The UK government is cracking down on rogue immigration advisers. These individuals often exploit vulnerable migrants with false promises. Under the new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, regulators will gain stronger powers. They can now act faster against illegal operators.
Rogue Immigration Advisers Face Hefty £15k Fines Under New Legal Reforms Read More »
Over the past two years, the UK has witnessed a concerning rise in the exploitation of migrant workers, particularly in sectors like social care and agriculture. Workers lured by the promise of stable employment and a better future are often met instead with poor working conditions, withheld wages and in some cases psychological abuse. Now, legal experts and advocacy groups are urging the Home Secretary to act.
Migrant Workers Deserve Protection—But Why Are They Still Taking the Risk? Read More »
More than 60 Labour MPs and peers have urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to introduce a youth mobility visa scheme with the EU, calling it a vital step toward rebuilding economic and diplomatic ties with the bloc. The proposed scheme would allow 18- to 30-year-olds from the UK and EU to live and work abroad for a limited period, boosting cultural exchange and economic cooperation.
Labour MPs Push for Youth Mobility Scheme Amid Hopes of UK-EU Trade Reset Read More »
The Home Office has introduced an important update to the Immigration Rules affecting Skilled Worker sponsors. From 9 April 2025, the Immigration Rules were amended to introduce a new provision on permitted deductions from a sponsored worker’s salary. This applies to all Certificates of Sponsorship issued on or after that date.
Understanding the New Immigration Rule for Skilled Worker Sponsors Read More »
In a significant step to strengthen the UK’s Immigration Rules, the government has announced stringent new measures targeting illegal working and exploitative employers in the gig economy. The reforms, unveiled on 30 March 2025, aim to close existing loopholes in the Immigration Rules that have allowed some businesses to bypass employment checks, ensuring fairer competition and cracking
Strict Immigration Rules Hit the Gig Economy Read More »
The Life in the UK Test is a mandatory requirement for most applicants seeking Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British citizenship. First introduced in 2005 for citizenship applications and extended to ILR applicants in 2007, the test assesses knowledge of British customs, traditions and laws. Candidates must book the test online at least three days in advance, with the current fee set at £50 per attempt.
Understanding the Life in the UK Test: A Comprehensive Guide Read More »
UK’s transition to an eVisa system, which officially began last year, was intended to modernise and streamline the immigration process. However, for many visa holders, the shift has been far from smooth. Despite the Home Office’s assurances of advanced tools and systems, countless individuals are facing significant challenges with the UK eVisa, from proving their immigration status to accessing basic rights such as work and travel.
UK eVisa: A Digital Nightmare for Immigrants in the UK Read More »
UK’s Skilled Worker visa route, introduced address labour shortages, has become a focal point of debate amid rising asylum claims and systemic oversights. A recent report by the National Audit Office (NAO) reveals significant gaps in the Home Office’s understanding of the visa system, leading to unintended consequences such as increased asylum claims and exploitation. As the government prepares to publish a White Paper to reform the immigration system, this article explores the challenges and its impacts.
UK Work Visa Reforms Face Criticism Ahead of Immigration Changes Read More »
UK Government has announced significant UK immigration changes 2025, introducing new visa rules for care workers and international students. These measures aim to reduce the country’s reliance on overseas recruitment and address record levels of immigration. Here’s a detailed look at the key updates and their implications.
UK Immigration Changes 2025: New Visa Rules for Care Workers and Students Announced Read More »
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system has been introduced to streamline the process for travellers visiting the United Kingdom. Designed to be user-friendly and efficient, the UK ETA allows eligible individuals to obtain authorisation quickly, ensuring a smooth entry into the UK. Whether you are planning a holiday, business trip, or short visit, here is
How to Apply for a UK ETA: A Comprehensive Guide Read More »
UK government has announced a significant update to its border control system, extending the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme to European visitors. From 2 April 2025, eligible European travellers will need to apply for an ETA before entering the UK. This move marks the final phase of the ETA rollout, following its successful implementation for non-European nationals last year.
UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) Now Open for Europeans Read More »
UK Government has come under fire for its recent amendment to Home Office guidance, which effectively blocks British citizenship applications from individuals who have entered the country illegally, regardless of how much time has passed since their arrival. This controversial update, which took effect on 10 February 2025, has sparked criticism from legal experts, refugee
A Privilege, Not a Right: UK Citizenship Ban for Illegal Entrants Stirs Controversy Read More »
Over 4 million UK visa holders have successfully switched to eVisas, according to newly released Home Office data. However, around 600,000 people are yet to transition from physical documents to the digital system.
