Challenge to Right to Work Rules
The British High Court has given permission for a judicial review that challenges the right to work rules on asylum seekers being allowed to work in the United Kingdom. People who have been waiting for more than a year for an initial decision from the Home Office on their bid for refugee status are allowed to apply for permission to work, but only for jobs that are part of the Shortage Occupation List.
Visa System Under Investigation
A new science and research plan suggests increased central government scrutiny has been placed on the Home Office’s operations and work visa system rules.
British Citizenship for EU Citizens
Many EU citizens in the UK are turning their minds to applications for British citizenship. Citizens from other countries who lived in the UK for five years can apply to become “naturalised” as British — but there are certain requirements which complicate things. Read our British Citizenship for EU Citizens article for more information.
NHS Workers Excluded from Free Visa Extensions
The home affairs select committee has called on the government to give free visa extensions to NHS workers and carers at all levels, not only medical staff.
MP’s Vote to End Freedom of Movement
The new Immigration & Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill has passed in the British House of Commons, marking the end of EU Freedom of Movement for the UK.
More Money for Human Trafficking Victims with Kids
The Government subsistence payments made to potential and confirmed victims of human trafficking increased from the 1st of July 2020.
Home Secretary to Accept Windrush Recommendations In Full
It has been announced that the Home Secretary will be accepting the Windrush Lessons Learned Review “in full”. The Windrush report was written by senior police inspector Wendy Williams, and published in March 2020. It contains thirty recommendations for root and branch reforms at the Home Office.
Migrant Children Detained in Inhumane Conditions
A report from the Independent Monitoring Board for Heathrow and City airports describes the conditions at four immigration detention facilities as “inhumane”, with unaccompanied migrant children being detained at airports for more than 24 hours without natural light or fresh air.
UK Immigration System Reopening
As the UK comes out of lockdown, the immigration system is beginning to reopen. UKVCAS has said that previously submitted biometric information can be reused as it attempts to tackle the backlog of demand for appointments at its visa application centres.
Reopening of Visa Application Centres
UKVCAS has progressed its gradual reopening of visa application centres. The online booking system is now open to some applicants, and previously submitted biometrics can be reused as part of the immigration application. 12 more Service Points will be reopened in August.