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UK Visa and Immigration News - IN 2024

→ Australian Visas → UNITED KINGDOM IMMIGRATION NEWS - IN 2024

Table of Contents

19 November 2024

Skilled Worker Visa - Minimum Salary Increase!

The main changes in April 2024 to the UK immigration system included an increase to minimum salary thresholds for skilled worker visas from £26,200 to £38,700, significantly restricting the usefulness of this immigration category. Employees must either be paid at least this minimum salary threshold, or the specific salary dictated by their position, whichever is the higher. This has impacted SMEs heavily and some FTSE 100 companies have cut their graduate programmes because of the increases. The modifications were introduced to prevent undercutting of resident labour market wages as all international workers must be paid either the industry average or above. For example, software developers now need to be paid £49,400 per annum for a 37.5-hour week (previously £27,200 per annum), while finance and investment analysts must be paid £40,600 (previously £28,600).

01 November 2024

Seasonal Worker Visa puts Migrants at Risk

“[Do we need] to put up with being treated like slaves?” asks a worker on a farm in Scotland. “We are slaves,” writes another. We often hear comments like this at the Worker Support Centre (WSC), an NGO supporting marginalised and isolated workers in labour sectors with a high risk of exploitation in Scotland. Most of the people we support work in seasonal agriculture on isolated farms. Many of them come to us with stories of strict and unrealistic picking targets, uninhabitable accommodation, undignified treatment and unfair threats of dismissal – none of which they expected when they signed up to work in one of the largest economies in the world. In 2024, we’ve received more daily contacts for assistance from seasonal farm workers than at any other point in the history of our service. Many of the issues experienced by people on farms in Scotland arise from the way in which the UK’s seasonal worker visa was designed. The key features of the visa, including rules that stop workers changing employers and gaps in rules about accommodation oversight and standards, have created a fertile environment for exploitation. The Employment Rights Bill, currently making its way through the UK parliament, is not in its current form suitable for tackling the myriad risks to workers on this visa. Much more work needs to be done to achieve that, including ensuring workers’ rights are protected during their time in the UK and that state enforcement is up to the job of enforcing those rights. The people we support in Scotland have made long journeys, and they work hard to put food on the UK’s tables. They deserve better protections while they do so. Exploitation is written into the visa. In 2019, the seasonal worker pilot was introduced to tackle reported labour shortages in seasonal agriculture in the UK. The pilot led to the establishment of the seasonal worker visa, valid for six months in horticulture (including fruit, vegetable and flower farms) and 2.5 months in poultry. Workers are sponsored by a licensed scheme operator and employed by a farm. Similar to workers on other types of restrictive visas, migrant workers on the seasonal worker visa are tied to a single visa sponsor, heavily restricting worker movement. They have no recourse to public funds and very limited access to union support. The workers are often geographically isolated and socially marginalised. This makes them dependent on their employer not only for their job security, but also for essential needs such as housing, transport, food and access to medical care.

17 October 2024

16% Decrease in UK Student Visas in 2024!

There has been a significant drop in the number of international student visa applications this year, new data shows. The Home Office has recently published figures showing there were 350,700 applicants for Sponsored Study visas between January and September 2024, a 16 percent drop from the same timeframe last year. Some 49,000 fewer applications were submitted in three months according to data, specifically from July to September 2024, or 16 percent drop compared to the same months last year, Erudera.com reports. “The number of monthly applications typically peak between July and September before the start of the academic year. Between July and September 2024, there were 49,000 (16 percent) fewer applications, from main applicants, compared to the same 3 months in 2023,” Home Office said in a statement. Following the UK’s rules on international students bringing family members to the country, the number of students’ dependents also dropped between January and September this year, 85 percent fewer than the same period last year.

