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| UK Immigration News and Articles |
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British visas issued to Indians fall by 20% |
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LONDON: The number of Indians receiving visas to travel to the UK, either to work or study, fell by nearly 20% over a year, according to the latest immigration data from the government's office of national statistics (ONS).
Days after Prime Minister David Cameron said the UK would welcome Indians coming to the UK with open arms, ONS data showed that the number of visas issued to Indians dipped by 18,365 -- a fall of 19% -- between 2011 and 2012. These figures do not exclude visitor and transit visas.
Asian nationals accounted for 273,927 (54%) of the 507,701 visas issued in 2012, with India and China each accounting for 15% of the total.
Between the year ending December 2011 and year ending December 2012, the nationalities with particularly large changes in visas issued were Pakistanis (down 25,841 or 48%),Indians (down 18,365 or 19%), Sri Lankans (down 4,202 or 45%), and Bangladeshis (down 3,175 or 30%). The Chinese, however, gained, with the number of visas issued rising by 7,050 or +10%.
Indian fears that new visa rules were making it difficult for students to study in the UK have also been proved right.
In the year ending December 2012, there were 209,804 visas issued for the purpose of study (excluding student visitors), a fall of 20% compared with the previous 12 months.>
According to ONS, "There was a significant decrease in the number of citizens from new Commonwealth countries like India immigrating to the UK from 168,000 the previous year to 117,000 in the year ending June 2012. This decrease is a result of fewer new Commonwealth citizens arriving to study in the UK."
ONS said "The latest data on study visas issued in the UK, (excluding student visitors, but which can also include people intending to stay in the UK for less than a year) show that in the year to December 2012, there were 209,804 visas issued for the purpose of study, which was a fall of 20% compared with the previous 12 months. There was also a 22% fall for sponsored student visa applications to 210,111 in the year ending December 2012.
March 2013, Times of India website
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Changes to the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) route |
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A written ministerial statement setting out the changes to the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) route has been laid in Parliament.
We are introducing the following changes:
an introduction of a genuine entrepreneur test which will give UK Border Agency caseworkers the ability to test the credibility of suspicious applicants; and
a change that requires the necessary minimum funds to be held, or invested in the business, on an ongoing basis rather than solely at the time of application.
These changes are being made in response to evidence that the route is being targeted by applicants seeking to abuse the Immigration Rules.
Immigration Minister Mark Harper said:
'We have acted quickly to stamp out abuse by those looking to play the system.
'The UK remains open to the brightest and best - genuine entrepreneurs with the ideas and motivation to drive economic growth will always be welcome in the UK.'
December 2013, UKBA website
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New immigration fees proposed |
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Today, Immigration Minister Mark Harper laid a written ministerial statement proposing fee increases for visa applications made overseas, and applications made in the UK.
The proposals laid in Parliament today and on 14 March, subject to Parliamentary approval, will take effect from 6 April 2013.
Immigration Minister, Mark Harper said:
'These increases are mostly in line with inflation and will ensure that the UK continues to welcome the brightest and the best. It is only right that those who use and benefit from the immigration system should contribute more than the UK taxpayer.'
The proposed fee increases takes place against a difficult financial context for the UK Border Agency and the government as a whole. We believe our proposals to increase fees strike the right balance between ensuring the UK Border Agency continues to provide a world class service and maintaining a fees structure that does not inhibit the UK's ability to continue to attract those businesses, migrants and visitors who most benefit the UK.
These adjustments will also allow us to improve our levels of customer service and deliver a high quality immigration service at a challenging time for public finances across the UK.
February 2013, UKBA website
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2012 August | UK Border Agency Announces Changes to Immigration Rights of EEA Nationals |
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The UKBA recently announced that changes have been made to the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2006, dealing specifically with the rights of EEA nationals (and their family members) to enter and live in the UK.
Changes include:
• Amendments to reflect current operational practice
• New rights of residence
• Restrictions on free movement rights
• The extension of refusal powers based on public policy, public health, and public security
• Amended appeal rights
The regulations were amended to give effect to certain judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union (ECJ), which establishes new rights to enter and reside in the UK and restricts the terms on which free movement rights can be exercised.
