UK Immigration News

The UK announced that from 11 April 2005, the visa sections in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria, will not accept visa applications from first-time visitors to the UK between the ages of 18 and 30. This includes business visitors.

Therestriction was implemented due to high numbers of visa applications,which slowed down processing time. About 18,000 applications a year arereceived at the High Commission in Abuja, with a further 5,000 atLagos. The refusal rate is around 80%.

The "Times of India" reports that an error on the UK Home Office website has confused numerous highly-skilled migrant programme (HSMP) applicants, awaiting information on the status of their applications. The website incorrectly reported that all applications up to July 12, 2004 had been processed.

The issue of immigration has been thrust into the spotlight in UK politics, with both the Conservative Party and the Labour Party calling for tighter immigration laws.

The UK Home Office has announced that the MBA Provision, as part of the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP), will be launched on 12 April 2005. The MBA Provision is designed to attract skilled and talented business managers to the UK, by allowing them to work in the UK for up to 12 months once they have completed their MBAs.

The first UK Visa Facilitation Service has been opened in Africa on 6 April 2005. The application center is located in North Labone, Ghana, and will be both a visa application center and information centre for visa applicants.

A second VFS Centre will be opened in Kumasi, Ghana on 12 April 2005. Both Centres will accept applications and distribute decisions, have telephone, e-mail and personal caller enquiry services.

The Home Office announced a number of changes to Immigration Rules and Policy.