The Correct Test For Cessation Of Refugee Status

• Published date: 30 December 2021
• Law Firm: Richmond Chambers Immigration Barristers
• Author: Ms Wendy Barnes

In a judgment given in September 2021 in PS (cessation principles) Zimbabwe [2021] UKUT 00283 (IAC), the Upper Tribunal considered the correct approach to cessation of refugee status. This was in reference to the country guidance in CM (EM country guidance; disclosure) Zimbabwe CG [2013] UKUT 59 (IAC).

Facts of PS (cessation principles) Zimbabwe

The appellant, PS, in this case is a Zimbabwean citizen born in 1978. Her involvement in Zimbabwe's opposition party in 1999 led to her detention in September 2002. Following her release from detention, she entered the UK as a visitor on 11 September 2020. Her leave was extended as a student until October 2007. PS claimed asylum on 24 January 2008 and was granted refugee status on 13 February 2008. She was later granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK in 2013.

PS was convicted of manslaughter of her youngest child, alongside her husband, on 09 November 2015. PS and her husband were sentenced to 8 years and 9.5 years imprisonment respectively. Her refugee status was revoked in March 2018...