23 September 2024

UK Introduces New ETA Travel Visa for Australians

From January 2025, Australians headed to the UK will need to complete a new form before they fly, along with a new fee to pay. That form is called an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which must be completed online and your application approved before you step onto your flight to the UK. The ETA is a digital visa-waiver program similar to the USA’s ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) and the forthcoming equivalents for European, Thailand and Japan, and doesn’t replace a conventional visa – it’s intended primarily for tourism and business purposes. The UK ETA is already required for visitors from Gulf states including Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and is being extended globally in two stages. Travellers from most countries outside Europe will need an ETA to visit the UK from 8 January 2025, unless they are travelling on an eVisa. That long list includes Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and South Korea, who can all apply for an ETA as of 27 November 2024. The ETA will cost £10 (A$20) – paid via a credit or debit card at the time of your online application – and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires. As at 02 April 2025, citizens of most European countries will need an ETA to visit the UK.

10 September 2024

UK Universities Affected by Student Visa Restrictions

The president of Universities U.K. (UUK), which represents 141 British higher education institutions, said all its universities were "feeling the crunch" since the curbs came in last year. "There is now a clear choice: we can allow our distinguished, globally competitive higher education system to slide into decline or we can act together," said Sally Mapstone. The total income of the British higher education sector in 2022-23 was just over 50 billion pounds ($66 billion), most of it from tuition fees and grants. Typically, international students pay more in tuition fees than their domestic counterparts and have become a lucrative source of income for many institutions. But the previous government under Conservative ex-prime minister Rishi Sunak slapped restrictions on overseas student visas, banning many from bringing their families, as part of a crackdown on record levels of immigration. In the first four months of 2024, there were 30,000 fewer applications from overseas than in the same period in 2023. Universities have been warning for months about the effect on their finances, with fears shortfalls could see them slash courses and force some to the wall. Mapstone told a UUK conference in Reading that the current deficit in the sector was 1.7 billion pounds for teaching and 5 billion pounds for research. She urged "investment and support" from the government to maintain world-class teaching and research. Tuition fees paid by domestic students rose from 9,000 pounds to 9,250 pounds a year in 2017 but have been frozen since then, despite inflation.

20 August 2024

Immigration Issues Tops British Citizens' Concerns

According to the latest round of opinion polling from a leading research firm, immigration and related issues are at the top of peoples’ minds, for the first time since 2016. This result is unsurprising, given the intense focus on immigration that has re-emerged in the wake of social unrest in the country. Ipsos, who publish a monthly ‘Issues Index’ asking Britons what they think the most pressing issues are. The index for August shows that immigration is now top of the list, having jumped past such other issues as the economy, cost of living, and the country’s beleaguered National Health Service. The increase in recent months is stark. In March, immigration ranked fourth among concerns, with just under a quarter of Britons naming it the top concern. Just a few months later, it’s now over a third (34%). Just as notable is the 11% of people who said race relations was the biggest concern, while in previous months the issue was barely present, if at all. From the outside, this jump in concern over immigration and race in the U.K. might be a mystery, but few Britons will have any doubt as to what is behind it. The U.K. has experienced a month of serious social, and racial, unrest.

12 July 2024

UK Labour Government Focuses on Immigration Reforms

UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer has already confirmed he will immediately junk his Tory predecessor’s flagship immigration policy of deporting asylum seekers to the African nation of Rwanda, a strategy that was recently cemented in law after facing a series of challenges in the courts. The scheme cost British taxpayers hundreds of millions of pounds, without a single person being deported. Starmer told journalists at his first press conference after entering No. 10 Downing Street that “the Rwanda scheme was dead and buried before it started” and had “never been a deterrent” to would-be migrants as it would only ever have deported “less than 1 percent” of those arriving across the English Channel on small boats. However, the issue has been given new urgency by the huge number of Brits who voted for Nigel Farage’s anti-immigration Reform UK party, which came third in the popular vote in last Thursday’s election. Former Labour PM Tony Blair called on Starmer to grasp the nettle right away in order to stem the tide of right-wing populism seen in other countries such as France, arguing in the Sunday Times for the introduction of digital ID cards. “If we don’t have rules, we get prejudices,” he warned. Labour has already pledged to curb small boats crossing the Channel by launching a new border security command, which is expected to take shape in the coming days as Home Secretary Yvette Cooper appoints its commander. In Starmer’s first King’s Speech, a Border Security Bill will feature, on July 17 when the PM sets out his legislative program for the coming year. The bill will give authorities new counterterrorism powers to tackle organized crime and people-smuggling.

