About

Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants Limited is a company specialising in the field of UK and South African Immigration.

We are regulated by the Office of the Immigration Service Commissioner (OISC), which can give you the peace of mind that we have to adhere to very strict rules imposed on us, in order to ensure that we are fit, competent, up to date with all the latest immigration rule changes and acting in your best interest.

Our consultants have many years of immigration experience and accredited up to OISC level 3, which is the highest accreditation an immigration firm can obtain in UK Immigration law. This means we can assist you with the most basic immigration cases up to complicated matters such as Immigration Appeals.

Our affiliate South African Immigration advisers, based in South Africa, are registered with FIPSA, the professional body for immigration practitioners in South Africa. This can give you the peace of mind that your matter is in competent hands.

Apart from offering the most professional advice, our mission is to offer you the best client service in the market. We take a personal approach to all our cases and strive to provide you with client service par excellence.

Whether you are looking for basic assistance or have a complicated matter that you need assistance with, our team is ready to assist. Please also see the reasons why you should use Breytenbachs!

JP Breytenbach
JP Breytenbach
Director
LINKEDIN

Senior Immigration Consultant with over 14 years of experience in UK Immigration law. Committed to achieving results that exceed expectations, and providing clients with a world-class immigration service. To consistently invest in the talents and energies of members of staff, through continuous mentoring and training.

  • OISC Registered Level 1
  • Bachelor’s degree, Theology and Philosophy
  • Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practices
  • Admitted as solicitor of England and Wales in 2008, moved to focus on Immigration Law as OISC registered consultant.
Laya Strydom
Laya Strydom
Consultant

Senior Immigration Consultant with over 14 years experience in UK Immigration Law. Passionate about working with people and assisting them to plan their immigration route. Enjoys the academic rigour of the law and the application thereof. Dedicated to making complex legal problems simple and providing effective solutions for the benefit of our clients.

  • OISC Registered Level 1
  • LLB degree from Durham University
  • College of Law LPC
  • Admitted as solicitor of England and Wales in 2005, moved to focus on Immigration Law as OISC registered consultant.
Verity Marshall
Verity Marshall
Consultant
LINKEDIN

Senior Immigration Consultant with 10 years experience in UK Immigration Law. Passionate about the benefits of migration and dedicated to providing detailed yet easily accessible immigration advice to ensure that clients are able to negotiate the complexities of UK immigration laws and make informed decisions to protect their status and rights within the UK.

  • OISC Registered Level 1
  • Passed the Bar Vocational Course with 80% total grade, graded as Very Competent
  • Graduate Diploma in Law, Commendation
  • MA Honours degree in English Literature and Theatre Studies.
Chris Ward
Chris Ward
Consultant

Senior Immigration Consultant with 24 years experience in immigration, comprising of 7 years in the public sector, and 17 years in the private sector. Extensive knowledge of immigration legislation, and main area of expertise; general immigration, including settlement, citizenship and EEA casework. A commitment to providing clients with the best immigration advice in their unique circumstances.

  • OISC Registered Level 1
Dr Chiara Mancuso
Consultant
LINKEDIN

Senior Immigration Consultant with 16 years’ experience in the legal sector. Extensive knowledge of immigration legislation and case-law. Author of several papers published in peer-reviewed international journals. A passion for immigration, human rights, and criminal justice translated into regular and active participation in professional organisations and legal conferences.

  • OISC Registered Level 3
  • Italian qualified lawyer
  • PhD in Comparative and International Criminal Law
Hannes Breytenbach
Consultant
LINKEDIN

Senior Immigration Consultant. Founder of Breytenbachs Solicitors (1999). Founder of Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants Ltd (2011). 38 years of experience in South African law. 19 years experience in UK and South African Immigration law. Passionate about law and immigration, and the fact that the work that I do, can make a difference in people’s lives.

  • OISC Registered Level 1
  • BIuris & BProc degrees
  • Registered with SA Law Society since 1979
  • Qualified attorney since 1979.
Shakir Hussain
Shakir Hussain
Consultant

Senior Immigration Consultant at the London office. Shakir has extensive experience working on complex immigration matters, including appeal work, advising over-stayers and handling refusals.

