Monthly Archives: January 2012

UKBA: need to rethink their deportation techniques

Posted on January 26, 2012 by

MPs have warned that unauthorised and potentially lethal restraint techniques may still be being used to carry out immigration deportations despite assurances from the UKBA and its private contractors. A commons home affairs select committee inquiry into the treatment of … Continue reading →

Posted in General | Comments Off

Appeal – Visit Visas

Posted on January 25, 2012 by

We have had a noted increase in enquiries about refusals of visit visas. There seems to be a misconception, with some clients, about a visit visa being one of the easier visas to secure. Perhaps this is because it is … Continue reading →

Posted in Appeals, Visitor Visas | Comments Off

Changes to the English language tests

Posted on January 25, 2012 by

  Yesterday, the UKBA made some amendments to the list of approved English language tests for applications made under Tiers 1, 2 and 4 of the points-based system for spouse or partner applications. The following changes were made:     … Continue reading →

Posted in General | Comments Off

25 January – Burns Night Celebrations

Posted on January 25, 2012 by

Today many of our friends in Scotland will pay tribute and celebrate Robert Burns’ birthday many holding Burns Suppers.  The Poet Laureate of Scotland was known as ‘a sociable, friendly, honest man’, He preserved a number of ancient Scottish and Celtic songs, … Continue reading →

Posted in General | Comments Off

Upcoming changes to replace postal biometric appointments

Posted on January 24, 2012 by

Below is a copy of a letter from Neil Hughes, National Lead for Temporary Migration at the UK Border Agency concerning changes to the booking system for biometric appointments. Dear Sponsor Upcoming changes to replace postal biometric appointments and Biometric … Continue reading →

Posted in General | Comments Off

Benefit Tourism vs Cultural Dependancy

Posted on January 20, 2012 by

One of the government’s aims is to prevent migrants coming to the UK to claim benefits, but the employment minister, Chris Grayling, said that the vast majority of immigrants claiming benefits are entitled to do so. The government released figures … Continue reading →

Posted in General | Comments Off

Fire in Croydon

Posted on January 20, 2012 by

There has been a fire at the public enquiry office in Croydon which has left them unable to accept payments.  The office is unable to deal with any customers who have booked premium appointments for today. All those affected are … Continue reading →

Posted in General | Comments Off

Important Changes to Premium Services in Croydon PEO

Posted on January 19, 2012 by

Below is a copy of a letter received from Sonia Dower Deputy Director, Operations. UKBA in which she sets out the forthcoming changes to the PEO service in Croydon. I am writing to keep you updated with some of the … Continue reading →

Posted in General | Comments Off

Bennett’s Blog- Changes in the immigration rules

Posted on January 19, 2012 by

The Home Office has today laid before Parliament a statement of changes proposing the abolishment of paragraph of 395C of the Immigration Rules which demands that the Secretary of State takes into consideration the following factors before setting removal directions: … Continue reading →

Posted in Appeals, Bennett's Blog, General | Comments Off

Tier 4 Sponsor Inspections & Reviews 2012

Posted on January 18, 2012 by

The UKBA has recently announced that all current Tier 4 sponsors must apply – (before the deadline set in the guidance), to the appropriate educational oversight body, for an inspection or review in 2012 in order to be able to … Continue reading →

Posted in General | Comments Off