Hazar El-Chamaa

Partner

Hazar leads Penningtons Manches Cooper’s private wealth immigration services, delivering tailored solutions for high-net-worth individuals and families navigating the complexities of UK immigration law. She works closely with colleagues across the private wealth team to provide a seamless experience that covers tax, family matters, and real estate, ensuring clients feel fully supported throughout their relocation journey.

Recognised for her expertise in the education sector, Hazar advises universities, independent schools, and private education providers on compliance, risk management, and strategic restructuring. Her clear, pragmatic approach allows institutions to adapt confidently to evolving regulations.

Where the rules don’t work, I challenge them. My focus is on finding solutions that create real impact, ensuring my clients feel empowered at every step.

Hazar El-Chamaa, Partner

On a global scale, Hazar works with multinational corporations across sectors including retail, sports, entertainment, and technology. She offers expert guidance on Home Office challenges, enabling businesses to navigate complex immigration frameworks effectively. Fluent in Arabic and well-connected throughout the Middle East, particularly Lebanon and the UAE, she frequently travels to the region.

A passionate advocate for knowledge-sharing, Hazar is a sought-after speaker and trainer on UK immigration law. She has collaborated with leading organisations such as ILPA, UKCISA, and the Boarding Schools Association.Through her work with the Immigration Law Practitioners Association (ILPA), she continues to shape the future of immigration policy.

Hazar regularly speaks at industry events and delivers training on sponsorship compliance. Her involvement with the ILPA positions her as a key contributor to policy discussions and best practice development. Her work has earned recognition in Chambers UK, Chambers HNW, The Legal 500, and Spear’s 500.”

Recent work highlights

Skilled Worker visa for CEO

Secured a Skilled Worker visa for a listed company’s confidential incoming CEO, coordinating with UKVI to bypass standard requirements so they could start on the day of the announcement.

Global Talent Visa in 24 hours

Obtained a Global Talent visa for a tech unicorn founder within 24 hours by accelerating document preparation, despite the usual eight-week timeline.

British citizenship for family

Guided a wealthy family through complex UK immigration and citizenship processes, overcoming excessive absences beyond statutory limits.

International Sportsperson visa

Enabled an international motorsports driver to race in the UK by resolving application challenges and securing an International Sportsperson visa without disrupting his schedule.

Education sector compliance

Supported universities, colleges, and schools facing UKVI compliance threats, helping them maintain licenses and avoid enforcement action.

University acquisition approval

Achieved UKVI approval for a university acquisition within two days, including student transfers, site addition, and name change.

License reinstatement during sale

Reinstated a leading independent school’s license after a Home Office revocation threat, allowing its sale to a major education group to proceed smoothly.

Overturning license revocation

Helped a partnership of independent schools overturn UKVI’s intention to revoke student and Skilled Worker licenses, successfully reinstating both.

License reinstatement during sale

Reinstated a leading independent school’s license after a Home Office revocation threat, allowing its sale to a major education group to proceed smoothly.

Overturning license revocation

Helped a partnership of independent schools overturn UKVI’s intention to revoke student and Skilled Worker licenses, successfully reinstating both.