  • OISC Registered Level 3.
  • LLB in 1995 with Middlesex University
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice in 1996
  • Qualified as a solicitor in 2000 before focusing on Immigration Law as a regulated OISC Advisor.
Lena Qarri
Lena Qarri
Consultant

Immigration Consultant Lena has five years of experience working in the field of UK immigration. She is proud to work in a firm where she can be passionate about immigration law and be dedicated to providing comprehensive and professional advice to clients.

  • OISC Registered Level 3
  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons)
  • Master of Laws (LLM International Law)
Phillip Venter
Phillip Venter
Director, Pretoria

Director and Consultant at the Breytenbachs Pretoria affiliate office. Passionate about the field of Immigration and assisting clients to realise their dreams of working, living, studying or joining their families in the UK. Committed to investing in the careers of members of staff, and ensuring an healthy and happy office atmosphere!.

  • More than 15 years of experience in Immigration law
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Chris Snyman
Chris Snyman
Consultant

Consultant with over 12 years’ experience in both UK and South African Immigration Law.  Having gone through the immigration process himself before becoming a dual national in 2012, Chris understands the complexities of the process and the importance of attention to detail.  He is dedicated and committed to providing clients with the best possible service in a friendly and professional manner.

  • LLB degree
  • Admitted attorney
  • Experience in SA and UK immigration law.
Kris Parteka
Kris Parteka
Consultant in Training

Kris is a South African non-practising attorney based at our Pretoria office. He has experience in family law and South African firearm legislation. Kris has vast experience in legal arguments and statutory interpretation.

  • Bachelor of Laws University of Pretoria
  • Admitted Attorney (non-practising roll)
Debbie Smuts
Debbie Smuts
Consultant

Debbie is an Immigration Consultant at the Breytenbachs Cape Town affiliate office. She strongly believes in walking the extra mile with every client, and is committed and dedicated to providing clients with personalised and world-class service.

  • 7 years experience as Legal Assistant and Conveyancing Secretary
  • 8 years experience working in UK immigration
  • Extensive experience in strategic planning, office management and client liaison

Karlien Mathyssen
Karlien Matthysen
Consultant

Karlien Matthysen is an Immigration Consultant at the Pretoria office. She has knowledge of criminal and labour law as well as substantial working knowledge of South African Immigration Law. She is passionate about immigration law in general and enjoys challenges, problem-solving and delivering exceptional service to clients

  • LLB North West University
  • Admitted Advocate to the North-Gauteng High Court
  • 6 years experience in South African Immigration Law
Dirk van Niekerk
Dirk van Niekerk
Consultant

Dirk is a Consultant at the Cape Town office. Dirk’s philosophy is centred around client satisfaction and delivering quality service that caters for the client’s needs.

  • Bachelor of Commerce (B Comm)
  • Bachelor of Law (LLB)
Reegan dos Santos
Reegan dos Santos
Professional Assistant

Reegan dos Santos is a Professional Assistant for our London office. She is a non-practising South African Attorney. Her work philosophy is to always find passion and reason in what she does and finds joy in going the extra mile to get results. 

  • BCom Economics
  • LLB 

Seshni Govender
Consultant in Training

Seshni is an Immigration Consultant in training at our expanding Durban office. Seshni Govender completed her LLB degree at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal in 2014. She completed her articles and Professional Law Training and was admitted as an attorney in 2016. Seshni has experience in both High Court and Magistrates Court litigation. She is passionate about the law and providing clients with the best legal service.

  • Bachelor of Law (LLB) University of Natal
  • Admitted attorney.
Nadia Nell
Nadia Nell
Consultant in Training

Nadia is an Immigration Consultant in training in our expanding Pretoria office. She is passionate about helping people and going the extra mile to provide clients with results with the utmost care and efficiency. She has extensive knowledge of various areas of South African law and will be admitted as a non-practising attorney in due course.

  • BCom Law
  • Bachelor of Law (LLB)
  • Two years of experience in General and Banking Litigation.
Annémi Brink
Annémi Brink
Consultant in Training

Annémi is an LLB graduate from the University of Pretoria with vast experience in litigation and family law matters. She works as a Consultant in Training in our Nationality department.

  • LLB Graduate
Barbara Breytenbach
Barbara Breytenbach
Quality Control Manager

Barbara is passionate about ensuring that all clients receive a world-class service, by managing client relationships and quality control in the firm. She is dedicated to helping ensure the successful development of the company in line with its business plan.