These changes will affect
• Primary carers of self-sufficient EEA national children, children of EEA national workers or former workers where the child is in education in the UK
• Primary carers of children of EEA national workers or former workers where the child is in education in the UK
• Dependent children under the age of 18 of the primary carers in each of the aforementioned categories
A new application form will be available on the UKBA website shortly and guidance for applicants will be available on their website too – in the European Nationals section.
In the meantime, applicants must complete Form EEA2 and include a covering letter to explain the reason for their application. Applicants should post the form and letter to this address:
UK Border Agency
European Applications, PO Box 306, Dept 110, Liverpool, L2 0QN
If you have any visa or immigration-related questions, contact info@smartmove2uk.com
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2012 August Australia | ACS Migration Agent Notice |
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The ACS would like to announce that CISCO certifications will be accepted for ICT skills assessments from 20 August 2012.
The Skills Assessment Guidelines for Applicants are now updated with CISCO certification details and improved process updates.
For any information we can assist you with, please contact us on info@smartmove2uk.com
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2012 August | UK | Warning about fake UK Border Agency websites and calls |
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We are aware of a number of scam e-mails and websites claiming to be sent and operated by us; and of calls made by people posing as our staff.
The scams that we are aware of include:
• Foreign criminals advertising fake UK jobs on the internet. Individuals that apply are told they have a job and are directed to a link to pay for visa and work permit fees. These websites are not operated by us, and you should not click on any of the links or pay any money.
• Students at a number of UK universities have received calls from individuals who claim they work for the UK Border Agency, giving a false name and a return phone number. These calls are not from the UK Border Agency. The caller may appear to be genuine and convincing and explain that there is a serious problem with your immigration status, and that you need to send a payment as soon as possible to prevent further action including deportation.
• A request for payment of a deposit as proof that you have sufficient funds to support your arrival in the UK until your first salary is received.
The scams which we are aware of have been reported by us to action fraud, the UK's national fraud reporting centre. There may also be other scams which have not been brought to our attention.
If you believe that you received a suspicious call or e-mail, or come across a suspicious website:
• Do not give out any personal information, or confirm that any personal information they have is correct
• Do not make any payment
• Do report the matter online to action fraud (www.actionfraud.police.uk) or by calling Action Fraud on 0300 123 204
You should always access the official UK Border Agency website by typing: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk into your internet browser. Official UK government websites will have a .gov.uk at the end of their website address. When e-mailing us, you should also ensure that the e-mail address is genuine. The following example are what you would expect when receiving or sending an email to us: name.surname@UKBA.gsi.gov.uk or name.surname@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk.
Sometimes these exact addresses will appear on the screen, but when you click on the address, a different e-mail address will be selected, so you should also be aware of this.
The UK government will never use free e-mail accounts such as hotmail, yahoomail, or gmail to contact you.
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2012 July | UK | Applying for settlement from inside the UK |
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New Immigration Rules came into force on 9 July 2012 which changed the length of time that family members must be in the UK before applying for settlement.
The Rules apply to partners of:
• British citizens;
• someone settled in the UK;
• someone in the UK with refugee leave; or
• someone in the UK with humanitarian protection.
If you applied to come to the UK or for permission to stay here on or before 8 July 2012 and that permission was granted, you will need to be in the UK for 2 years before you can apply for settlement.
If you applied to come to the UK or for permission to stay here on or after 9 July 2012 for the 5-year family route and that permission was granted, you will need to be in the UK for 5 years before you can apply for settlement. You will initially be given leave to enter for 2 and a half years, and then you can apply for another period of 2 and a half years.
If you applied on or after 9 July 2012 to come to the UK or for permission to stay here for the 10-year family route, or for permission to stay here on the 10-year private life route and that permission was granted, you will need to be in the UK for 10 years before you can apply for settlement. You will initially be given leave to enter for 2 and a half years, and then you can apply for three more periods of 2 and a half years. |
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2012 July | UK | Changes to the family migration Immigration Rules come into effect on 9 July 2012 |
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A number of changes to the Immigration Rules come into effect on 9 July 2012. These changes will affect non-European Economic Area (non-EEA) nationals applying to enter or remain in the UK under the family migration route.
These changes will define the basis on which a person can enter or remain in the UK on the basis of their family or private life, unifying consideration under the rules and Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
If you already have leave to enter or remain in the UK, on the basis of being the spouse or partner of a settled person, you will need to meet the rules which were in force before 9 July 2012 if you apply for settlement.
