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Rebordering Britain & Britons after Brexit

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EU Policy & Legislation
UK Policy & Legislation
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11 Apr 2024
UK Policy & Legislation
Minimum Income Requirement for family visas increased

From today, the minimum income requirement for family visas will rise from £18,600 to £29,000. By early 2025 this will be increased to £38,700.


4 Apr 2024
UK Policy & Legislation
New Skilled Worker minimum salary requirement comes into effect

From today, the minimum salary required for those arriving on the Skilled Worker visa will increase from £26,200 to £38,700.


11 Mar 2024
New laws on care workers enter into force

From today, care workers will be restricted from bringing dependants, and care providers in England acting as sponsors for migrants will also be required to register with the Care Quality Commission.


29 Feb 2024
Statistics
Immigration system statistics: new release

Today, the Home Office released his immigration statistics from its administrative sources, covering the period up to the end of December 2023. It includes data on the topics of: work; study; family; passenger arrivals and visitors; asylum; extensions of stay; settlement; citizenship; detention; returns.


19 Feb 2024
UK Policy & Legislation
Changes to the UK Immigration Rules

Today, the Home Office has published a statement of changes, which include: removing the rights of care workers to bring dependants to the UK; closing the Ukraine Family Scheme with immediate effect (from 3pm 19 February 2024), and operating other unfavourable changes for the other Ukraine schemes.


19 Feb 2024
UK Policy & Legislation
Ukraine Family Scheme shuts down

Today, the Ukraine Family Scheme closed.


1 Jan 2024
UK Policy & Legislation
New student dependant rules come into force

From today, international students starting courses this month will no longer be able to bring family members on all but postgraduate research courses and courses with government-funded scholarships.


20 Dec 2023
EU Policy & Legislation
EU reaches agreement on the Pact on Migration and Asylum

Today, the European Parliament and the Council reached a political agreement on the new Pact on Migration and Asylum.


7 Dec 2023
Safety of Rwanda Bill introduced in House of Commons

On this date, the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill was introduced in the House of Commons. With it, the goverment seeks to establish in law that the Republic of Rwanda is 'a safe country.'


5 Dec 2023
UK and Rwanda sign Treaty

On this day, the UK and the Republic of Rwanda signed a Treaty concerning 'the provision of an asylum partnership to strengthen shared commitments on the protection of refugees and migrants.'


4 Dec 2023
UK Policy & Legislation
New UK immigration rules announced

Today, the Home Secretary has unveiled a plan to cut net migration mainly by means of 'end[ing] the high numbers of dependants coming to the UK, increas[ing] the minimum salaries that overseas workers and British or settled people sponsoring family members must earn, and tackl[ing] exploitation across the immigration system.' The new immigration rules will enter into force in Spring 2024. 


23 Nov 2023
Statistics
Immigration system statistics: new release

‘Immigration system statistics, year ending September 2023’ provides the latest figures on persons subject to UK immigration controls for the year ending September 2023. It is based on the Home Office’s operation of immigration control and related processes, including the work of UK Border Force, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), and Immigration Enforcement.


24 Aug 2023
Statistics
New immigration system statistics released today

Today, the Home Office has relased its quarterly and annual statistics relating to those: coming to the UK, extending their stay, gaining citizenship, applying for asylum, and being detained or removed, as well as immigration for work, study and family reasons, including new visa routes where these are operational.


20 Jul 2023
UK Policy & Legislation
Illegal Migration Act 2023 receives Royal Assent and becomes an act of Parliament (law)

On this day the controversial Illegal Migration Bill became law, with the stated objective to deter irregular migration by deeming people's asylum claims  a priori 'inadmissible' and by imposing a duty on the Home Secretary to arrange for the removal of people entering the UK irregularly.


17 Jul 2023
UK Policy & Legislation
Home Office announces changes to the immigration rules

On this day, the Home Office published new rules in matters of immigration, including restrictions on student visas and access to the EUSS and an expansion of the construction and fishing industry occupations included in the shortage occupation list.


