UK Immigration News

The UK Border Agency has announced new policy guidance after the Supreme Court declared the government's ban on non-EU foreign spouses aged under 21 applying for UK marriage visas unlawful.

A leading non-profit organisation, the HSMP Forum that campaigns in support of the immigration rights of Indian and non-EU professionals, has strongly opposed the newly announced recommendation by the Migration Advisory Committee that the salary threshold for professionals seeking to permanently settle in the UK will in most cases be significantly increased. There are many Indian professionals in the UK under the Tier 2 visa.

Following last month's announcement of Taiwan's participation in the UK's Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme, the Taiwanese Government has announced how they will administer certificates of sponsorship to its young citizens for participation in the scheme.

Official projections predict the UK population will hit nearly 75 million by 2043, surpassing Germany as the largest EU nation. This it is said will be largely due to immigration.Currently the UK population is the third largest in Europe at 62.3 million, behind Germany and France.The Office for National Statistics claims two thirds of the growth – the equivalent of adding 438,000 people, or a city the size of Bristol, every year – is due to UK immigration.

Hundreds of colleges have been banned from bringing foreign students into the UK under the government's plans to clamp down on immigration and visa abuse. Tough new rules and enforcement to stop abuse of the Tier 4 student visa system has led to over 450 education providers having their right to sponsor overseas students revoked.

The UK Border Agency announced on Friday additional documentation requirements for Tier 2 visa applicants applying for indefinite leave to remain; Tier 2 applicants will now be required to furnish proof from their employers and sponsors that they are paid at a high salary under Tier 2 visa.