UK Immigration News

On 21 August 2009 the UK Border Agency confirmed what the age requirements are for husbands, wives and civil partners under the points-based system (PBS).

For entry to the UK both the husband, wife or civil partner of the PBS applicant and the main applicant must be aged eighteen or over when they are due to arrive in the United Kingdom.

On 19 August 2009 the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) reported into the workings of Tier 2 of the UK's immigration Points Based System (PBS).

The reports says that immigration plays an important role in supporting the UK economy. However, the report recommends the following:

On 19 August 2009 UKBA announced a concession for students who were awarded an international Baccalaureate qualification on 5 July 2009 who are unable to provide transcripts with their results in time to apply for UK University Courses starting in September.

A new report says that an increasing number of migrants are leaving the United Kingdom after staying for only a short period of time. The report also found that those who are most likely to leave are the ones Britain needs the most: highly skilled immigrants.

British Ministers of Parliament on the Home Affairs Committee have given the new UK immigration points based system a "cautious welcome". However, they have also identified some problems with the system, in force since early last year.

It is expected that a two day strike amongst immigration and customs staff will begin on Wednesday 5 August. Unless agreement is reached before Wednesday, this is likely to cause delays for holidaymakers and immigrants wishing to gain entry to the UK.