  • Over 25 years of experience in managing client relationships and quality control.
Talha Khan
Talha Khan
Professional Assistant

Over nine years of experience in immigration and family law. Focused and dedicated individual with an exceptional work ethic and proven strengths in legal case management. Key cases:

  • Key Cases:
  • MS v FS [2020] EWFC B9 (21 February 2020) (published)
  • BA v Secretary of State for the Home Department (deprivation of citizenship: appeals) [2018] UKUT 85 (IAC) (reported)

Jeanne Prinsloo
Jeanne Prinsloo
Assistant

Jeanne Prinsloo is a Personal Assistant at the Breytenbachs Cape Town affiliate office. She has more than ten years experience in Customer Relations and Client management. She is highly organised and detail oriented with excellent communicating skills, and highly proficient in the use of modern technology. She enjoys liaising with clients and passionate in assisting clients to reach their immigration goals.

  • SAQA National Certificate – Field 03 Business (Commerce and management studies)
  • ICDL (International Computers Driver License) Certificate.
Sharon Lowe
Sharon Lowe
Client Liaison Manager

Sharon is the Client Liaison Manager at the London office. She is committed to exercise discretion and patience in dealing with all cases and undertake regular client feedback.

  • More than 20 years experience in UK immigration
  • Highly experienced in client liaison and communication
  • Extensive experience in diary management
Ornela Kola
Ornela Kola
Assistant

Ornela Kola is a Professional Assistant in the London Office, and training as OISC consultant. She is passionate about global human rights and immigration law. Very keen to make a difference in people’s lives through the vast application of law.

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons)
  • 1 year legal experience
  • 4 years client services experience
René Venter
Professional Assistant

René works for the London office. She has eight years’ experience in the legal, and financial services industry. She always strives to deliver results on time and of a high standard.

  • Bachelor of Law (LLB)
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning
  • Life Coach Diploma
Samantha Caalsen
Assistant

Samantha Caalsen is a Professional Assistant at our London office. She has 17 years experience in the client service industry and has always maintained strong working relationships. Sam spent over 10 years working in the property sector before returning to work in UK Immigration.

  • Training as OISC consultant
Victoria Pretorius
Victoria Pretorius
Personal Assistant

Victoria is a Personal Assistant in the London office. She has a passion for people and immigration law. She loves being able to guide her clients through the maze of immigration and offering support and care during the journey.

  • Nine years of experience in Customer Relations and Management
  • NVQ in Team Management and Customer Care.
  • Five years of experience working in UK Immigration Law.
Anneshia
Anneshia Grundlingh
Assistant

Anneshia Grundlingh is a Professional Assistant at our Durban office. She enjoys working with clients and getting to know each of them. She is committed to providing quality service and to building a trust relationship with clients, assuring them that we are there to support and guide every step of the way.

  • Diploma in Restoration Ministry
  • 13 years experience in Office Administration
Melanie Bakker
Melanie Bakker
Accounts Manager

Melanie is the Accounts Manager for Breytenbachs. She has extensive experience in budgeting, strategic planning and client liaison. Melanie is passionate about figures and always try to find the best way forward for both the client and the company.

  • 22 years overall experience in bookkeeping
  • 8 years UK solicitors bookkeeping experience
  • 8 years SA attorney bookkeeping experience
  • 6 years limited company bookkeeping experience
Christi Swart
Christi Swart
Accounts Assistant

Christi is training as an Accounts Assistant at the Pretoria office. She prides herself on her ability to deal with pressure and multi-task with a positive attitude.

  • Training as Accounts Assistant.
Hayley Barnard
Hayley Barnard
Professional Assistant

Hayley is training to be an OISC consultant. She has 15 years’ of experience in the legal industry in South Africa. She enjoys the field of law and is focused on continuous learning and providing excellent client service.

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
  • Qualified non-practising Attorney and Conveyancer of South Africa.
Megan Brown
Megan Brown
Assistant

Personal Assistant at the London office. Committed to proactively finding ways to improve processes and improving our client service.

