UK Immigration News

David Cameron has said that he is considering preventing EU citizens from claiming benefits in the UK. Mr Cameron was speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show on the morning of Sunday 7th January 2013.

The chief executive of the umbrella body of UK universities, "Universities UK", has said that a series of hostile speeches and policy initiatives from UK government ministers about UK immigration is driving international students away from the UK. Many students from India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and China are choosing to study in other countries such as Australia, the United States and Canada according to Nicola Dandridge, the chief executive of Universities UK.

A new report issued by a leading UK university estimates that there are 863,000 people living illegally in the UK out of which 604,000 (70%) live in London.>

The report, Practical Measures for Reducing Irregular Migration was written by researchers at the London School of Economics. Its findings are accepted by the UK government. The report says that it believes that the main countries from which illegal residents have come are India, Nigeria, Pakistan, China and Bangladesh.

The UK government will not meet its target of reducing net immigration to below 100,000 annually, according to a respected think tank. A report issued by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) suggests that the government has made some progress towards its target but that any reductions in immigration 'are likely to be short-lived'.

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has issued further advice for students at London Metropolitan University (LMU) who were affected by its decision to revoke the university's Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS) status in August 2012.

On 4th January 2013, the UKBA issued a statement advising all international students at LMU that it will be writing to them shortly to tell them whether they will be able to continue their studies at LMU.

We would advise you that, as of 31st December 2012, people from the following countries: South AfricaLesothoSwazilandZimbabwe

will need to be tested for tuberculosis (TB) before they apply for a visa to visit the UK for a stay of more than six months in duration.