Increase in Free UKVI Appointments
The number of free appointments available at Sopra Steria Centres has been increased. The change applies to all centres, except for premium centres. Update in Free Appointment Availability The updated booking calendar now shows 28 days of appointments, with both free and chargeable appointments. A new date is added each day. Free appointments […]
Government Opens Consultation on Changes to TUPE and European Works Councils
The UK government has launched a consultation regarding proposed amendments to the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE) and on plans to dismantle the legal framework governing European Works Councils. Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE) The Government proposes to clarify the scope of TUPE, limiting the […]
Updated Creative Worker Sponsor Guidance May 2024
The guidance for Creative Worker sponsors has been revised to align with the changes to the Immigration Rules effective from 16 May 2024, as outlined in Statement of Changes HC 590. Revisions to Sponsor Guidance Key updates include the removal of references to shortage occupations and resident labour market testing, as well as […]
MAC Publishes Report into UK Graduate Route
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) today published its much-anticipated rapid review of the Graduate Route. Also referred to as the ‘post-study work visa’, the Graduate Route allows international students who graduate from UK universities to stay and work for up to two years after completing their studies, or up to three years following a PhD […]
New Right to Carer’s Leave April 2024
On 6 April 2024, the UK’s new Carer’s Leave Regulations 2024 come into force, introducing a new employee entitlement. This legislation allows employees to take one week of unpaid leave each year to provide or arrange care for a dependent with a long-term care need. This leave can be used in flexible increments of half […]
MAC Recommends 21 Roles for UK Shortage Occupation List
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has now completed its rapid review into the UK’s Shortage Occupation List (SOL), publishing recommendations on roles to be included on the reformed Immigration Salary List (ISL). The MAC was commissioned by the Government earlier this year to carry out a fast-tracked review in advance of significant increases to the […]
eVisas to Replace Biometric Residence Permits in 2025
The UK Government has announced that biometric residence permits (BRPs) will no longer be issued from 1 January 2025. The current BRP system is being replaced with a new digital system for confirming immigration status, to be known as eVisa. What is eVisa? eVisa will act as an online record of an individual’s immigration […]
Rehabilitation of Offenders & Changes to Spent Conviction Rules
Section 193 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, which came into force on 28 October 2023, introduces significant amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (ROA). These amendments aim to reduce the periods of time after which certain offences become ‘spent’ and no longer need to be disclosed by an individual […]
Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act Taking Effect in October 2024
The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Bill received Royal Assent on 26 October 2023, becoming the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023. The Act introduces a new duty on employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment at work. It will take effect on 26 October 2024. In summary, […]
COVID-19 Testing for Arrivals from China
Temporary safeguards are now in place affecting travellers arriving into England from mainland China, following guidance from the UK Department of Health and Social Care, the Department of Transport and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). What are the new rules? Under the new rules, from 5 January 2023, if you are travelling to […]