Blog
Keeping the peace at Christmas – top tips for shared parenting over the festive season
Lauren Evans
12 December 2013
Immigration Update: New Electronic Visa Waiver Scheme for Middle Eastern Business Travellers
As at 9 December the Home Office has proposed changes to the Immigration Rules to provide a new, straightforward and free alternative to a visa for short-term visitors from Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The intention is to extend the scheme to Kuwait later in 2014. These countries are currently visa nationals for the UK, which means that until now individuals have been required to apply for a visa in order to enter the UK as a visitor.
5 December 2013
Immigration Update: Launch of New ePassport Gates at Gatwick
On 4 December the Home Office announced the unveiling of new generation state of the art machines at London Gatwick airport which allow passengers with an electronic chip in their passport to pass quickly and efficiently through immigration control.
15 November 2013
Immigration Update: Home Office Launches Consultation on Charging
On 12 November 2013, the Home Office launched a consultation looking at changes to the charging principles. The consultation will last for 3 weeks and as part of the consultation the Home Office will be seeking views on how the Home Office charges customers and the services it provides. The last consultation on charging was carried out in 2009 and this is now a good opportunity for stakeholders to have their voice heard.
7 November 2013
Immigration Update: Home Office Targets Business Travellers with New Premium Visa Services
On 6 November, the government announced the launch of the GREAT Club, an invitation only service providing top business executives with bespoke support from UK visas and Immigration (UKVI). The Club will start initially in the New Year as a 12 month pilot aimed at around 100 global business leaders who use the visa service and have strong links to the UK. They will be provided with an account manager to ensure their visa and immigration service is swift and smooth. The account manager will also be able to arrange visa services tailored to each individual’s needs at no extra cost during the pilot.
31 October 2013
Immigration Update: Changes to Guidance on Prevention of Illegal Working
As of 28 October the Home Office has published an updated version of its guide for employers on preventing illegal working in the UK. This version replaces the previous one published in May 2012.