20 February 2020
The Immigration Rules meet the Law Commission
Last month the Law Commission issued Report 388 on Simplification of the Immigration Rules. This followed a year of consultation and examination of the rules with a view to their improvement. It will come as no surprise to anyone who has had even a casual relationship with the Rules that it took the Law Commission 41 Recommendations to express the urgent need for reform and provide guidance for that process.
20 February 2020
“Spot the difference" – Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) and Global Talent
Today, 20 February, new rules come into force with the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) category changing its name to Global Talent. See our new dedicated Global Talent page here and previous blog on this change here.
19 February 2020
Pointless points based posturing in Government’s new immigration policy proposals
The Government has today published a policy statement on their proposals ‘to fulfil our commitment to the British public and take back control of our borders’. The policy announcement touts it as an approach which ‘will transform the way in which all migrants come to the UK’. This is a significant overstatement.
18 February 2020
UKVI coronavirus guidance: good news for those already with UK visas but no guidance for those in the process of applying for a UK visa
Much anticipated UKVI guidance on the coronavirus has been published and it has sensibly set out a number of provisions for those who already hold a visa in the UK. There is also the introduction of the UKVI coronavirus immigration helpline (free call: 0800 678 1767 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm), and an email address for queries not covered by this guidance. At first glance, the guidance is helpful but questions remain for those who may have pending applications in China and issues applicants may face in light of the coronavirus outbreak.
13 February 2020
Government to respond to Migration Advisory Committee report
After the Cabinet meeting tomorrow, the government will respond to last month’s Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) report on the future of the post-Brexit UK immigration system. The changes will take effect from 1 January 2021 and will be enormously significant for employers of EU citizens.