UK Immigration News

The UK Minister of State for Immigration today announced that the Sectors-Based Scheme (SBS) would stop operating in the hospitality sector, but would continue until June 2006 in the food processing sector.

Scotland's "Fresh Talent" initiative to entice foreign students to Scotland is "completely unjustified", according to the think tank Migrationwatch UK.

Migrationwatch UK said reports of Scotland's depopulation had been "exaggerated" and said the scheme could increase problems in England. Chairman Sir Andrew Green urged against a separate Scottish immigration policy.

The UK government has ended a short-term visa scheme for people working in Indian restaurants in the wake of an illegal immigration scam involving Bangladeshis. The move is likely to affect nearly 10,000 Indian restaurants in the country.

The UK government's new Immigration and Asylum Bill is expected to include a points-based system for immigration. The measures, due to be published on June 22, include fingerprinting of all visa applicants.

There will also be a limited right of appeal for students, workers and family visitors refused visas. Ministers hope the proposals will cut down on abuses in the system.

The BBC has found evidence that many Eastern European workers are being brought in illegally by a gangmaster in Cornwall in the UK. The BBC has found out that at least two Russians have been working illegally in the tourism industry, using false Lithuanian passports.

Scotland's economic growth was somewhat stunted in 2004, but 2005 should close the growth gap with the rest of the UK, with help from immigration. High numbers of immigrants came to Scotland in 2004, attracted by low real estate prices and high employment opportunities.

According to the Ernst & Young Scottish ITEM Club summer update, the healthier outlook from Scottish consumers compared with the rest of the UK is continuing to buoy the Scottish economy relative to the UK in the short term.