Tuesday 4 March 2014

Immigration News - March 2014

Working in the UK


Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) publishes 'Tier 1 (Investor) route' report

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published its report on the Tier 1 (Investor) route.

The MAC gathered views and evidence from partners to help inform its response to the Government on the economic impact of the Tier 1 (Investor) route.

Their key findings were as follows:
  • They were sceptical that this route delivers significant economic benefits to the UK although recognised there is some gain to the UK residents.
  • Whilst this route confers less benefit to the UK than is normally asserted, there may be a case for retaining it as a signal that the UK is open and welcoming to people wishing to contribute to the wellbeing of UK residents.
  • The MAC recommended that the investment threshold (currently £1 million) be raised to £2 million in line with earnings growth since 1994.
  • Alternative investments should be considered e.g. infrastructure bonds and venture capital.
  • The introduction of a further reform to auction some slots should also be considered.
  • Any decline in demand for Tier 1 (Investor) route would probably be offset, to an extent, by an increase in demand for alternative routes, such as the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) route.


Revised Tier 2 and 5 Guidance for Sponsors

The Home Office (UK Visas and Immigration) has published revised 'Guidance for Sponsors' for Tiers 2 and 5 of the Points Based System.


Education


Student Visa Fraud - BBC Panorama

BBC Panorama has broadcast a programme about student visa fraud within the UK immigration system.

In light of this broadcast, the Home Office has suspended English language tests run by the Home Office approved examiner, ETS.

Panorama also found that fake qualifications and bank statements were also being used.

Following the programme, the Home Secretary, Theresa May, announced that they would be introducing more face-to-face interviews and has urged the education sector to do more to tackle abuse.

You can watch the 'Immigration Undercover: The Student Visa Scandal' BBC Panorama episode here.


General Immigration Matters


Fees for Immigration and Nationality applications

Written ministerial statements have been laid in the House of Commons and the House of Lords proposing changes to the fees for immigration and nationality applications.

The Home Office sought to limit the majority of fee increases to 4%. However, there were further increases to dependant fees (to bring them in line with the main applicant), registering as a British Citizen and some premium services.




Applications for a replacement biometric residence permit

UK Visas and Immigration have published a revised form and guidance for those applying for a replacement biometric residence permit.

The revised guidance can be viewed here.

The new form can be viewed here.





Renewal of Immigration concession for Syrian nationals

The Government has renewed the immigration concession for Syrian nationals for another year.

This concession offers Syrian nationals, already in the UK on a visa, ways to extend their stay in the UK. It may also be possible for applicants to switch to a different visa category although there are restrictions on which categories they can switch to. For example, they would not be able to switch into any category under a settlement route.

The ministerial statement can be read here.

The Home Office guidance on the concessions to the Immigration Rules for Syrian nationals can be read here.



UK Visas and Immigration - Website and Service Standards

The 'UK Visas and Immigration' website has now been set up to replace the 'UK Border Agency' website.

UK Visas and Immigration is responsible for decisions about who can come to the UK and who can stay here.

The new 'UK Visas and Immigration' website can be found here.

The revised service standard published by UK Visas and Immigration can be viewed here.



Bank account controls - Immigration Bill

The Government has announced that the anti-fraud body, CIFAS, is likely to oversee the bank account controls set out in the Immigration Bill.

The proposed new controls will mean that bank and building societies will be required to check all applications for new current accounts with a specified anti-fraud organisation or data-matching agency.

Anyone who is in the UK illegally will not be allowed an account.

The full statement of intent can be downloaded here.



HR Immigration Services


Training for employers


We are increasingly being asked to provide training on Right to Work and/or Tier 2 sponsor duties.  If you think your organisation would benefit from training in either or both of these areas, please contact us for a no commitment discussion of your requirements at enquiries@hrimmigration.co.uk.


LinkedIn 'HR Immigration' Group


We have recently set up a 'HR Immigration' group on LinkedIn, which aims to provide a networking space for UK employers and HR/recruitment professionals to share and discuss news and best practice about current UK immigration issues.

To join this group please go to http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=6537658


HTS Health-Check


The Veristat Health Check is a one-day objective, external review covering key areas likely to arise during a Home Office visit together with examples of good practice drawn from over 4 years' experience of conducting compliance audits for schools, colleges and universities.

For further information please contact don@veristat.co.uk




Please note that 'HR Immigration' is a trading name of 'Veristat Ltd'.

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