UK Immigration News

Policies brought in to discourage people from making bogus asylum claims are beginning to have an effect, according to the UK Home Office.

In a statement released on February 22, the Home Office said that 8,465 asylum claims were lodged in the UK in the fourth quarter of 2004, which was 22 percent fewer than a year earlier, and 68 percent less than in 2002. The number of cases awaiting an initial decision also fell dramatically, with 9,800 cases at the end of December 2004 compared with 23,900 at the same point in 2003.

There have been no significant changes to processing times for WorkPermits UK. Customers can expect the following waiting times: Leave to Remain applications customers should allow up to 13 weeks from the date of application. Work Permit applications a decision will be given in five days if all information has been provided with the application. Highly Skilled Migrant Programme

Stated Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) processing times have risen during 2004 from approximately 3 months at the start of the year to 5-6 months now (Feb 2005). This increase in processing times has lead to a large number of applicants requesting 'special treatment'. This guide is to help you understand the factors that can help an application.

NB The Home Office will only give urgent consideration to applications that have been outstanding for at least six weeks.

UK Universities may be suffering due to a higher rate of student visa refusals, the BBC reports.

The UK's main opposition party the Conservative Party has promised it will introduce mandatory HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis testing for people entering the UK from outside the European Union if they win the General Election, United Press International reports.

There are no significant changes to waiting times for applicationsmade to Work Permits UK. Customers should allow for the followingperiods: