The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has confirmed that the Government will introduce a major reform of the immigration and asylum appeals system in autumn 2025, with the intention of dramatically accelerating decision-making and increasing the number of returns.
UK Government Announces Major Reform of Immigration and Asylum Appeals Process Read More »
A new era for UK immigration began on 22 July 2025, with major UK immigration reforms coming into effect under the Government’s pivotal 2025 Immigration White Paper. With these reforms now live, employers and sponsors must take decisive steps to ensure compliance.
Major UK Immigration Reforms Now in Effect Read More »
As the United Kingdom’s new government seeks to tighten control over immigration while refocusing on domestic skill-building, its latest skilled worker visa update has triggered a debate. The updated shortage list sparks debate across political and public spheres, as a number of roles are set to lose eligibility under the revamped immigration rules. Yet, certain unconventional professions including diversity and inclusion specialists, poets and even bloggers have retained their route into Britain via the temporary shortage occupation list.
Britain’s Shortage List Sparks Debate Over Cultural and Inclusion Roles Read More »
On 1 July 2025, UK Government announced substantial amendments to the Immigration Rules, set to take effect from 22 July 2025. These upcoming changes will have wide-ranging implications for UK employers, visa applicants and migrant workers, with the social care sector particularly affected.
UK to End Overseas Recruitment of Care Workers from 22 July 2025 Read More »
A nationwide immigration enforcement operation is being rolled out across the United Kingdom, targeting migrants suspected of working illegally within the gig economy with a particular focus on delivery riders. This is the latest measure under the Government’s Plan for Change, an intensified initiative aimed at reasserting control over the immigration system through tougher enforcement and legislative reform.
Government Launches Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Delivery Riders Read More »
UK Home Secretary has introduced a series of immigration reforms designed to fundamentally reshape the UK’s migration framework. These stricter UK visa rules mark a decisive departure from the previous administration’s policies, placing an emphasis on higher-skilled labour, tighter access controls, and bolstered investment in the domestic workforce.
Stricter UK visa rules introduced to bring order and protect UK workers Read More »
UK Home Office has introduced new statement of changes, bringing significant amendments to multiple visa routes, including the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), Appendix Private Life and Appendix Long Residence. These updates, which come into force, aim to simplify requirements, address inconsistencies and provide greater clarity for applicants.
From 15 July 2025, the UK Home Office will commence a pivotal shift in how overseas visa applicants are granted permission to travel. In this significant UK immigration update, marking a step towards a fully digital immigration framework, vignettes (visa stickers) placed inside passports will be phased out for most applicants in favour of a secure, online eVisa system. This development highlights the government’s commitment to modernising immigration controls and enhancing user convenience through technology.
UK Immigration Update: eVisas to Replace Vignette Stickers from July 2025 Read More »
UK government has unveiled a comprehensive Immigration White Paper aimed at significantly reducing net migration. The proposed reforms within the Immigration White Paper seek to tighten visa rules, prioritise skilled workers and address public concerns over rising immigration levels. Below are the key measures outlined in the policy document.
Labour’s Immigration White Paper: Key Changes to UK Migration Policy 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 »
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 »
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.
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 »
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.
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 »
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.
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 »
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 »
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 United Kingdom is taking significant steps towards a fully digital immigration system, with the introduction of eVisas set to replace physical documents by the end of 2024. This transformation marks a pivotal moment, particularly for Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) holders. As the UK moves towards a more secure, efficient, and user-friendly immigration framework, BRP holders will need to adapt to the new digital format to maintain their residency status.
eVisa Update: All Biometric Residence Permit Holders Can Apply for an eVisa Read More »
In a significant policy shift, the UK Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has announced the suspension of the proposed increase in the family visa salary threshold. The threshold, which was set to rise from £29,000 to £38,700, will remain unchanged until a comprehensive review by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is completed. This decision marks a departure from the previous government’s approach and signals a more balanced consideration of family life and economic wellbeing.
£38,700 Family Visa Salary Increase Paused by Home Secretary Until MAC Review Finishes Read More »
In a surprising turn of events, the United Kingdom has witnessed a staggering decline in health and care visa applications. Between January and April 2024, the number of applications for health and care skilled worker visas dropped by a whopping 76% compared to the same period last year. Overall, applications for health and care visas fell from 50,900 to 12,400 in the first four months of the year. Let’s delve into the reasons behind this significant drop and its implications for the sector.
The United Kingdom’s healthcare system relies significantly on the contributions of internationally recruited care workers. These dedicated professionals leave their home countries to serve the care worker sector, hoping for fair treatment and a chance to make a difference. However, behind the scenes, a disturbing reality unfolds, one of exploitation, broken promises, and vulnerability.