UK Immigration News

A senior minister in the UK government has announced measures to 'simplify' the procedure of applying for a UK visa for people from China. George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, was speaking during a trade mission to China.

The main innovation will be to allow Chinese nationals who have received visas for the EU Schengen area to come to the UK without applying for a separate visa, provided that they book their travel to the UK through certain approved travel agents.

A range of voices have criticised the UK government's immigration bill which was announced by the Home Secretary on 10th October 2013. The bill has united lawyers, doctors, unions and, astonishingly, the UK Independence Party in opposition.

Even the right-wing Conservative Home website, a political website which 'champion[s] the interests of grassroots Tory members', wonders whether the public will be convinced by the bill.

The UK's immigration authority introduced new forms for many visas on 1st October 2013. Most of the new forms are to be used for applications for most visa applications made in the UK under the UK's five tier points-based visa application system.

The UK's Home Office said that it would allow applicants to use the old forms for a short transitional period but that period is nearly over. From 22nd October 2013, only the new forms will be accepted.

The relevant forms are

A committee of MPs has warned that the UK's asylum system is 'overburdened and under severe pressure'. The Home Affairs Committee scrutinises the work of the Home Office which employs immigration staff in the UK. It has said that there are unacceptable delays in the system.

Some people, the MPs say, have waited over 16 years for a decision in their case. The MPs say that it is 'wholly unacceptable that anyone should have to wait for longer than 6 months for an initial decision'.

On Wednesday 9th October 2013, the UK's chief inspector of immigration and borders, John Vine, issued a highly critical report about the UK's e-Borders programme. The report says that the programme is not yet complete ten years after being announced and has 'yet to deliver many of [its] anticipated benefits'. The report has been censored by the UK's Home Secretary Theresa May on security grounds.

The UK's Home Secretary, Theresa May has revealed details of the Coalition government's immigration bill which should be passed this autumn. Mrs May appeared on various television and news programmes to publicise the bill which she says will 'make it harder for people who are here illegally to stay here'.

At the same time, Mrs May says that the UK will 'continue to welcome the brightest and best migrants who want to contribute to our economy and society and play by the rules'.