Home Office Extends eVisa Deadline Again Read More »
The UK Spouse Visa allows married partners of British citizens or settled persons to join their spouses in the UK. In 2025, several significant changes have been introduced to the Spouse Visa requirements. This article, brought to you by Morgan Smith Immigration, provides a detailed overview of these changes, including the latest updates and their implementation dates.
Applying for a UK Spouse Visa in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide. Read More »
we understand the importance of meeting the English language requirements for your UK visa or citizenship application. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Secure English Language Test (SELT) requirements, approved test providers, and the process for booking and taking a test.
List of Approved English Language tests for UK Visas: A Comprehensive Guide to SELT Read More »
In recent years, the Home Office has made significant efforts to visit companies and educational institutions to prevent any abuse toward workers and international students. Over the last couple of years, the number of companies that lost their licence due to such abuses has exceeded expectations. Educational institutions are also under the scope of the
Home Office Sponsor Action Plan: Ensuring Compliance and Avoiding Downgrades Read More »
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an essential requirement for UK employers looking to sponsor foreign workers. It is a digital record that confirms the worker meets the eligibility criteria for their visa. Without a valid CoS, a migrant worker cannot apply for a sponsored visa to work in the UK.
UK Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Guide Read More »
Thousands of migrant single mothers working in the UK’s care sector have been denied visas for their children due to the UK’s restrictive immigration policies, particularly the sole responsibility requirement. A new report highlights the systemic discrimination and distress caused by these policies, urging the government to implement fairer immigration measures.
The UK Government has announced new measures aimed at reducing the financial burden of the migration and borders system on taxpayers. These proposed changes, laid before Parliament on 16 January 2025, outline fee adjustments across several immigration and nationality services.
UK Government Set to Increase Immigration Fee Read More »
The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) has played a pivotal role in providing over 5.7 million EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members with the necessary immigration status to continue living and working in the UK post-Brexit. Under the scheme, successful applicants are granted either pre-settled or settled status based on their length of residence in the UK.
EU SETTLEMENT SCHEME (EUSS) STATUS AUTOMATION Read More »
As April 2025 approaches, significant potential changes in UK immigration policies are creating ripples of uncertainty, particularly around the financial requirements for family visas and increased salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas. Last year, the UK government announced plans to raise salary thresholds in 2025 and paused a proposed increase in the financial threshold for family visas from £29,000 to £38,700. Meanwhile, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has been tasked with reviewing the financial requirements for the Family Visa route.
The UK Home Office’s transition to digital eVisas has sparked significant challenges just weeks after its rollout. Travellers are already encountering difficulties boarding UK-bound flights, while refugees are struggling without adequate proof of their immigration status. Reports of technical glitches, limited accessibility and operational confusion are mounting, raising serious concerns about the system’s readiness.
In a significant policy shift, the Home Office has introduced new changes to Part 1 and Part 3 of the Skilled Worker Sponsor Guidance, effective from 31 December 2024. These changes impose stricter obligations on sponsor licence holders and aim to eliminate exploitative practices in the sponsorship system, particularly around financial responsibilities.
Home Office Prohibits Sponsors From Passing on Sponsorship Costs to Skilled Workers Read More »
As the deadline for obtaining eVisas approaches, approximately 1 million individuals in the UK still need to secure their digital proof of residency. The eVisa programme, introduced by the previous government, is a digital system designed to confirm the right to live and work in the UK for residents who are not British citizens or passport holders.
Over 1 Million People in the UK Still Without eVisa Read More »
In the second part of our article, we dive deeper into the technical and procedural challenges people face when applying for their eVisa. Building on the issues covered in Part 1, here are additional problems and practical solutions to streamline the application process. Issue 1: Problems with Chip Detection Problem: Many applicants struggle with getting their
Common Issues People Face When Applying for Their eVisa (Part 2) Read More »
Applying for an eVisa can be a daunting process, and many applicants encounter various challenges along the way. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common issues people face when applying for their eVisa and provide practical solutions to help you understand these obstacles. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we will address additional issues and offer solutions from our skilled lawyers.
Common Issues People Face When Applying for Their eVisa (Part 1) 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 »