Migrants' rights in the spotlight
Brexit is thought to be one of the reasons why the Tier 2 (General) restricted Certificate of Sponsorship cap has been reached. However, we may at last be seeing some reprieve from this.
Immigration
New entrepreneurial visa route announced
In a move announced by the Home Secretary yesterday, foreign nationals who want to start a business in the UK will be able to apply for a "start-up" visa.
Tier 2 Restricted Certificates of Sponsorship – Quota hit
Tier 2 Restricted Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS), which employers use to employ non-EU/EEA nationals in the UK, are scarce.
The "Windrush" generation – the similarities for EU nationals
The UK government's immigration minister, Caroline Nokes, has set out the government's commitment to support the "Windrush" generation. The "Windrush" generation is a reference to the ship, the Empire Windrush, that brought workers from the West Indies to Britain in 1948.
Stretched resources – immigration and gender pay
Two stories have made the headlines today, and both relate to stretched resources. The stories look at preparing the UK immigration system for after Brexit, and the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) enforcing employers to publish gender pay gap information.
Changes to Immigration Rules on continuous residence
In the latest round of changes to the Immigration Rules, two changes to the rules on continuous residence are likely to have a significant impact for many of those looking to secure indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK.
Brexit update
As you will no doubt have seen in the news, progress has been made in phase one of the Brexit negotiations. We have prepared a summary of the position on citizens' rights; whilst it has been stressed that "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed", the lie of the land is starting to look a little clearer for those EEA nationals who are already in the UK.
Cooking up a storm – Tier 2 chefs
The immigration rules make a distinction between chefs working at takeaway establishments and those working at restaurants.
Scotland – a separate system for global mobility?
The Times newspaper has revealed plans by Scottish ministers to pave the way for a bespoke immigration system. Scottish ministers are concerned that Brexit will lead to a fall in immigrant workers, who are vital to the Scottish economy. Alasdair Allan, the Scottish government's Europe minister, raised this as an issue to the Europe Committee earlier in 2017. He said: "The Scottish government will continue to call for a less restrictive and more humane system from the UK which recognises individual and demographic circumstances."
Safeguarding the status of EU citizens: UK and EU negotiation update
The EU and UK have concluded their fifth round of negotiations. Progress has been made on coming to an agreement in relation to the rights of EU citizens living in the UK. Some points are still to be negotiated.
Have your say on the future of the UK immigration system
As highlighted in our September Round-Up, we are participating in the call for evidence of the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).
MAC to examine the role EU nationals play in the UK
The UK government has tasked the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to examine the role EU nationals play in the UK economy and society. MAC is the government's independent advisers on migration.