16 Jul 2023
UK Policy & Legislation
UK signs treaty to accede to the CPTPP trade group

Today, the UK has signed a treaty to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).


29 Jun 2023
UK Policy & Legislation
Court of Appeal rules the Rwanda policy unlawful

On this day, the UK Court of Appeals ruled that the UK government's Rwanda policy on offshore asylum processing was unlawful.


31 May 2023
Expansion of Youth Mobility Scheme announced as UK trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand come into force

On this day, the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement and the UK-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement come into force, expanding the Youth Mobility visa with regard to these countries. For example, the age range of those included in the scheme will - over time - increase from 18-30 to 18-35.


25 May 2023
Statistics
Immigration statistics for year ending March 2023 released

On this day the immigration statistics for year ending March 2023 are released, showing that ‘Europeans are almost not coming to the UK any more’.


13 Apr 2023
UK Policy & Legislation
Innovator Founder visa introduced

On this day the new Innovator Founder visa route comes into force, replacing the Innovator and Start-up routes.


20 Mar 2023
UK Policy & Legislation
UK and Ukraine sign digital trade deal

Today, the UK signed a new Digital Trade Agreement (DTA) with Ukraine.


15 Mar 2023
UK Policy & Legislation
UK shortage occupations list extended

In March 2023, the UK government agreed to extend the skilled worker shortage list to workers in the construction sector, effective from summer 2023.


9 Mar 2023
UK Policy & Legislation
Introduction of Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme

On this day the UK government announced its new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme for people coming into the UK without a visa. 

This means that, from November 2023 onwards, nationals from Qatar will have to have an ETA to enter the UK, with more countryies expected to be added to the scheme in 2024.


7 Mar 2023
UK Policy & Legislation
Illegal Migration Bill introduced

On this day the UK govenrment introduced the controversial Illegal Migration Bill to the House of Commons.

Read more about Who is breaking the UK asylum system?


28 Feb 2023
UK Policy & Legislation
Visa for Indian Young prefessionals opens

On this day the India Young Professionals Scheme visa is launched, which allows Indian citizens between 18 and 30 years of age to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years, and operates via a ballot system.


23 Feb 2023
Statistics
Immigration statistics for year ending December 2022 released

On this day the Office of National Statistics released its Quarterly Immigration Statistics.

Among other things, the statistics show a reduction in EU migration to the UK, and an increase in migration from elsewhere in the world. They also highlight a huge backlog in asylum processing.

MIGZEN co-investigators Michaela Benson and Nando Sigona reflect on some of the stories behind the statistics of migration to Global Britain.


1 Jan 2023
EU Policy & Legislation
Croatia joins Schengen area

On this day, the Council of Europe admits Croatia to the Schengen zone, meaning that border controls between other Schengen countries and Croatia will be lifted.


22 Dec 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
Extension of the UK-Switzerland Services Mobility Agreement

The UK and Switzerland agree to entend the Services Mobility Agreement until Dec 2025.


22 Nov 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
BN(O) visa route is expanded

On this date the Home Office expands the BN(O) route to young people born on or after 1st July 1997.

 

Why some migrants are deemed more deserving than others in Global Britain


1 Oct 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
Changes to Right to Work checks

On this day the UK government's provision to allow employers to conduct right to work checks remotely comes to an end.


20 Sep 2022
National Day of Mourning for HM Queen Elizabeth II

National Day of Mourning on the occasion of the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II, on 8 September, 2022.

 


6 Sep 2022
Suella Braverman replaces Priti Patel as Home Secretary

Priti Patel, who has spearheaded the sweeping changes to UK immigration and nationality policy resigns as Home Secretary, and is replaces by Suella Braverman.


25 Aug 2022
Statistics
Immigration statistics for year ending June 2022 released
22 Aug 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
Scale-up visa opens

On this day the Scale-up visa opens up, which introduces more flexible sponsorship opportunities for businesses to employ highly skilled migrants for short periods.


5 Aug 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
Abolition of Police Registration Scheme for migrants

On this day the UK government abolishes (with immediate effect) the requirement for certain foreign nationals to register with local police.


