David Woodd, The HPA Chief Executive has contacted Polo Times today to update our readers on the latest news regarding correspondence with the Home Office
“The Home Office responded this afternoon that it is not prepared to agree that the current visa criteria could remain in place for 2017 and that a decision will be made on endorsement criteria as soon as possible. However, they are currently unable to give a specific deadline or to lift the ban on the HPA providing endorsements for the 2017 season.
“Anticipating such a response, the HPA‘s solicitors sent a letter before action to the Secretary of State for the Home Department before Christmas in accordance with the pre-action protocol (“PAP”) for judicial review. Given the response received today from the Home Office, the HPA is seeking urgent further advice from Counsel.
“Unfortunately, in the meantime the HPA will not be allowed to issue endorsements.”
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Photograph: Grooms and professional players will be affected by the current immigration crisis. By ©www.imagesofpolo.com