inaugural chair Ms McCloskey added: “The launch of the new Immigration Practitioners’ Group is both necessary and timely and will provide the support, awareness and training that solicitors need to engage more fully with clients from countries with different cultural, religious and political backgrounds.”