20 Jul 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
New routes to settlement based on family and private life

On this day the Appendix Settlement Family Life comes into force, changing rules around counting periods of leave.


20 Jul 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
Publication of New Plan for Immigration: Legal Migration and Border Control Strategy

This date marks the publication of New Plan for Immigration: Legal Migration and Border Control Strategy, a policy paper that introduces a number of changes to immigration policy and procedures, including plans for digitisation and regulation of entry and exit, eGates, eVisas


28 Jun 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
Nationality and Borders Act comes into force

Provisions made in the NABB come into force, introducing e.g. two-tiered refugee status, and streamlining removals to third countries. But it also opens new ways for obtaining British citizenship through ancestry, with implications for e.g. Chagossians.


22 Jun 2022
EU Policy & Legislation
Council of Europe approves Eurodac and screening regulations

Council of Europe approves legislation that increases refugee monitoring/surveillance and screening at borders, as part of effort to reform EU migration and asylum policy.


20 Jun 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
Changes to NRPF policy take effect

From this day the government will stop penalising families who have applied to have their NRPF condition removed from their visa, by placing them on the 10-year route to settlement.


30 May 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
New High Potential Individual visa launched

On this date the new High Potential Individual visa is launched, which allows graduated from a list of so-called top ranked non-UK universities to work for 2 years in the UK.


26 May 2022
Statistics
Immigration statistics for year ending March 2022 released
26 May 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
Affordability fee waiver launched for children seeking citizenship

From this date onwars, children will be able to apply for citizenship fee waiver, if they can prove that it would be unaffordable.


3 May 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
Ukraine Extension Scheme launched

On this day the Home Office launches it's Ukraine Visa Extension Scheme, which allows Ukrainians already in the UK to extend their stay lawfully. 


28 Apr 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
The Nationality and Borders Bill is enacted

On this date the controversial Nationality and Borders bill receives royal assent, set to make sweeping changes to the UK asylum system, and immigration law. 

 

How the controversial nationality and borders bill may help people from Chagos Islands and Hong Kong

 


28 Apr 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
The Elections Bill is enacted

On this date the Elections Bill bill receives royal assent, which has significant implications for who can vote and how,for example, through introducing voter ID laws, and extending the vote overseas.


14 Apr 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
Migration and Economic Development Partnership with Rwanda is announced

This marks the date on which the UK government's Migration and Economic Development Partnership with Rwanda is announced, which creates the possibility for 'offshoring' asylum seekers in the UK to Rwanda.

 

Read more about the implications of the deal here.

 


11 Apr 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
New Global Business Mobility visa comes into force

The Global Business Mobility visa comes into force, which includes the new UK Expansion Worker scheme, replacing the Sole Representative visa.


6 Apr 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
Visa for ornamental horticultural workers launched

Ornamental horicultural workers are added to the shortage occupation list for the Skilled Worker visa, in an extension to the temporary seasonal worker scheme.


6 Apr 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
Changes to Innovator and Global talent visa launched

These changes relate to the granting of extensions to those on the Innovator visa route, and to the documentary evidence required by applicants to the Global Talent visa scheme.


6 Apr 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
Digital-only immigration status launched

Removal of the right to use a biometric residence permit or card as proof of immigration status.

Report by MIGZEN partners The3Million on the challenges of maintaining a digital status.


6 Apr 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
EUSS Family permit concessions for Lounes dual nationals

On this day the new concession for Lounes dual nationals takes effect, which allows them to sponsor relevant family members under the EUSS and the EUSS family permit.


4 Apr 2022
EU Policy & Legislation
EU releases €17 billion in funds to help refugees

On this day the Council of Europe adopts legislation to make EUR17 billion of EU Cohesion Policy funds available to help refugees from Ukraine.


31 Mar 2022
Closing of British in Europe

Our partner organisation British in Europe closed their doors, after 5 years of fighting for the rights of British citizens living in the EU.

 

EU citizenship and transnational political mobilisation after Brexit


29 Mar 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
Deadline for Surinder Singh Route

This marks the formal deadline of the Surinder Singh route, which allows UK citizens to return to the UK with their non-British family members. From this date on, extensions are only granted on 'reasonable grounds'.