The changes include:
• introducing a new minimum income threshold of £18,600 for sponsoring the settlement in the UK of a spouse or partner, or fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner of non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationality, with a higher threshold for any children also sponsored; £22,400 for one child and an additional £2,400 for each further child;
• publishing, in casework guidance, a list of factors associated with genuine and non-genuine relationships, to help UK Border Agency caseworkers to focus on these issues;
• extending the minimum probationary period for settlement for non-EEA spouses and partners from two years to five years, to test the genuineness of the relationship;
• abolishing immediate settlement for the migrant spouses and partner where a couple have been living together overseas for at least 4 years, and requiring them to complete a 5 year probationary period;
• from October 2013, requiring all applicants for settlement to pass the Life in the UK Test and present an English language speaking and listening qualification at B1 level or above of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages unless they are exempt; andv
• allowing adult and elderly dependants to settle in the UK only where they can demonstrate that, as a result of age, illness or disability, they require a level of long-term personal care that can only be provided by a relative in the UK, and requiring them to apply from overseas rather than switch in the UK from another category, for example as a visitor.
The changes to the Immigration Rules were announced by the Government on 11 June 2012 and they form part of the Government's programme of reform of the immigration routes. The changes are being introduced following wide consultation and expert advice from the Migration Advisory Committee.
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‘Avoid False Documentation, UK Visa applicants advised’ |
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Every year thousands of aspirants apply for UK Visa that will allow them to live, work or study in the UK. United Kingdom remains an attractive destination for Indian Students as some of the educational institutions do not require IELTS.
Also the Points Based System has made the process more transparent to apply for visas. For instance the Tier 1 Visas for General
migrants that encourages professionals with a Master’s Degree or its equivalent to apply for a 3 year renewable visa that will allow them to live and work in the UK. Businessmen and investors can seek to apply under the Tier 1 Investor category if they want to set up businesses in the UK.
Though the points based system is objective it puts a lot of premium on individuals to provide true and fair account of themselves and their credentials. However, according to a recent UK Home Affairs Committee from April to June, nearly 49.1% visa applications from Indian students were rejected due to false documentation. The rejection rate on account of false documents submitted remains high for other categories of UK Visas too.
“UK Visa aspirants must respect the conditions of documentation laid down by the UKBA and the Home Office and follow it in letter and spirit. Any abuse of the system will only serve to make the application process more cumbersome for the genuine applicants” said Falguni Laheru, Senior Solicitor (Immigration), SmartMove2UK.
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Tier 2 Visa Norms Get Tighter |
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The norms for Tier 2 migrants is all set to get tougher, with Home Secretary Alan Johnson accepting recommendations from the independent Migration Advisory Committee.
Some of the changes to the existing rules under the Points Based System for Tier 2 migrants under the Intra Company Transfers category are:
• The threshold of income at which foreign nationals become eligible for a work permit, to be raised from £17,000 to £20,000 pounds a year.
• The qualifying period for the applicant with the company overseas to be extended from 6 to 12 months;
• Jobs to be advertised at the Job centre plus for a duration of four weeks from the current two weeks.
• a separate scheme is created for graduates only which would require 3 months prior experience with the company, but with a maximum stay in the UK of 12 months.
Tier-two workers include those coming to the U.K. to fill a job gap that cannot be filled by a settled worker, intra-company transfers, elite sports people and ministers of religion, missionaries and members of a religious order.
Falguni Laheru, Senior Solicitor (Immigration), SmartMove2UK said that, “traditionally migrants have played the role of a catalyst in jumpstarting economies by bringing in diverse skill, innovation and energy helping in the development of the land they entered, in light of such results, the current tightening of norms are probably not in the best long term interests of the United Kingdom, as the UK is likely to require the drive and enterprise of the immigrants to recover from the current economic downturn.”
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Skilled migrants to have ID cards from April 2010 |
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The Home Secretary announced the speeding up of the roll out of ID cards for skilled migrants to enable them to benefit from a secure and simple way to prove their entitlement to live, work and study in the UK. While at the same time it will dissuade the illegal migrants to benefit from the privileges of living in UK.
Since their introduction, 90,000 cards have been issued, mainly to students renewing their visa under Tier 4 of the points based system and those renewing marriage visas. From January 2010, skilled foreign workers under Tier 2 of the Points-Based System will be issued ID cards.