18 June 2024

Review of the Politics of UK’s post-Brexit Immigration

UK in a Changing Europe states that the report provides a comprehensive overview of the changes in policy, outcomes and public opinion that have reshaped the immigration landscape since the last general election in 2019. As the report notes, Brexit led to the most significant set of changes to the legal framework for immigration to the UK since the early 1970s. Since 2021 and the opening up of the economy after Covid, a liberalisation of the immigration system has resulted in historically high levels of migration, overwhelmingly from outside the EU. On public opinion, UK in a Changing Europe says the public now look back on the past two decades of EU migration as beneficial and have more positive views of immigration, though the spike in immigration in the last few years has partly, if not fully, reversed this shift. Immigration is now increasing in the political agenda again after a long post post-Brexit debate. UK in a Changing Europe reported that: "Brexit did indeed enable the UK government to 'take back control' of immigration policy. The current migration debate reflects the choices policymakers have made, balancing opportunities and challenges, and the effects – both anticipated and not – of those choices. This report aims to provide a clear and evidence-based account of these, and how they have been received by the public. We hope this will help to inform both voters and policymakers as they consider the choices to come, in the general election and after."

17 May 2024

International Students Affected by Visa Changes

Recently, job offers have been withdrawn from foreign graduates of British universities due to changes to the United Kingdom's visa rules that include an increase in the minimum wage needed to qualify for a skilled worker visa — from 26,200 GBP to 38,700 GBP. Leading employers, including HSBC, KPMG, and Deloitte, have reportedly cited the UK government's stringent new visa rules when revoking job offers made to foreign graduates. The UK government increased the threshold for qualification for a skilled worker visa to reduce the number of immigrants arriving in the country. While the threshold now stands at 38,700 GBP for older people, the wage needed by those aged 26 and under is slightly less onerous, at 30,960 GBP. However, many graduates have complained that employers are not recruiting young trainee workers at that pay level. The government's decision to raise the threshold for qualification for a skilled worker visa while at the same time considering abolishing the graduate visa program, which lets foreign graduates of UK universities remain in the country for two years, are causing widespread worry among overseas students, according to the UK's Migration Advisory Committee.

22 April 2024

UK Digital Visas to Replace Physical Documents by 2025

The Home Office, in the UK, has announced that it will invite those with physical immigration documents to create a biometric eVisa via email as part of the government’s greater plan to introduce a digital immigration system, with the goal of implementing eVisas for almost all visa holders in the country by 2025. The Home Office will send emails to those with physical immigration documents called biometric residence permits (BRPs), inviting them to make a UK Visas and Immigration account in order to access their digital visa. Users will be able to update their information associated with the document more easily. The process will be available to all permit holders in the summer of 2024, and will be free for physical document holders. Most BRPs will expire by the end of 2024, and all physical immigration documents will be phased out by 2025. Until they expire, the Home Office says that customers should keep carrying their physical documents as they travel internationally. EVisas reduce the risk of fraud and improve border security, as well as eliminate the ability for documents to be lost or stolen. The digital transition will increase automation and be the next step towards a contactless border.

