A Scale-up Worker visa allows you to come to the UK to work for a fast-growing UK business, often referred to as a ‘scale-up business’. Your UK employer must meet specific eligibility criteria to sponsor scale-up workers.
What is a Scale-up Worker Visa? Read More »
The latest statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) paint a striking picture of the decline in UK Study Visas. This downturn is driven primarily by recent policy changes targeting international students and their dependants. Recent statistics released by ONS highlight a significant decline in the issuance of UK study visas, driven by policy
UK Study Visas Drop by 16% Due to Stricter Rules Read More »
As an employer in the UK, one of your key responsibilities is to ensure adherence to immigration laws. The Home Office may conduct compliance checks or immigration audits to verify that you are meeting your obligations, particularly in relation to the lawful employment of workers. While the prospect of an Immigration audit can be daunting,
Avoid Penalties During An Immigration Audit Read More »
Travelling to the UK has become more streamlined with the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This article provides a comprehensive overview of what an ETA is, who needs it, and how to apply for it.
Understanding the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Read More »
The tragic story of Sara Sharif has brought to light glaring failures in the UK’s immigration, social services, and child protection systems. At the heart of this tragedy is a series of systemic breakdowns that failed to protect a vulnerable child despite overwhelming evidence of abuse. The Journey of a Broken System Sara’s father, Urfan
Securing a Sponsor Licence is a crucial step for businesses seeking to hire skilled workers from outside the UK. However, the application process is complex, and mistakes can result in delays, refusals, or even compliance penalties. At Morgan Smith Immigration, we understand the challenges businesses face. Here, we outline five common mistakes HR teams often make and offer practical advice to help you understand the process effectively.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a UK Sponsor Licence Read More »
The Minister of Religion visa (T2) allows individuals to work in the UK within a faith community, such as a minister of religion, missionary, or member of a religious order. This visa is essential for those who have been offered a job in the UK and meet the necessary eligibility requirements.
Minister of Religion Visa (T2): A Comprehensive Guide Read More »
The Home Office has extended the deadline for the eVisa rollout, pushing the transition start date from 31 December 2024 to the end of March 2025. While this delay offers temporary relief, it highlights deeper issues with the system’s readiness. Persistent technical challenges have sparked fears of significant travel disruptions and chaos at borders, leaving many questioning whether the extended timeline will be enough to resolve these concerns.
If you are planning to apply for a Health and Care Worker visa in the UK, it’s crucial to understand the different salary requirements. Here’s our expert advice to help you understand the key points.
Understanding Salary Requirements for the Health and Care Worker Visa Read More »
The UK government is urging visa holders to switch from physical immigration documents, including the BRP card, to eVisas. This change is part of a move towards a digital, streamlined border and immigration system.
Switch to an eVisa Now: Advice from Morgan Smith Immigration Lawyers Read More »
PM Keir Starmer has strongly criticised the previous Conservative government’s approach to immigration, describing their policies as a “different order of failure. The Prime Minister accused the Tories of running a “one-nation experiment in open borders” and failing to fulfil repeated promises to reduce net migration. This article delves into Starmer’s pointed remarks, explores the latest immigration statistics, and examines Labour’s plans to address migration challenges.
Keir Starmer’s Migration Plan: Ambitious Reforms or Unrealistic Promises? Read More »
Ministers are set to delay the full transition to eVisas, initially planned for 1 January 2024, due to mounting concerns over system glitches that could leave residents stranded abroad or unable to prove their right to remain in the UK. This delay highlights significant challenges in modernising the UK’s immigration framework, with critics urging the government to resolve these issues before fully phasing out physical documentation like biometric residence permits and adopting the new eVisa System.
Ministers to Postpone Full eVisa Transition Due to Concerns Over System Glitches Read More »
The UK Government is introducing stringent measures to address visa abuse and protect overseas workers from exploitation, delivering on a key manifesto commitment to tackle unethical practices in recruitment and employment. Rogue employers who commit serious offences, such as repeated violations of visa rules or failure to pay the National Minimum Wage, will face enhanced penalties, including a ban on sponsoring overseas workers for a minimum of two years.
Rogue Employers to Be Banned from Hiring Overseas Talent Read More »
The UK Government has announced substantial updates to its immigration policies, reflecting a dual commitment to protecting national borders and providing support to those in need. These changes, part of broader UK immigration reforms, include the reinstatement of visa requirements for Colombian nationals, following concerns over increased asylum claims and border refusals, and significant adjustments to the Ukraine Schemes to ensure continued sanctuary for displaced individuals amid the ongoing conflict.
In 2022, the British government made a significant decision to waive visa requirements for Colombian visitors. This move, hailed as a diplomatic achievement by Colombian government, marked a new era of Cooperation and trust between the two nations. For Colombians, it was a moment of pride, as years of negotiations under former Presidents, Ambassador and the Foreign Office Affair finally bore fruit. However, just two years later, this privilege is under scrutiny as reports of prolific system abuse raised concerns about reinstating the visa requirement. The visa exemption was intended to encourage tourism and strengthen cultural and economic ties. Unfortunately, for some individuals it has become an opportunity to exploit the system. A concerning trend has emerged: individuals entering the UK on visitor visas only to overstay and submit asylum applications, often with fabricated claims.
Colombian Visit Visa Waiver comes to an end on the 24th of Dec 2024 Read More »
The UK has witnessed a significant 14% drop in student visa applications in October 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This marks a worrying trend for the higher education sector, with only 8,900 applications recorded last month, the lowest monthly figure since March 2024.
