UK Immigration News

The UK haulage industry has been left fuming by Home Office plans to increase fines for hauliers caught carrying illegal migrants into Britain. The new rule has been included as part of Home Secretary, Priti Patel’s, ‘New Plan for UK Immigration’. The current fine for haulage firms whose truckers are caught carrying illegal immigrants is £2,000.

 

The United Nations (UN) has warned that Priti Patel’s ‘New Plan for UK Immigration’, formally announced as part of the Queen’s Speech on 11 May, will ‘damage lives’ and ‘undermine international’ co-operation in the latest criticism of the Home Secretary’s proposals. 

 

The UN’s refugee agency said it has “deep concerns” about a two-tier approach to asylum, describing it as “discriminatory”.

At a recent news conference, the Vatican denounced UK immigration rules as it announced plans for the 107th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. The event, set to take place on September 26, will be around the theme ‘Toward an Even Wider We’, with the Migrants and Refugee section at the Vatican spearheading the campaign.

 

Ice cream maker, Ben & Jerry’s, has branded UK immigration policy ‘a nightmare’. The company has made it a feature of their brand to ‘help protect and progress the rights of those looking for a safe place to call home. However, some political commentators and social media users have said that the US ice cream makers should ‘stay out of UK politics’.

 

The minister for future borders and UK immigration, Kevin Foster, has claimed that the NHS and government systems can automatically cross-check records of EU citizens granted settled status to ‘reduce the burden on individuals to prove their UK immigration status – especially for those without access to digital devices.

 

UK Home Secretary, Priti Patel, has announced that those winning coveted arts awards will be able to access UK visas more easily under point-based immigration reforms. Oscar, Grammy and Nobel Prize winners will benefit from fast track visa processing, enabling them to enter the UK to live and work.  

The moves comes as part of the UK government’s effort to attract the brightest and best from around the world. It’s understood that international stars who have won Bafta, Brit, Mobo, Tony or Golden Globe awards will also be eligible.