26 March 2024

Proposed Visa-Free Travel to the UK for Thais

In a landmark development that promises to significantly enhance the travel and hospitality landscape between Thailand and the United Kingdom, the two nations have embarked on a strategic partnership that could pave the way for visa-free access for Thai passport holders to visit the UK. During his recent visit to Bangkok, this initiative, part of the broader UK-Thai Strategic Partnership agreement, was sealed with the signature of UK Foreign Secretary, Lord David Cameron. The major highlights of the Agreement are as follows: 1. Visa-Free Travel Talks: A pivotal aspect of the agreement is the initiation of discussions to grant visa-free access to Thai passport holders for short-term visits to the UK. This initiative is anticipated to enhance tourism and business travel, opening new avenues for travel and hospitality sector professionals to explore innovative service offerings and market expansions. 2. Bilateral Strategic Partnership: The agreement elevates the UK and Thailand’s relationship to a strategic partnership level, underscoring a commitment to deepen connections not only in travel and tourism but also in trade, security, and cultural exchanges. 3. Security and Cooperation: Amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, the agreement also encompasses enhanced security cooperation between the UK and Thailand.

12 March 2024

Care Workers Can No Longer Bring Family Members to the UK

New rules to radically cut net migration and prevent visa abuse are now in force as part of the government’s plan to decrease unsustainable levels of legal migration. Therefore, Care workers will now be restricted from bringing dependants, after a disproportionate 120,000 dependants accompanied 100,000 workers on the route, in 2023. In addition, Care providers in England acting as sponsors for migrants will also be required to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the industry regulator for Health and Social Care, to crack down on worker exploitation and abuse within the sector. It forms part of a broader package of measures, which is being implemented as soon as possible, which means a total of 300,000 people who were eligible to come to the UK last year would now no longer be eligible. There is clear evidence that care workers have been offered visas under false pretences for jobs that simply do not exist or to be paid far below the minimum wage required for their work, exploiting them while undercutting British workers. These changes come into force as the government is set to lay rules in Parliament on 14 March 2024 to prevent the continued undercutting of British workers, which includes raising the salary threshold that a skilled worker must meet in order to get a visa and removing the 20% ‘going-rate’ discount for migrant workers in shortage occupations.

08 February 2024

The UK's Immigration Health Surcharge Increase Takes Effect

The increase in the cost of the UK’s Immigration Health Surcharge for student visa holders has now taken effect, with fees rising by 65 per cent from the previous level. From 6th February 2024, student visa applicants, student dependents and youth mobility visa applicants will need to pay £776 GBP per year for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This is an increase compared with £470 GBP previously. However, the rate for students and working holiday makers is reduced from the full £1,035 GBP fee paid by other visa streams. The higher rate will apply to applicants for the Graduate Route of post-study work rights. The increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge was first announced in July 2023, by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who said the fees would be used to fund pay increases for public health workers.

28 December 2023

Salary Threshold for Family members of UK Residents will Not be Increased!

The decision to increase the salary threshold for non-native UK residents seeking to bring family members to the country has now been reversed by the UK Home office, following harsh criticism. Home Secretary James Cleverly had previously announced a rise in annual income required for this category from $23,687 to $49,286, but according to recent agreements, this amount was set at $36,932, with no set timeline for the higher threshold. Home Secretary James Cleverly defended the government’s targets, stating that he believes that the revised plans would impact the net migration, reducing it by approximately 300,000 people annually. In addition, he emphasized the need to prioritize fairness to those who significantly contribute to the economy while preventing system abuse through reduction of immigration numbers.

04 December 2023

Top German Politician calls for Closer Ties between the UK and EU

Martin Schulz, a former SPD leader, in Germany’s ruling Social Democratic party (SPD), has called for much closer links between the UK and the European Union (EU), amid increasing concerns that Brexit division is affecting efforts to solve international crises, including mass migration. Schulz said that it was crucial that regular meetings - “structured dialogue”, be established in order to cement the UK closer to the EU, and Germany, once again. This proposal should involve regular contacts between Government officials and citizens to discuss policy issues of common concern, despite being outside the EU's ambit. “The distance between the member states of the EU and the institutions of the union, and the UK, has increased during the last three or four years. Every day, it is a little bit more,” Schulz said.