  • N5 Certificate in Marketing and Sports Management
  • 10 years experience in the Client Service Industry
Rieksie Berrange
Rieksie Berrange
Assistant

Rieksie works at our Pretoria office. She always strives to do her best as fast and efficient as possible and is always there to help. Problem-solving is her second nature.

  • Extensive experience in Administrative Management.
  • Nine years of HR experience.
  • Four years experience in Sectional Title Property Law background.
Melanie Schlemmer
Melanie Schlemmer
Personal Assistant

Melanie is an Administrative Assistant at the Pretoria office. She has a strong financial background. Melanie’s life philosophy is to do everything to the best of her ability.

  • Basic accounting courses.
  • Thirteen years of experience in Finance and Administration.

 

Louise Pelcher
Louise Pelcher
Professional Assistant

Personal Assistant at the Breytenbachs Pretoria affiliate office. Enjoy liaising with clients. Committed to ensuring that clients are informed about their cases, every step of the way! Passionate about effective and efficient working methods list.

  • Diploma in Interior Decorating
  • 10 years experience in Office Administration
  • Excellent organisational and communication skills.
Talita Rheeder
Administrative Assistant

Administrative Assistant at the Cape Town office. Talita is highly organized and detail-oriented with excellent communicating skills. She strives to build trusting working relationships with clients whilst simultaneously providing exceptional service.  She enjoys liaising with clients.

  • Extensive experience in Customer Relations and Client management.
Savannah Lowe
Savannah Lowe
Personal Assistant

Savannah is working for our London office as a Professional Assistant. She prides herself on providing the best assistance wherever she is needed and putting client needs first!

  • More than three years of experience in Client Service and Diary Management.
Chanine Taylor
Chanine Taylor
Personal Assistant

Chanine is a personal assitant for Breytenbachs. She is a loyal and hard-working individual with extensive experience as a personal assistant and secretary. She performs all her tasks with diligience and prides herself on handling multiple tasks timeously.

  • Various courses in Office Administration and other office skills.
  • Published poet.

Charlene Harley
Senior Telephonist

Charlene is the Senior Telephonist for our South African offices and the friendly voice taking your call. She has a strong administrative and office support background and many years of customer service experience. Charlene loves working with people and enjoys being of service.

  • More than 18 years of experience in Administration, Client Service and HR duties.
Sharon Lowe
Sharon Lowe
Client Liaison Manager

Sharon is the Client Liaison Manager at the London office. She is committed to exercise discretion and patience in dealing with all cases and undertake regular client feedback.

  • More than 20 years experience in UK immigration
  • Highly experienced in client liaison and communication
  • Extensive experience in diary management
Bronwen Thomas
Bronwen Thomas
Receptionist

Bronwen is the Receptionist at the London office. As our clients’ first point of contact, Bronwen is committed to helping clients feel welcome and ensuring that every client receives prompt service from the best suitable consultant. She is also committed to effective and efficient communications systems to ensure continuity and quality.

  • Nine years experience as a Retail Manager
  • Extensive experience as a small business manager and owner
  • Extensive experience working in the customer services industry 

 

Melanie Schlemmer
Melanie Schlemmer
Administrative Assistant

Melanie is an Administrative Assistant at the Pretoria office. She has a strong financial background. Melanie’s life philosophy is to do everything to the best of her ability.

  • Basic accounting courses.
  • Thirteen years of experience in Finance and Administration.
Jacinda Olivier
Jacinda Olivier
Head of Marketing and HR

Jacinda is the Head of Marketing and HR at Breytenbachs. She has more than eight years of experience as an Economics Researcher and 19 years ‘ experience in Marketing and HR. She is passionate about providing world-class service to our clients via web communications, social media, newsletters and search engine marketing.

  • B Comm Law
  • BComm Honours Economics
  • Post Graduate Certificate in Education, Economics (Cum Laude)
  • Social media, HTML, and SEO short courses (UCT)
Bronwen Thomas
Bronwen Thomas
Recepionist

Bronwen is the Receptionist at the London office. As our clients’ first point of contact, Bronwen is committed to helping clients feel welcome and ensuring that every client receives prompt service from the best suitable consultant. She is also committed to effective and efficient communications systems to ensure continuity and quality. 

  • Nine years experience as a Retail Manager
  • Extensive experience as a small business manager and owner
  • Extensive experience working in the customer services industry