Skilled migrants renewing their visas to stay in the UK will be issued with an ID card from the New Year. The roll-out has been brought forward from April 2010 and will add around 30,000 foreign nationals a year to those currently being issued with identity cards. |
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UK Immigration Rules for Sole Representatives and Representatives of Overseas Media Businesses Amended |
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The UKBA announced changes to the Immigration Rules that will be effective from 1st October 2009. Among the changes announced is the change to the current criteria for the admission of representatives of overseas businessescoming to the United Kingdom for the purposes of establishing a branch of that business. These changes will also re-introduce provision for representatives of overseas media businesses.
The amends for the sole representative and for representatives of overseas media businesses require that the applicant is competent in English language at least to a basic user standard.
In the case of sole representatives, it will be required that the branch which the overseas worker will establish must be concerned with same type of business activity as the overseas business; and the provisions for representatives of overseas businesses will cover employees of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organization posted on a long-term assignment to the United Kingdom.
Those admitted under the revised provisions for representatives of overseas businesses will be admitted for an initial period of up to three years, and will be able to extend their stay for a further two years.
Those who have applied for entry clearance before 1 October 2009 will be considered under the criteria in force on 30 September 2009. Nor will the new requirements for sole representatives apply to sole representatives admitted under the previous rules and seeking an extension of stay after 1 October 2009.
If you need any immigration advice or help with Living and working in UK, Studying in the UK, Settlement Visas, Citizenship, Sponsorship, extending Work Permits, Tier 1 Visas or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@smartmove2uk.com or visit www.smartmove2uk.com |
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UKBA announces new policy announcements for Tier 4 of the points-based system |
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In line with the launch of the sponsorship management system for Tier 4 of the points-based system on 5 October 2009, the UK Border Agency has announced new policy for Tier 4 sponsors and would-be students.
From October 2009, Tier 4 applicants will need to have enough money to cover their course fees and maintenance. They must normally show that they have held this money for a 28-day period ending no more than one month before their application. For the students who are already in the United Kingdom transitional arrangements have been made, under which would-be students who make a Tier 4 application from inside the United Kingdom before February 2010 will only need to show that they have the money needed on the day when they apply. They will still be required to provide correct documents to support their application.
Also from 5 October 2009, new Tier 4 students' permission to stay in the United Kingdom will be 'tied' to the education provider that is sponsoring them bringing Tier 4 visas in line with other tiers of the points-based system. The sponsor’s reference number will now be sited on the passport or on their identity card for foreign nationals.
Falguni Laheru, Senior Solicitor (Immigration), SmartMove2UK further advises that “Students wishing to change education providers must consider the changes to the Tier 4 rules and plan in advance so that the entire process can be handled in a seamless and stress free manner and avoid the students falling foul of UK Visa regulations.”
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Changes to the new versions of application forms from October 2009 |
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A Commerce and Industry delegation from India to the UK is presently in the UK to discuss the possibility of a bilateral social security agreement with UK to protect the interest of large number of Indian professionals working in UK by securing exemption from social security contributions in case of short term contracts.
India exports around 3.5 billion dollar worth of services to UK which includes services like transportation, health, IT and other business services. Indian professionals are required to pay nearly 30 to 40 per cent of their earnings to social security schemes without any commensurate benefits.
Other issues raised by the delegation include the raising of academic and financial requirements for Tier 1 of the Points Based System for highly skilled migrants.
The trade body delegation is expected to push for fast track registration of Indian medical personal in UK and to have Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with India in health services.
Other issues of concern to Indian business like stringent standards for agriculture and food items in UK would also be taken up by the delegation.
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Efforts on to make Indian services suppliers to the UK more competitive |
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| In addition to the changes to the visa regulations the UKBA has also announced new versions of the application forms for the following visa categories to be used from 1st October 2009. The details of the forms are |
| Form |
Previous version |
New version |
| Tier 1 (General) |
04/09 |
10/09 |
| Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) |
04/09 |
10/09 |
| Tier 1 (Investor) |
04/09 |
10/09 |
| Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) |
04/09 |
10/09 |
| Tier 2 |
04/09 |
10/09 |
| Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) |
04/09 |
10/09 |
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| SmartMove2UK is an independent consulting company specialising in UK immigration , UK work permit and UK Appeal applications
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Students shift focus to UK and Canadian Universities |
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The recent attacks on the students in Australia are already starting to have an impact on the prospective students who were or are contemplating studying abroad. Currently USA, UK and Australia are the top destinations from students seeking higher education abroad. With smaller proportion of students also considering Canada, Singapore, Dubai and New Zealand.