26 October 2023

Carers from Overseas are Subjected to Exploitation

The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) reported that the Health and Care Worker Visa system in the UK is being abused by criminals, which is resulting in allegations of fraud and modern slavery. A GLAA Senior Investigating Officer stated that companies have been set up specifically to exploit overseas Heath care workers: "The sole purpose of these criminals is to use these people as cash cows. They are running businesses at a much-reduced cost because they're not paying them what they're supposed to. They're also charging them excessive fees." In addition, a Home Office Spokesperson said that the Government strongly condemns Offers of employment under false pretences, and Employers engaging in these illegal practices may face prosecution and/or removal from the sponsorship register.

19 September 2023

New Increases in UK Visa Fees, from 04 October

On 4th October 2023, subject to parliamentary approval, new increases in UK visa fees for Immigration and Nationality applications will come into effect. The escalation in fees is intended to fund Public sector pay rises and other critical services. Therefore, from 4 October, a Student visa lodged from outside the UK will increase by £127 to £490, which will be the same as a Student visa application made from within the UK. In addition, a Visitor visa for 6 months stay will rise from £15 to £115, plus there will equally be similar increases in Visa fees for Visitor visas for 2, 5 and 10 years. Note that increases to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) are not included in the latest fee rise, but the IHS fee is still planned to increase in Autumn 2023.

12 September 2023

66% of UK public 'dissatisfied with government’s approach to immigration'

Research reveals that two thirds of the public that were questioned across England, Scotland and Wales are dissatisfied with the way the Government is handling immigration, according to the Immigration Attitudes Tracker Survey. This is the highest level of dissatisfaction since the Brexit vote, in 2015. For 82% of Conservative supporters, the Government was 'not doing enough to stop Channel migrant crossings'. In addition, the Labour party accused the Government of having 'failed to get a grip' on th issue as the milestone of 23,000 crossings, in 2023 was reached.

30 August 2023

UK's Visa options are preventing Foreign Investors

The UK is an attractive location for foreign Investors due to the English language, Education system and access to London financial and other markets. However, there are currently limited Visa options to suppport the move to the UK. The Tier 1 (Investor) Visa was closed in February 2022, and there is no prospect of its re-opening. Therefore, Investors now may apply for just a Visitor visa for a 6 months stay, although regular visits cannot lead to UK Residence. In reality, the Skilled Worker visa is the most viable alternative to the Tier 1 (Investor) scheme for Applicants, which allows the Skilled Worker to be sponsored by a lawful UK organization, which has obtained a License to sponsor foreign workers. However, the Organixation must have a genuine requirement for the job and the Applicant must have the skills and experience required for the role.

9 August 2023

Increase in UK CAS and Student Visa Intake for Autumn 2023

Of the recent 100,000 or so Offers for Study at UK Educational Providers, visa issuances were up 62%, compared to 2022 numbers, and CAS issuances were up 11.4%, plus Course deposits paid also increased by 11.7%. However, statistics reveal that the key markets - India and Nigeria Student enrolments were down slightly. Regarding Nigeria, they have been experiencing economic issues, with the devaluation of their currency. From a positive perspective, Nepal had a large 225% increase in deposits paid, compared to 2022, and CAS Issuances jumped up by 259%.

7 August 2023

Businesses request Government to Re-consider Planned Increase in Skilled Worker Visa Fees

UK Business Groups claim that increasing the Skilled Worker Visa fees will be detrimental to the UK's competitiveness and affect efforts to deal with UK labour shortages. The UK Government's planned increase in Visa fees is to fund public sector pay rises. According to the Government's plan, a Skilled worker visa for 3 years duration would increase from £1,235 to £1,480. In addition, the annual Immigration Health Surcharge would increase 66% to £1,035. Therefore, total expenses to sponsor one Skilled worker is nearly £10,000, excluding the costs for Dependants