George is a Partner and solicitor based in our London office and has worked in UK immigration law for over 13 years. He has considerable experience in all areas of UK business immigration, including international transfers and hires under the Points Based System (PBS), applications under the UK immigration rules for high net worth individuals, sponsorship for companies seeking to establish themselves in the UK, settlement, European visas and residence, and applications for British citizenship.
George regularly works with multinational corporations in the development and documentation of their immigration strategies and protocols, adopting a compliant yet commercial approach. He has significant experience advising clients with UK sponsor license related issues, including the development of processes for multi sight businesses, audits and issues relating to mergers and acquisitions.
George also leads the firm’s UK practice for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and regularly advises start-ups, SMEs and international companies seeking to expand into the UK.
Prior to joining Fragomen, George was a Director of the UK inbound immigration team at a Big Four professional services firm, and a Senior Solicitor with a well-regarded city law 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.
Secured UK immigration status for surrogate twins born to a same sex couple. Liaised with the U.S. fertility clinic, U.S. 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 U.S. 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
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, “Former prisoners could help fill Brexit job gap warns immigration lawyer.” The Express, 14 August 2017, online.
Quoted, “Businesses urged the government to press for a transitional Brexit agreement.” Business Insider UK, 4 August 2017, online.
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Speaker, “UK Immigration Changes – Brexit Impact on Immigration Law and Policy in the EU: What you need to know now”. Presentation, New York Council of Relocation Professionals: Fall Event, New York, 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.” Panel Presentation, CFGI Symposium, Washington DC, June 21, 2016. Speaker, “UK Immigration Changes – What You Need to Know.” Seminar, Forum for Expatriate Management Summit, London, November 6, 2015. Panelist, “Managing an International Workforce.” Panel presentation, Ius Laboris, London, February 4, 2011. Speaker, “Immigration for Rugby Clubs.” Seminar, Rhino Rugby Business Seminar, London, November 29, 2009. |
George is also a regular contributor to human resources and global mobility publications and online forums.