Reyes v Al-Malki & Anor [2017]

The appeal concerned diplomatic immunity, in particular diplomatic immunity in respect of claims brought by domestic servants against diplomats. When delivering a summary of the decision, Lord Sumption emphasised that exploitative employment practices under cover of diplomatic status is a recurring problem in the UK and elsewhere. Diplomats enjoy immunities under domestic and international law which limit their employees' access to the domestic courts.

Ms Reyes was a Pilipino national. She received a tier 5 visa to the UK facilitated by her employers, Mr and Mrs Al-Malki. Mr Al-Malki was a Saudi Arabian diplomat working in the embassy in London. The couple employed Ms Reyes in their private