Immigration newsletter 5 November 2009

On 30 October 2009 Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, put forward Citizenship and Immigration Canada's 2009 Annual Report.

"While other countries have cut back immigration levels as a short-term response to the global economic downturn, our government is actually maintaining its immigration levels to meet the country's medium - to long - term economic needs," said Minister Kenney.

UKBA has issued more than 100,000 identity cards to overseas nationals mainly to those extending their student or spouse visas.

If proposed regulations are approved this week this will mean that from 6 January 2010 migrants from outside the European Economic Area will be issued with identity cards when they extend their visa for more than six months under the Tier 2 visa scheme.  In future to apply for an extension of stay you will need to provide biometric data. The original schedule would have meant that identity cards would only have been introduced in Spring 2010.

UKBA reminds people that the twelve week consultation period on fees for earned citizenship will close on 1 December. There is less than one month left to send in a response.

Earned citizenship is due to be introduced in 2011. UKBA would also like to consult people on the possibility of introducing new optional charges for premium services at a higher fee.

UKBA has commented recently on suggestions that migrants are entering the UK illegally as bogus students.

Jeremy Oppenheim, head of the points-based system at the UK Border Agency had the following to say:
'The points-based system means that only those colleges and schools who provide quality education and take responsibility for their students will be licensed to bring in foreign students.

Under Section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 which comes into force on 2 November 2009 UK immigration is required to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The Home Secretary must make arrangements to ensure the welfare of children when carrying out immigration, asylum nationality and customs functions. The Director of Border Revenue is also required to do the same when carrying out the Director's functions.

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