However given the depressing macro economic climate in the USA and the racial tensions in Australia are leading more and more students to reconsider their decisions to study in these countries. There is strong preference for traditional destinations like UK and Canada which on several counts work out to be cheaper options for the students.
In a series of moves aimed at limiting damage, the Australian Higher Education authorities have adopted more stringent measures like CCTV surveillance, 24 hour security on campus, ensuring well lit areas and incident reporting of any adverse events. |
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Amendments to UK Tier 4 Immigration forms for students introduced |
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The UK Immigration authorities have released a new form effective from June 2009 for individuals applying for UK Student Visas under the Tier 4 of the Points based system.
As part of the changes the transitional arrangements now require the Tier 4 aspirant to prove that they have adequate funds to meet the Tier 4 student visa requirements on the day of their application, as against the 28 days prior to application required earlier. These arrangements are to be in place till 30th September 2009.
In other changes the Tier 4 student visa application forms have been amended to take in to account the different levels of funding required by the applicants depending on their location. Specifically in context of funds required if they are in inner London or studying in outer London areas. The requirement for maintenance funds would be higher for applicants undertaking courses in Inner London (£800 per month) as compared to those undertaken courses in Outer London that will have a lower level of maintenance funds (£600 per month).
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Ageing population may force UK to relax visa restrictions by Hemang Laheru |
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In today’s turbulent times while most developed economies move towards protectionism and visa restrictions on migrants to protect national job markets, the changing demographic profile of the local populations is more than likely to force countries like UK to rethink their immigration policies.
UK Population statistics indicate that UK has a large number of people in the mid-to late-40s compared to the population in the younger age groups. New research also indicates that UK birth rates affect immigration levels: historically, when fewer babies are being born, more migrants move to the UK; when the birth rate increases, emigration exceeds immigration. In the UK like in Japan as the older people retire over the next 15-20 years, the demand will have to met by migrant workers.
While the UK Home Office has moved to reduce its immigration program to protect the jobs of local workers during the recession. Most people agree that in a short while the Points Based System would have to be made more inclusive so as to facilitate entry of skilled workers to take over from a retiring population.
For instance in highly specialized medical arena where Doctors need to undertake anywhere between 5 – 8 years of training, the UK government will have to find ways of providing alternate healthcare should they choose to continue their current immigration policies.
Presently there have been significant changes in Tier 1 visas for skilled migrants that now requires applicants to have at least a Masters' degree and a minimum salary of £20,000 in order to qualify for a Tier 1 skilled migration visa. This could possibly have a impact on the shortage of Doctors as the requirement of a Master’s degree prevents qualified Doctors from applying under the Highly Skilled Migrants Program Program since a medical degree is only classed as a Bachelor’s degree.
The norms for Tier 2 Visas for Points Based System with job offers now also require the employers to advertise vacancies in UK Job centres before offering positions to non EU nationals. Meanwhile Tier 3 has been suspended until further notice, and several countries have been removed from visa-waiver programs.
However, there is a small minority that is of the view that in light of the adverse population statistics and slow fertility rates it is imperative that the UK maintains its reputation as a good place to live so as to attract skilled and younger foreign workers in order to uphold the future of the economy.
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Points Based System needs to be more inclusive |
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Falguni Laheru Senior Solicitor Immigration at SmartMove2UK said that while UK Government’s Points Based System was an effective system, it needed to be more inclusive to the needs of specialist industries that require creative minded resource. The restrictions of the points based system are impacting or are likely to impact industries as diverse as game developers to performing artists to medical fraternity.
She cited the research released by a UK Trade association of games developers that shows almost 63% of game developers had found it difficult to fill vacancies in their organisation’s workforce over the previous 12 months.
The game developers reporting skill shortages found it particularly hard to fill vacancies for programmers, artists and designers. The PBS for regulating migration to the UK gives preference to highly skilled migrants who are entrepreneurs, innovators or financially well heeled or high end research and engineering professionals. Often companies who are involved in the creative industries like hospitality and games development.
The current system could also lead to a shortage of Doctors as the requirement of a Master’s degree prevents qualified Doctors from applying under the Highly Skilled Migrants Program Program since a medical degree is only classed as a Bachelor’s degree.