UK Reports 14% Decline in Student Visa Applications This October Read More »
The new eVisa system in the UK; designed to streamline immigration status verification, has left many immigrants facing unexpected and stressful challenges. By discontinuing the issuance of replacement Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) cards, individuals who have lost their BRP cards are left without physical proof of their immigration status. To make matters worse, the eVisa
Lost BRP, Lost Access: How The Evisa System Fails Those Who Lost Their BRP Cards Read More »
In recent remarks at the Interpol conference, Sir Keir Starmer reaffirmed a familiar commitment to reduce net migration and address the UK’s economic dependency on it. However, his pledge reflects a long-standing pattern of political promises regarding UK immigration that have historically fallen short, leaving the public sceptical of unfulfilled assurances. Starmer’s aims echo those of former leaders like David Cameron, Boris Johnson, and Rishi Sunak, who all grappled with similar goals, yet faced significant barriers when it comes delivering results. This historical context highlights the challenges Starmer faces in distinguishing his immigration strategy from those of his predecessors.
The UK Home Office recently introduced the eVisa system, a shift from physical immigration documents to digital records. Although this initiative is intended to streamline immigration status verification, the transition to eVisas has left some residents, especially those who have lived in the UK for decades, feeling uncertain about their future. While this move is intended to streamline processes and enhance security, it has sparked significant concern among long-term residents in the UK, particularly those who are not tech-savvy.
Are Technical Issues Putting Millions at Risk in the eVisa Transition? Read More »
Since TLScontact took over from Sopra Steria for biometric services, the quality of service has ignited controversy and raised questions about the agency’s policy choices. When the Home Office announced this change, there was widespread scepticism about the transition, partly due to reports that services outside the UK have not always met expected standards, including issues with uploading and categorising documents. Initially, TLScontact selected the Interchange Building in Croydon for their visa centre, but they later moved their office to Lansdowne Rd. This unexpected change significantly impacted the availability of appointments and raised critical questions about the Home Office’s policies and their effect on immigration services. Currently, the Home Office has yet to provide guidance on addressing the TLScontact appointment shortage.
Home Office’s TLScontact Decision: Chaos In Securing Appointments Exposed Read More »
On 15th October 2024, TLScontact officially took over the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) from Sopra Steria. This transition, however, has not been without its challenges. While the change was intended to streamline and improve the visa application process, many users have reported significant issues since TLScontact assumed control.
TLScontact Takes Over Sopra Steria: A Troubled Transition Read More »
The UK Home Office has announced a significant change to its immigration documentation process, confirming that Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) will no longer be issued after 31 October 2024. This shift is part of a broader plan to transition to a fully digital immigration system, designed to enhance both security and efficiency.
Home Office to Stop Issuing BRP Cards After 31 October 2024 Read More »
A sponsor licence is permission granted by the Home Office to employers, allowing them to hire foreign workers under specific visa categories. Maintaining this licence requires strict adherence to compliance duties throughout its term. If these obligations are breached or not followed, the Home Office may suspend the licence to conduct further investigations. Such suspensions can significantly disrupt business operations, making it crucial for sponsors to act swiftly. Addressing any concerns and challenging the suspension promptly is essential to minimise operational disruptions.
UK Sponsor Licence Suspension: What You Need to Know Read More »
The UK government’s recent introduction of the UK eVisa system has triggered significant concern among long-standing residents. Although this shift aims to modernise the immigration process through digital transformation, many individuals who have lived in the UK for decades now feel uncertain about their future in the country.
New eVisa System Sparks Uncertainty for Long-Term UK Residents Read More »
The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa presents an exceptional route for graduates from globally recognised universities to live and work in the UK, with no requirement for a job offer. Designed for individuals who have earned a qualification within the last 5 years, High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa grants permission to stay in the UK for at least two years, or three years if they possess a PhD or other doctoral degree. Although it cannot be extended, the flexibility to switch to other visa types, such as the Skilled Worker visa, ensures that the potential for growth and contribution in the UK remains limitless. Partners and children of the visa holder can apply to join or remain in the UK as dependants, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa Read More »
The British Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) has seen a significant decline in numbers, with only 23,000 individuals arriving in the UK under this visa programme last year. This figure represents a mere fraction of the overall net migration, which stood at 685,000 in 2023. The drop in YMS participants has sparked discussions about the future of youth mobility and its implications for the UK’s labour market and cultural exchange.
Youth Mobility Visa Numbers Drop: Just 23,000 Came to the UK Last Year Read More »
In recent months, a contentious debate has emerged in the United Kingdom regarding UK visa restrictions on India. The crux of the matter lies in the growing number of illegal migrants from India residing in the UK and the perceived lack of cooperation from the Indian government in repatriating them. Consequently, UK leaders are advocating for stricter UK visa restrictions on India, including halting all visa routes for Indian citizens until the situation is effectively addressed.
In recent years, migrant care workers arriving in the UK with hopes of better opportunities have found themselves trapped in a grim reality of exploitation and despair. Many of these workers, primarily from third world countries, have paid substantial sums to recruitment agents, who promised them jobs in the UK’s healthcare sector. But upon arrival,
In the latest Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 217), published on 10 September 2024, the UK government has announced the reintroduction of a visa requirement for Jordanian nationals. This move comes in response to a significant rise in the misuse of travel authorisations by visitors and transit passengers from Jordan. The newly
UK Reintroduces Visa Regime for Jordanian Nationals Read More »
The first half of 2024 has seen a significant drop in the issuance of work visas in the United Kingdom, a trend that has attracted much attention and analysis. The Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford recently published a detailed report that sheds light on this notable shift. This article delves into the key