*/
Scientific advances in DNA analysis make it easier than ever to establish a relationship between family members in support of immigration applications. However, the use of DNA evidence in immigration cases has not been without controversy. In 2018, Home Secretary Sajid Javid was forced to apologise when it was revealed that a significant number of immigrants had been advised that DNA testing was mandatory for certain family visa applications, without any legal basis for such a requirement. In fact, the submission of DNA evidence in support of an immigration application is entirely voluntary, with Home Office DNA policy guidance later being updated to acknowledge that the department did not have the power to make such a request.
While documents such as birth or marriage certificates will usually be enough to prove a relationship for immigration cases, DNA tests can prove invaluable, provided the applicant has independently decided to submit DNA evidence to support a relationship (they cannot be asked to do so by officials).
For example, if a child is born abroad to UK citizens and parents are seeking citizenship for the child, a paternity or maternity test can confirm parentage. If a relative plans to move to the UK and they want to submit DNA evidence to confirm a familial relationship (where a UK citizen is sponsoring them for citizenship or a visa), they may decide to have a complex relationship DNA test. These types of tests can be used to verify a biological relationship between siblings, grandparents and grandchildren, nieces/nephews and uncle(s)/aunt(s) or even tell us the likelihood of two or more people being cousins.
In recent years, we have seen an increase in demand for complex relationship testing, as UK citizens make a case for bringing members of their extended family to the UK. In the past such tests could only draw one of two conclusions – whether the subjects were related or unrelated. However, technological advances mean we are now able to paint a more complete picture of a person’s family tree. For example, if a person is seeking UK citizenship for multiple children, DNA testing would be able to determine which of those children are sons or daughters, or if any the children are in fact more likely to be nieces or nephews of the applicant.
Whatever the circumstances, it is important to note that DNA tests for this purpose must meet a certain standard to be provided as evidence. This includes the requirement for the test to be performed by a Home Office approved ISO 17025-accredited testing laboratory, and for samples to be collected under strict chain of custody conditions.
When performing DNA testing for immigration, a cheek (buccal) swab is rubbed on the inside of each donor’s cheek to obtain DNA for analysis. The DNA samples of the individuals are then analysed and compared to determine whether they share enough matching DNA markers (alleles). If they share enough DNA markers, they are likely to be biologically related (eg parent and child, aunt/uncle and niece/nephew, full or half-siblings, cousins etc.). An AlphaBiolabs DNA test can analyse and compare up to 42 DNA markers for a conclusive result.
When testing a person in a foreign country, a Home Office approved laboratory will be well-versed in collecting DNA samples from individuals living abroad. A sample collection kit is sent to the required foreign location, and an appointment can be arranged via a local GP, medical practice, hospital, or another approved clinic in the applicant’s country. The DNA samples are then collected (both in the UK and abroad) under chain of custody, with the donors required to provide a form of ID, and two passport sized photos that are signed by the collector at the time the samples are obtained.
Using the very latest scientific methods for DNA analysis, we can verify how individuals are related, strengthen immigration applications, and reunite families with their loved ones in the UK.
For expert advice on which DNA test is best for your client, call the AlphaBiolabs Customer Services team on 0330 600 1300 or email testing@alphabiolabs.com and a member of the legal sales team will be in touch.
For further information please visit: https://www.alphabiolabs.co.uk
As a UKAS-accredited testing laboratory, AlphaBiolabs has worked with British Embassies and some of the largest specialist immigration solicitors in the UK for 18 years. Our DNA immigration tests are recognised and admissible to UK courts, the Ministry of Justice, the UK Visas and Immigration Service and HM Passport Office. We operate alongside a large international network of sample collectors, who work closely with immigration centres, consulates, and embassies worldwide to ensure a fast and efficient service, collecting samples from over 90 different countries worldwide. We also offer free sample collection for legal clients at our walk-in centres across the UK.
Scientific advances in DNA analysis make it easier than ever to establish a relationship between family members in support of immigration applications. However, the use of DNA evidence in immigration cases has not been without controversy. In 2018, Home Secretary Sajid Javid was forced to apologise when it was revealed that a significant number of immigrants had been advised that DNA testing was mandatory for certain family visa applications, without any legal basis for such a requirement. In fact, the submission of DNA evidence in support of an immigration application is entirely voluntary, with Home Office DNA policy guidance later being updated to acknowledge that the department did not have the power to make such a request.
While documents such as birth or marriage certificates will usually be enough to prove a relationship for immigration cases, DNA tests can prove invaluable, provided the applicant has independently decided to submit DNA evidence to support a relationship (they cannot be asked to do so by officials).
