Immigration

UK Immigration update: MAC review of the Immigration Salary List

At a glance In a previous post, we discussed the Government’s proposals to overhaul the salary thresholds for the Skilled Worker route. The proposals mean that the current Shortage Occupation List (SOL) would be drastically cut down and the 20% reduction on salary would be removed. The revised list would be known as the Immigration …

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UK immigration update: Illegal working civil penalties are increasing – Is your business compliant?  

At a glance Civil penalties for breaches of illegal working regulations will be tripling on 13 February 2024 to GBP45,000 for a first offence and GBP60,000 for each illegal worker for repeat or significant breaches. From 6 April 2024, all sponsors with a licence expiration date falling on or after 6 April 2024 will no …

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UK immigration update: Government issues clarifications on planned spring 2024 changes

Yesterday, the UK government published further detail on its five-point plan to reduce net migration figures. The announcement addresses concerns which have been raised by ministers and the public. The clarifications of most interest are as follows: The new Skilled Worker salary threshold of GBP38,700 is set to be implemented in April 2024. Skilled Workers who …

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UK immigration update: Anticipated Immigration Health Surcharge Increase

At a glance: The implementation date for planned increase to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) still not certain, however this is likely to be 31 January 2024, at the earliest, or early February. Standard fee for adults increasing from GBP624 to GBP1,035 per year. Annual fee for migrants applying as Students, Student dependants and Youth …

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UK immigration update: Changes to Visitor Rules – Business Activities

At a glance: Clarification that business visitors in the UK may work remotely for their overseas employment, provided this is not the primary purpose of the visit. Employees of an overseas-based company with a UK branch may now carry out work directly with clients, provided the activity is incidental to their employment overseas and does …

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Government announces five-point plan to cut migration figures to the UK

At a glance: Minimum salary threshold for Skilled Workers set to increase from GBP26,200 to GBP38,700 per annum (a third) from Spring 2024. The 20% reduction which can currently be applied to a role’s ‘going rate’ salary threshold for occupations that appear on the shortage list will be removed. Care workers sponsored under the Health …

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UK immigration update: Increases to immigration fees

  On 15 September 2023,  the UK government published changes to immigration fees that will come into effect on 4 October 2023. We have summarised the relevant fee changes below. Visa fee increases Fee category Current fee New fee Fee increase Certificate of Sponsorship (payable for all new Skilled Worker or Global Business Mobility visas) …

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Employers take note: Modified right to work scheme is ending

An important date is looming for employers. On 30 September 2022, the COVID-concessionary modified right to work scheme is ending. It was temporarily introduced in March 2020 as a response to the Coronavirus pandemic and eased the burden on employers checking physical right to work documents in light of the work from home mandates from …

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New visa route may open door to wider talent pool for employers

The UK government has announced the implementation of a new visa scheme for ‘high potential individuals’ which is welcome news to employers as the war for talent continues. This new scheme will allow alumni of the world’s top universities to work in the UK for 2 years – or 3 years if they hold a …

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End of the Brexit transition period and the UK/EU Trade Agreement

At 11 pm on 31 December, the Brexit transition period will finish and this will mark the end of freedom of movement between the United Kingdom and European Union. For EU nationals already resident in the UK, they can continue to live and work in the UK; however they must make an application under the …

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UK government releases immigration Statement of Changes

With only a matter of weeks to go until the Brexit transition period comes to an end, the UK government has now released its Statement of Changes to the UK Immigration Rules. The update formalises the previous government proposals set out in its July 2020 policy paper. The statement is the most voluminous Statement of …

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UK immigration update: New guidance – key takeaways for employers

On 13 July 2020, the UK government provided further guidance on what the new immigration system would look like from 2021 onwards for those individuals who are not eligible for EU Settled Status. The 130 page document briefly sets out various proposed changes and re-branding to existing immigration categories, as well as information on the …

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What you need to know about the new 14 day quarantine for UK arrivals

From Monday (8 June), the majority of entrants to the UK, whether existing UK residents returning from abroad or non-residents entering for business, leisure or other purposes will be required to complete a 14-day isolation period upon arrival.  Before arriving in the UK, individuals will be required to complete an online “Contact Locator Form” which …

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The “B” word is back – Brexit pandemic planning for the new immigration system

On 18 May, the Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill sailed through its second reading in the House of Commons by a majority of 351 to 252. The bill marks a small milestone in the UK’s journey towards the end of the Brexit transition period and into the uncharted waters of a new …

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Government publishes new immigration regime proposals

On Wednesday 19 February 2020, the UK government  published a policy paper setting out its plan for the new UK immigration system for skilled migration. For those who sponsor individuals, key points are: As expected, the government will scrap the resident labour market test (RLMT) and the current cap on skilled worker visas. It will …

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