UK Study Visas: 4 Countries Banned in Emergency Visa Brake
UK Introduces Emergency Brake on Study Visas for Four Countries The UK government has announced a major restriction on certain visa routes, introducing what ministers described as an “emergency brake” on study visas for nationals of four countries and halting Skilled Worker visas for Afghan nationals. The measure forms part of a broader […]
Skilled Worker Visa 2026: Requirements, Salary & Eligibility
Section A: What is the Skilled Worker Visa? The Skilled Worker visa, which replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa, is the main work visa for overseas nationals. It allows employers to sponsor non-UK nationals to work in the UK in eligible, skilled roles. The visa is open to individuals who attain 70 points […]
Student Visa UK: Applicants’ Guide
Section A: What is a Student Visa? The UK Student visa is the main route for overseas nationals who want to study in the UK with an approved education provider. It replaced the Tier 4 framework and it applies to students aged 16 or over who have sponsorship from a provider that holds […]
New Asylum Rules UK: Temporary Refugee Status Replaces 5 Year Grant
Temporary Refugee Protection Rules Now in Force The Home Office has confirmed that the UK has moved away from the standard five-year grant of refugee leave for new asylum claims. With effect from 2 March 2026, adults and accompanied children who claim asylum from that date, and who are subsequently granted protection, will […]
Employees Stranded Abroad Due To Middle East Conflict: HR Issues
Employees Stranded Abroad: Key Issues for HR Geopolitical events or sudden border closures can leave employees unable to return to the UK as planned. When this happens, HR teams will be facing several overlapping issues involving employment rights, immigration compliance, tax exposure and employee welfare. The correct response often depends on the cause […]
UK Sick Note (Fit Note) 2026: When & What It Means
Section A: What is a Sick Note in the UK? In UK employment law, there is no specific legal document called a ‘sick note’. The term is commonly used to describe what is officially known as a ‘fit note’. A fit note is the recognised form of medical evidence used to support sickness […]
UK Work Visa Numbers Plummet: Latest Data
UK Work Visa Numbers Fall to Lowest Levels Since 2021 The latest UK work visa statistics published by the Home Office confirm that recruitment from overseas in 2025 has become slower, more selective and more heavily scrutinised than during the post-pandemic surge. A total of 168,471 work visas were granted to main applicants […]
Employment Case Law Update February 2026
Religion or belief discrimination Ngole v Touchstone Leeds (EAT) Mr Ngole applied for a social work position with Touchstone Leeds and received a conditional offer of employment. The organisation later became aware of online reporting reproducing historic Facebook posts in which he had expressed the orthodox Christian view that homosexuality is sinful. After […]
ETA UK Travel Permit & Visit Rules 2026
Section A: What is a UK ETA? Electronic Travel Authorisation, or ETA, is the digital permission that many overseas visitors now need before they travel to the UK. It is an advance security check that links electronically to the traveller’s passport and is checked by airlines, ferry companies and rail operators before they […]
UK Enforces Digital Permission to Travel under ETA Scheme
ETA Rules from 25 February 2026 From 25 February 2026, expanded Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) enforcement is operating alongside strengthened carrier verification systems. Carriers transporting passengers to the UK by air, sea or rail are expected to verify, through automated permission checks, that a passenger holds the required permission or exemption before departure. […]