For example, if a child is born abroad to UK citizens and parents are seeking citizenship for the child, a paternity or maternity test can confirm parentage. If a relative plans to move to the UK and they want to submit DNA evidence to confirm a familial relationship (where a UK citizen is sponsoring them for citizenship or a visa), they may decide to have a complex relationship DNA test. These types of tests can be used to verify a biological relationship between siblings, grandparents and grandchildren, nieces/nephews and uncle(s)/aunt(s) or even tell us the likelihood of two or more people being cousins.
In recent years, we have seen an increase in demand for complex relationship testing, as UK citizens make a case for bringing members of their extended family to the UK. In the past such tests could only draw one of two conclusions – whether the subjects were related or unrelated. However, technological advances mean we are now able to paint a more complete picture of a person’s family tree. For example, if a person is seeking UK citizenship for multiple children, DNA testing would be able to determine which of those children are sons or daughters, or if any the children are in fact more likely to be nieces or nephews of the applicant.
Whatever the circumstances, it is important to note that DNA tests for this purpose must meet a certain standard to be provided as evidence. This includes the requirement for the test to be performed by a Home Office approved ISO 17025-accredited testing laboratory, and for samples to be collected under strict chain of custody conditions.
When performing DNA testing for immigration, a cheek (buccal) swab is rubbed on the inside of each donor’s cheek to obtain DNA for analysis. The DNA samples of the individuals are then analysed and compared to determine whether they share enough matching DNA markers (alleles). If they share enough DNA markers, they are likely to be biologically related (eg parent and child, aunt/uncle and niece/nephew, full or half-siblings, cousins etc.). An AlphaBiolabs DNA test can analyse and compare up to 42 DNA markers for a conclusive result.
When testing a person in a foreign country, a Home Office approved laboratory will be well-versed in collecting DNA samples from individuals living abroad. A sample collection kit is sent to the required foreign location, and an appointment can be arranged via a local GP, medical practice, hospital, or another approved clinic in the applicant’s country. The DNA samples are then collected (both in the UK and abroad) under chain of custody, with the donors required to provide a form of ID, and two passport sized photos that are signed by the collector at the time the samples are obtained.
Using the very latest scientific methods for DNA analysis, we can verify how individuals are related, strengthen immigration applications, and reunite families with their loved ones in the UK.
For expert advice on which DNA test is best for your client, call the AlphaBiolabs Customer Services team on 0330 600 1300 or email testing@alphabiolabs.com and a member of the legal sales team will be in touch.
For further information please visit: https://www.alphabiolabs.co.uk
As a UKAS-accredited testing laboratory, AlphaBiolabs has worked with British Embassies and some of the largest specialist immigration solicitors in the UK for 18 years. Our DNA immigration tests are recognised and admissible to UK courts, the Ministry of Justice, the UK Visas and Immigration Service and HM Passport Office. We operate alongside a large international network of sample collectors, who work closely with immigration centres, consulates, and embassies worldwide to ensure a fast and efficient service, collecting samples from over 90 different countries worldwide. We also offer free sample collection for legal clients at our walk-in centres across the UK.
Sam Townend KC explains the Bar Council’s efforts towards ensuring a bright future for the profession
Giovanni D’Avola explores the issue of over-citation of unreported cases and the ‘added value’ elements of a law report
Louise Crush explores the key points and opportunities for tax efficiency
Westgate Wealth Management Ltd is a Partner Practice of FTSE 100 company St. James’s Place – one of the top UK Wealth Management firms. We offer a holistic service of distinct quality, integrity, and excellence with the aim to build a professional and valuable relationship with our clients, helping to provide them with security now, prosperity in the future and the highest standard of service in all of our dealings.
Is now the time to review your financial position, having reached a career milestone? asks Louise Crush
If you were to host a dinner party with 10 guests, and you asked them to explain what financial planning is and how it differs to financial advice, you’d receive 10 different answers. The variety of answers highlights the ongoing need to clarify and promote the value of financial planning.
Most of us like to think we would risk our career in order to meet our ethical obligations, so why have so many lawyers failed to hold the line? asks Flora Page
If your current practice environment is bringing you down, seek a new one. However daunting the change, it will be worth it, says Anon Barrister
Creating advocacy opportunities for juniors is now the expectation but not always easy to put into effect. Tom Mitcheson KC distils developing best practice from the Patents Court initiative already bearing fruit
National courts are now running the bulk of the world’s war crimes cases and corporate prosecutions are part of this growing trend, reports Chris Stephen
Sam Townend KC explains the Bar Council’s efforts towards ensuring a bright future for the profession