UK Immigration White Paper

New UK work visas set out in UK immigration White Paper The Government’s much-anticipated UK immigration White Paper was published on Wednesday 19 December 2018. The document outlines proposals for a new UK immigration system. In an overhaul of the current rules, there will be a new single, skills-based immigration system introduced, founded on: Skills and […]

EU Citizens in UK after Brexit: Deal or No Deal Scenarios

The increasing likelihood of a no-deal Brexit is creating further confusion about EU citizens’ rights after the UK leaves the European Union. How will a no-deal affect EU citizens in the UK after Brexit? What has the Government confirmed so far? Assurances have been made by the Government that EU citizens and their family members […]

How to Complete Form EEA QP

Form EEA QP can be completed by EEA or Swiss nationals who wish to register as a ‘qualified person’ and apply for a registration certificate confirming their right of residence in the UK. A qualified person is an individual who has exercised their Treaty rights as either a worker, self-employed, self-sufficient, student or a jobseeker. […]

Immigration Bill (How it Affects EEA Nationals)

This article was posted on 21 June 2017, before the Government announced details of settled status for EU citizens in the UK. Proposed Immigration Bill has considerable implications for EEA nationals in the UK Brexit dominated the 2017 Queen’s Speech. Among the areas cited for government focus was immigration, with new policies to be introduced […]

UK Immigration Policy Changes Ahead

Businesses in the UK who employ foreign workers have in recent years felt the impact of increasingly protectionist UK immigration policy changes. The introduction of the Immigration Skills Charge; closure of multiple visa routes; increases in the minimum salary requirement for Tier 2 skilled workers. Raising the cost, eligibility criteria and narrowing options for migrant […]

Latest immigration figures show extent of EU workers leaving UK

The last official migration figures to be released before the general election reveal EU workers are choosing to leave the UK. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) report shows that at 36%, the majority of leavers from the UK in 2016 were EU citizens, with 117,000 emigrating. This is an increase of 31,000 on 2015. […]

Barista Visa – Solution to Labour Shortages or a Bitter Tonic?

Reports of shortages of labour in specific sectors and an exodus of EEA workers as a result of Brexit are fuelling speculation about potential changes in the UK immigration rules. With the General Election now upon us and taking all political focus and energy, we do not expect any clarification on the future immigration status of EEA […]

EEA Permanent Residence Refused?

If you are unsure about your immigration options as an EEA national in the UK, and whether to complete the EEA PR Form or to register under the EU settled status scheme, speak to our legal advisers. At 85 pages, the permanent residence application form is substantial, and clearly causing issues for applicants resulting in […]

Immigration & UK Digital Strategy: The Missing Link?

In its newly published ‘UK Digital Strategy’, the Government has laid out its vision to digitally transform Britain through a long term plan of investment, training, education, and collaboration with the private sector. Amidst the optimism however, there are concerns that the strategy overlooks fundamental issues impacting the UK digital sector – crucially, immigration. The […]

Employers to Face Skills Shortages if EU Workers Leave UK

In a recent survey of over 1,000 UK employers conducted by the CIPD, more than a quarter reported their EU workers were considering leaving the UK in response to the Brexit vote and the resulting uncertainty around their immigration status. The education and health sectors reported higher numbers still, at 43% and 49% respectively. And […]