News

Jun 25, 2017 - Government offer for EU citizens in UK

The British government published new information regarding the status of EU citizens in the UK after Brexit. Theresa May announced certain offers and deadlines for EU citizens planning to stay in the UK. Of course, there are plenty of things that still have to be ruled out and confirmed but as for today this is what UK government offers to EU citizens:

• Introduction of so-called grace period. This is a period when EU citizens and their families can still legally reside in the UK, but during this period they will need to apply and receive a resident document, demonstrating their new settled st...

Jun 22, 2017 - Important changes regarding the information required by the UK Companies Registry

Important changes are taking place on 26th June and 24th July 2017 regarding the information required by the UK Companies Registry. These changes are as a result of the Fourth European Money Laundering Directive.

Changes from 26th June 2017

• Information about those people with significant control (PSC) of a company will need to be registered with Companies House by submitting a separate form (PSC01 for individuals and  PCS02 for non-individuals like other companies or trusts). Previously information about PSCs was submitted as part of a company’s annual return/company structure report.

• Any ...

May 29, 2017 - Customer enquiry service changes

From 1 June 2017, all customer enquiries will be handled by a new commercial partner Sitel UK.

The main changes for customers applying from outside the UK are:

  • all phone numbers and opening hours will change
  • the number of languages offered is reducing to 8 including English
  • customers who contact UK Visas and Immigration by email will be charged £5.48

There are no changes to services for those who contact UKVI from inside the UK.

May 17, 2017 - Uncompromising message from Theresa May

Theresa May would put forward an "uncompromising" message on immigration, saying high levels can harm community cohesion, and would re-commit to bringing net migration down to the tens of thousands.

Also expected on immigration:

  • Commitment to "bear down on immigration from outside the EU" across all visa routes
  • Reduce and control immigration from Europe after Brexit
  • Sources say this means "the end of freedom of movement"
  • Doubling of the "Skills Charge" from £1,000 to £2,000 per employee per year for employers who hire non-EU immigrants in skilled jobs
  • The revenue will go i...

Apr 06, 2017 - Dramatic rise in applications for permanent residence

The Home Office recommends to EEA nationals do not apply for residence documents as proof of status due to a dramatic rise in applications for permanent residence. This is not mandatory requirement. EEA nationals can still apply for the documents confirming their status, if they want to. However, they must apply for permanent residence cards if they want to apply for further naturalisation. Therefore, in order to avoid delays with PR applications, the Home Office issued such recommendations. 

Apr 02, 2017 - Massive increase in Home Office fees for 2017-18

From 6 April 2017 there are new fees for immigration and nationality applications. There is an increase of 18% in ILR (settlement) applications from £1,875 to £2,297. However, naturalisation fees is increased only at 4%, to £1,282, compared to a 25% increase last year. There is also significant increase in Super Premium Service fee from £8,750 to £10,500.

Mar 26, 2017 - Every Tom, Dick and Harry welcome, or the Home Office is starved of workers

Liverpool Visas and Immigration Department of the Home Office is looking for 240 civil servants, primarily to deal with applications from European nationals who want to secure their status in the United Kingdom. It is planned to recruit 120 Executive Officer Caseworkers with the salary from £23.300 to £26.831, and 120 Administrative Officers with annual salary of £20.352. The positions are full-time and permanent.

Mar 14, 2017 - Brexit: Parliament has passed the Brexit bill

It is expected that the Bill will receive Royal Assent and come into force as a law. This means Theresa May can initiate Article 50 – the process of negotiations with EU countries. This is expected to happen in the end of March.

Mar 10, 2017 - Refugees: no more automatic settlement after 5 years

Since 2005 and until today refugees were eligible for five year limited leave, and at the end of that period the settlement would be granted them automatically.

Home Office is introducing ‘safe return reviews’. This means that when a refugee’s temporary stay of protection in the UK comes to an end, or if there is a clear improvement in the conditions of their own country, Home Office will review their need for protection. If their reason for asylum no longer exists and it is now safe for them to return, they will be returned to their home country rather than offered settlement in the UK. The n...

Mar 09, 2017 - Budget 2017

Chancellor Philip Hammond has represented his first budget. In comparison with Autumn Statement his speech was more optimistic due to the growth in the UK economy and cutting borrowing. However, his attitude for tough financial policy and austerity is still in force. Below are the key points of the new budget.

The economic growth

New forecast for the economy growth is 2% in 2017 (previously 1.4%).

Employment has reached a record high of 31.8 million people. It is expected that the number of employed people will increase by 650000 by 2021

Forecast for annual rate of inflation is rising from 2.3...

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