UK Immigration News

A UK Labour MP has called for income requirements for marriage visas to be reviewed, after being contacted by two families who are being forced to live apart under the current scheme.

The head of a UK recruitment agency has accused the government of endangering the UK's economic recovery, by making immigration difficult for skilled migrants from outside the EU.

At the moment government policy is to substantially reduce immigration. Alistair Cox, chief executive of Hays recruitment disagrees with this policy and says that immigration brings economic benefits to the UK.

The UK and France have teamed up in a new plan to tackle the problem of illegal immigrants trying to enter the UK via Calais.

The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, has announced changes to tourist visas which will refund the cost of up to 25,000 visas to Chinese tourists, in order to try and attract more Chinese visitors to the UK.

The announcement was made at an economic summit in London, which was also attended by Chinese vice premier Ma Kai, as Osborne announced 'The more Chinese tourists, the merrier.'

The UK has announced changes to the transit visa scheme, which will hopefully encourage visitors to stop over in the UK while en-route to other destinations.

The announcement was made by Home Secretary Theresa May, and is particularly aimed at Chinese passengers. Currently, Chinese nationals have to obtain a UK visa, even when they are only changing flights within the UK, however it is hoped that these new reforms will persuade more people to stop over in the UK, and improve UK-Chinese relations.

Almost 50% of London-based businesses are calling for the UK government to reform the Tier 2 visa system over concerns about a shortage of skilled workers.