George is the Managing Partner Europe responsible for overseeing Fragomen’s practices in Brussels, Dublin, Frankfurt, Paris and Zurich. He is a solicitor based in Fragomen’s London office and has worked in immigration law for over 15 years. George has extensive experience advising on all aspects of immigration law, and provides strategic advice to companies in the establishment, maintenance, running and enhancement of their European and global immigration programmes. He also regularly advises on the immigration implications of corporate restructurings.
George leads European and global engagements for some of the world’s largest corporations across a broad range of sectors, including finance, information technology, media and e-commerce. He has spoken at a number of international conferences on immigration, has been interviewed on UK Sky News in relation to ongoing Brexit negotiations, and has been quoted in national and international press.
George uses his extensive experience to aid in the development of service delivery and value-added models to meet the needs of clients.
Prior to joining Fragomen, George was a Director of the UK inbound immigration team at a Big Four professional services firm.
George speaks English and Greek.
Education
The College of Law | Legal Practice Course, 1998
London Guildhall University | Bachelor of Law, 1997
Professional Accomplishments / Memberships
Legal Qualifications: Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales
Member, Law Society of England and Wales
Member, Immigration Law Practitioners' Association
Member, Confederate of British Industry (CBI)
Advised a diverse range of clients, including start-ups, SMEs and international corporates in the financial, information technology, legal, international consultancy, sports and professional services sectors, among others.
Worked closely with the UK government to secure immigration status for a significant number of engineers and “black trades” required for the urgent completion of a landmark UK energy project.
Led the immigration service delivery for a number of Blue Chip clients within Europe and globally.
Secured UK immigration status for surrogate twins born to a same sex couple. Liaised with the US fertility clinic, US immigration authorities, the British Consulate General in New York, and the UK border force, successfully achieving visa issuance and VIP entry on arrival for the family.
Advised a major US corporation on the immigration aspects of business acquisitions and divestures, typically within tight timeframes.
Worked with businesses to develop internal protocols and policies to maintain immigration compliance in line with sponsor license requirements.
Supported an international investment bank during a review of internal immigration policy, in line with frequently changing UK legislation and sponsor requirements.
Publications and Lectures
Quoted, “UK Immigration Latest: EU net migration falls over past year as Brexit uncertainty continues.” The Independent, February 22, 2018.
Author, “The potential immigration impact of Brexit for the UK’s technology sector.” ITPro portal, October 20, 2017.
Quoted, “Former prisoners could help fill Brexit job gap warns immigration lawyer.” The Express, August 14, 2017.
Quoted, “Businesses urged the government to press for a transitional Brexit agreement.” Business Insider UK, August 4, 2017.
Speaker, “UK Immigration Changes – Brexit Impact on Immigration Law and Policy in the EU: What you need to know now.” New York Council of Relocation Professionals: Fall Event, New York, NY, September 13, 2016.
Co-author, “Preparing for the Immigration Consequences of Brexit: Although the only certainty is uncertainty, companies should prepare immigration contingency plans.” Metropolitan Corporate Counsel, August 25, 2016.
Panelist, “A New Tier 2: What Changes in the United Kingdom Mean for Employers.” CFGI Symposium, Washington DC, June 21, 2016.
Speaker, “UK Immigration Changes – What You Need to Know.” Forum for Expatriate Management Summit, London, UK, November 6, 2015.
Panelist, “Managing an International Workforce.” Ius Laboris, London, UK, February 4, 2011.
Speaker, “Immigration for Rugby Clubs.” Rhino Rugby Business Seminar, London, UK, November 29, 2009.
George is also a regular contributor to human resources and global mobility publications and online forums.