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.
Visa Requirement for Colombian Nationals
As of 15:00 GMT on 26 November 2024, all Colombian nationals planning to visit or transit through the UK must obtain a visa. Travellers transiting through the UK will require a Direct Airside Transit Visa, while the planned introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Colombians, originally scheduled to take effect in January 2025, has been cancelled.
To ensure a smooth transition, a four-week visa-free period has been implemented. Colombian nationals with confirmed travel bookings to the UK made before 15:00 GMT on 26 November 2024 may enter without a visa, provided their arrival is no later than 15:00 GMT on 24 December 2024. Visa application processes are now in place, and the government is actively informing travellers of the new requirements to allow them to plan accordingly.
The decision follows a significant increase in asylum claims and border refusals involving Colombian nationals since the visa requirement was lifted in 2022. Many arrivals were found to be entering the UK for purposes not permitted under visitor rules, diverting critical frontline resources. The reinstatement of the visa requirement seeks to address these challenges, ensuring the UK’s immigration system operates efficiently. The UK Government emphasises that this decision is based solely on migration and border security considerations and does not impact the strong and friendly bilateral relationship with Colombia.
This policy adjustment follows a detailed evaluation of the implications of the visa-free arrangement introduced in 2022. The challenges faced during this period, including a significant increase in asylum claims and border refusals, were explored in our previous article, “Colombians Reapply for Visas Following Asylum Abuse and Two-Year Waiver.”
Changes to the Ukraine Schemes
Reinforcing its commitment to supporting displaced Ukrainians, the UK Government has announced the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) Scheme, which will launch in early 2025. This scheme allows Ukrainians already in the UK under existing Ukraine Schemes to extend their stay for an additional 18 months, through the creation of a new Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) Scheme. Applicants are required to apply within the final 28 days of their current permission to avoid losing access to essential services, such as work, healthcare, and education. The Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) Scheme will continue to provide displaced Ukrainians with rights to work, access benefits, and obtain healthcare and education.
In May 2024, the Ukraine Extension Scheme (UES) was closed to most applicants, except for UK-born children with a parent who has, or has had, Ukraine scheme permission who have still been able to apply under UES to regularise their permission in the UK. Upon the UPE Scheme’s launch, the UES route will be fully closed, with UK-born children able to apply through the UPE Scheme, though they will not need to have had prior permission. This move simplifies the visa routes, reducing confusion and streamlining applications.
Ending Use of Permission to Travel (PTT) Letters
Home Office is ending the use of Permission to Travel (PTT) letters. These letters were initially issued to as part of an exceptional biometric deferral application process to allow those fleeing war to quickly reach sanctuary in the UK. Moving forward, all applicants under the Ukraine Schemes must attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide biometrics before travel. The government has notified individuals holding unused PTT letters to ensure compliance with the updated rules.
Adjustments to the Long Residence Route
In line with the temporary nature of the Ukraine Schemes, the government has clarified that permissions granted under these schemes, including the new UPE, will not count towards eligibility for settlement under the Long Residence route.
Implementation Timeline
The changes to the UK’s immigration rules are being rolled out in phases:
- Visa requirements for Colombian nationals took effect on 26 November 2024.
- The Long Residence route adjustments will be enforced from 18 December 2024.
- The Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) Scheme will launch on 4 February 2025, coinciding with the closure of the UES.
- The discontinuation of PTT letters will take effect on 13 February 2025.
These updates underline the UK Government’s commitment to protecting its borders while providing essential support to vulnerable populations. The reintroduction of visa requirements for Colombian nationals addresses pressing migration challenges, while the adjustments to the Ukraine Schemes demonstrate the UK’s enduring support for those fleeing conflict. These carefully considered measures balance national security with humanitarian obligations, ensuring that the UK Immigration system operates effectively.
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