The changes will also adversely impact medical students disallowing student doctors who have been studying in the UK for up to seven years to work in the NHS or privately, on completion of their course.
The new system for UK Visas also presents a challenge for performing arts group as it is now much difficult for performing artists to obtain Points Based System under the new Points Based System.
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Genuine overseas students 'denied entry to UK |
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'Great suspicion' of foreign students by UK Border Agency is risking cashflow for higher education, complain business school leaders.
The enforcement of complicated new visa laws are deterring overseas students who bring billions of pounds to the UK economy, business school leaders have warned.
The government introduced a Points
Based System for non-European students on 31 March to prevent terrorists from entering the country, and to crack down on bogus colleges.
Almost three quarters of the 340,000 overseas students studying at UK universities in 2007-08 were non-EU nationals. As the pound is weak thousands more are expected to apply to study here.
The British Council estimates international students are worth more than £8.5bn to the UK economy.
But as universities recruit for next year there is growing alarm that UK Border Agency officials are incorrectly interpreting the rules and rejecting genuine students, threatening a huge source of revenue when the UK is already in financial crisis.
Officials from the umbrella group Universities UK are meeting with the Home Office this week to raise the issue of lengthy delays and inconsistencies in visa decisions for students and staff.
Rather than focusing on fraudulent applications, officials are making decisions based on photo backgrounds and addresses written in the wrong order.
Problems will become increasingly serious for institutions as their recruitment cycle peaks in July and August and students are left unable to start courses in September.
Prof Andrew Clare, associate dean of Cass Business School, said the rules were already having an effect. "This is a one shot game – students don't get a second try if there's a mistake on their application form," he said.
In one case an application was rejected because a copy of a degree certificate from 20 years ago had been submitted, rather than the original.
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UK Border Agency fines UK Employers for hiring illegals |
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UK Border Agency has carried out a series of raids on UK establishments that hire illegals. In May, a Chinese restaurant in Colchester was fined £ 96,000 the biggest ever handed down by a court in Britain for employing illegal workers from Malaysia, China and Indonesia.
The raid by the UK Border Agency and Police authorities follows similar raids on establishments in other parts of the country.
A spokesman for the UK Border Agency confirmed that three people were arrested in the raids on suspicion of being illegal immigrants. The owners of the restaurants face a potential £10,000 fine for each illegal worker found.
Gail Adams, the UK Border Agency regional director for the Midlands and East of England, said the record fine sent a clear message that both the agency and the court would not tolerate hiring of illegal workers.
Falguni Laheru, Senior Solicitor Immigration SmartMove2UK adds that UK employers need to be more diligent in reviewing the paperwork of their immigrant employees, and if there are any doubts they can get additional information from UK Border Agency.
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HSMP Forum judicial review: arrangements resulting from the judgment of 6 April 2009 |
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The UK Border Agency has put arrangements in place for migrants covered by the judgment of 6 April 2009 in the judicial review brought by the HSMP Forum Ltd.
The judgment relates to the 'continuous residence’ requirement for migrants who want to settle (or be given 'indefinite leave to remain') in the United Kingdom. It covers migrants who were sent a Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) approval letter on the basis of applications made before 3 April 2006, and who obtained entry clearance or permission to stay in the United Kingdom (also called 'leave to remain') on the basis of that letter.
The arrangements are set out in a policy document and in the HSMP Forum judicial review (settlement in the United Kingdom) section of this website. |
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Immigration and asylum statistics released |
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A series of immigration statistics covering migration from Eastern Europe, asylum applications, removals and voluntary departures were published by the Home Office this May revealed that work applications from the eight accession countries have fallen to their lowest level since they joined the European Union (EU) in 2004, according to the latest Accession Monitoring Report.
In the first three months of 2009 there were 23,000 applications down from 48,755 in the same period in 2008. The decrease is mainly explained by a drop in Polish applicants, which fell to 12,000 in the first quarter of 2009 from 32,000 in the same period in 2008.
Phil Woolas claimed that these statistics reveal a balancing of immigration as more Eastern Europeans are now leaving the UK to return home. Indicating the increasing prosperity in post Soviet Eastern Europe.
In addition the control of immigration statistics show that between January and March this year 15,840 people who had no right to be here were removed from the country or departed voluntarily. In the same period in 2008 16,760 people were removed or departed voluntarily. |
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