14 Mar 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme opens

This scheme allows Ukrainians to come to the UK for up to 3 years if they have a UK sponsor.


8 Mar 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
Increase in maximum visa charges

On this date the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) (Amendment) Order comes into force, which increases the maximum fee that the Home Office can charge for visas.


4 Mar 2022
EU Policy & Legislation
EU Temporary Protection Directive for Ukrainian Refugees

This marks the date on which the EU established a temporary protection directive for Ukrainian refugees and third country nationals who had been living in Ukraine on humanitarian grounds. 


4 Mar 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
Ukraine Family Scheme opens

This scheme allows Ukrainian citizens to join family in the UK, where they receive a 3-year visa.

UK government's response to this refugee crisis is too little, too confused, too slow

 


25 Feb 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
Digital trade deal between UK and Singapore signed

Today, the UK and Signapore signed the UK-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement (DEA).


24 Feb 2022
Statistics
Immigration statistics for year ending December 2021 released
17 Feb 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
Investor visa is closed

The home office closes the Tier 1 Investor Visa route over security and corruption concerns.


15 Feb 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
Temporary work visa for care workers introduced

Frontline carers are added to the shortage occupation list for the Skilled Worker visa, in an extension to the temporary seasonal worker scheme.


19 Jan 2022
EU Policy & Legislation
Launch of the European Union Agency for Asylum

The new EU asylum agency starts its work on this date.


6 Jan 2022
UK Policy & Legislation
Opening of the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme

This date marks the opening of the UK government's ACRS scheme to resettle Afghan refugees, currently restricted to pathway 1): the most vulnerable and at-risk, incl. those who had supported who "supported the UK and international community effort in Afghanistan".


11 Oct 2021
UK Policy & Legislation
New Youth Mobility Scheme launched

This date marks the introduction of a new Appendix Youth Mobility Scheme, replacing the T5 Temporary Worker route.  It is open to people aged 18-30 from select countries only.


7 Oct 2021
UK Policy & Legislation
Temporary Work - seasonal worker scheme

This was introduced as a (temporary) measure to address post-Brexit shortages for poultry workers, butchers and HGV drivers delivering food.


7 Oct 2021
EU Policy & Legislation
Council of Europe adopts new rules on EU Blue Card

On this date the Council of Europe adopts new rules on the EU Blue Card, which allows highly qualified workers to enter and settle the EU.


26 Aug 2021
Statistics
Immigration statistics for year ending June 2021 released
6 Jul 2021
UK Policy & Legislation
Nationality and borders bill introduced in parliament
30 Jun 2021
EU Policy & Legislation
Deadline for applications for the EU Settlement Scheme and British citizens living in Latvia and Malta

This deadline marked the end of the grace period where the rights under EU law of EU citizens living in the UK and British citizens living in Latvia and Malta were protected. To secure their future status, they were expected to apply for a new post-Brexit status testifying that they had lawfully exercised Freedom of Movement.

British citizens in the EU the other side of the citizens rights coin


4 May 2021
UK Policy & Legislation
India Trade deal

Memorandum of understading re: migration and mobility partnership between UK and India.


31 Jan 2021
UK Policy & Legislation
Launch of Hong Kong British National (Overseas) Visa Scheme

As part of a set of measures put in place by the UK Government in consequence of their judgement that the 'One Country, Two Systems' solution laid out in the Sino-British Joint Declaration on the future of Hong Kong had been breached, this bespoke visa scheme was launched to facilitate the entry and settlement in the UK of those holding BN(O) status and their dependents.

Hong Kongers and the coloniality of British citizenship from decolonisation to ‘Global Britain’ (PDF)


1 Jan 2021
UK Policy & Legislation
Immigration and Social Security Coordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill comes into effect

In line with the end of the Brexit transition period, this bill officially repealed EU law on Free Movement into the UK and paved the way for the UK's new points-based immigration system.

Brexit on ‘Plague Island’


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