MAC Proposes Reforms to Shortage Occupation List
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published its latest review of the UK’s Shortage Occupation List (SOL). The review was originally commissioned in August 2022 and covers information from the MAC’s own research as well as input from wider stakeholder engagement through a Call for Evidence. In its report, published on 3 October 2023, the […]
Changes to Ukraine Extension Scheme
The UK currently operates three different Ukraine Schemes designed to support those who wish to either come to or remain in the UK: Ukraine Family Scheme – for those with family members who are already settled in the UK Homes for Ukraine – for those sponsored by a UK household for 6 months Ukraine Extension […]
Increase in Fees to Assign Certificates of Sponsorship
Among the latest increases in Home Office fees announced last week, the cost of assigning Certificates of Sponsorship will rise from 4 October 2023. The change impacts sponsor licence holders assigning all types of CoS to sponsored workers. Most notably, the cost of a Certificate of Sponsorship for a Skilled Worker is rising to £239 from […]
Increase in UK Visa Fees from 4 October 2023
The Home Office has announced increases in UK visa, settlement and nationality fees that will take effect from 4 October 2023. The increases are affecting a wide range of applications, covering UK entry clearance, indefinite leave to enter, indefinite leave to remain as well as applications for leave to remain in the UK including many […]
Statement of Changes to Immigration Rules September 2023
Home Office updates Immigration Rules The Home Office has published a new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, HC 1780, 7 September 2023. The new rules cover a broad range of areas, most of which are technical in nature. The vast majority of changes take effect on 5 October 2023. The key changes are […]
Illegal Working Civil Penalty Fines Tripling from 2024
The Government has announced a threefold increase in the level of civil penalties it can impose on employers that breach their duties under the prevention of illegal working regime. From the start of 2024, civil penalties for illegal working will increase from £15,000 per illegal employee to £45,000. Repeat offences will result in a fine […]
Home Office Statements of Changes July 2023
The Home Office has issued its latest Statements of Changes to the Immigration Rules, HC 1496 (17 July 2023) and HC 1715 (19 July 2023). We highlight the key changes relating to UK work visas, student visas and the EU settlement scheme. New roles added to UK Shortage occupation list The UK’s Shortage Occupation List has […]
UK Offshore Wind Workers’ Concession Expired
The UK’s offshore wind workers’ concession ended on 30 April 2023. Wind workers relying on the concession were required to leave the UK by 30 April 2023, and apply for entry clearance before returning to the UK for work. Offshore worker duty to notify the UK Home Office As of 12 April 2023, offshore […]
Immigration Rules Changes 2023
In its Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules HC1160, the UK Home Office has set out a broad range of amendments and updates affecting sponsors, workers and those making UK visa or settlement applications. When do the new Home Office rules take effect? The work-related visa changes will in most part take effect […]
Global Mobility Trends 2023
There are several trends in global mobility that are expected to continue in 2023, subject to factors such as world events, economic conditions, and advancements in technology. These include: Domestic skills shortages resulting in increased overseas recruitment Digital nomadism Increased use of technology Sustainable travel Emerging destinations Rental market challenges Greater safeguarding of mobile employees International […]