UK Immigration News

UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Implementation

The UK has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for visitors from various countries. Starting January 8, 2025, citizens from nations like the USA, Australia, and Canada are required to obtain an ETA before traveling to the UK. This requirement will extend to eligible European travelers beginning April 2, 2025. The ETA replaces the previous electronic visa waiver (EVW) and permits stays of up to six months for tourism, business, or short-term study, and up to three months under the Creative Worker visa concession. Applications can be submitted via the UK ETA app or the official government website, with a fee of £10. The authorization is valid for two years or until the applicant’s passport expires. citeturn0news30

Upcoming Ballot for India Young Professionals Scheme

The UK government will open the next ballot for the India Young Professionals Scheme on February 18, 2025, at 2:30 PM IST, closing on February 20, 2025, at 2:30 PM IST. This scheme offers 3,000 visas annually to Indian citizens aged 18-30, allowing them to live and work in the UK for up to two years. Candidates can enter the ballot at any time while it is open.

Proposed Increase in Immigration Fees

The UK government has proposed increasing specific immigration fees, including the cost of issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) and applying for UK citizenship. The COS fee, paid by employers sponsoring foreign nationals under the skilled worker visa, is expected to rise from £239 to £525. Additional fee increases related to UK citizenship applications are also proposed, though implementation dates have yet to be announced.

Extension of UK-France Channel Migrant Agreement

The UK and France have agreed to extend their deal to reduce small-boat crossings in the Channel until 2027, conditional on France completing a £12.5 million detention center in Dunkirk. The original three-year agreement, established in 2023, involved the UK allocating £480 million for border security, including additional patrols and surveillance equipment. The extension includes establishing a new intelligence and judicial police unit in Dunkirk and deploying more French reservist police officers along the coast. France will also amend its laws to allow police to intercept migrant boats in shallow waters. Over 2,000 migrants have crossed the Channel this year, with 36,816 arrivals recorded last year. citeturn0news42

Challenges in Migrant Integration Due to Language Barriers

Nearly one million residents in England struggle with English, hindering migrant integration efforts. Official statistics reveal that 8.6% (794,332 people) of overseas-born residents cannot speak English well, and 1.4% (137,876 people) cannot speak it at all. This situation has brought attention to the £27 million spent on translators by the Department for Work and Pensions over five years. The government is considering stricter integration measures to address this issue. citeturn0news31

Denial of Childcare Funding to Migrant and Refugee Families

A report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and Praxis highlights that tens of thousands of children in the UK from migrant and refugee families are denied government-funded childcare due to “no recourse to public funds” (NRPF) restrictions. This exclusion from 30 hours of free childcare forces parents to stay home, reducing their ability to work and exacerbating poverty. Approximately 71,000 families affected by NRPF cannot access extended childcare entitlements, limiting their children’s early education opportunities. Advocates are calling for lifting these restrictions to support working parents and children’s development. citeturn0news32

Judicial Ruling on Deportation and Family Life

UK courts ruled that Xhoni Leka, an Albanian man convicted of operating a cannabis factory, should not be deported, as it would deprive his daughter of a male role model and breach his rights under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights concerning family life. Despite Leka’s illegal entry and previous refusals of residency, the tribunal found his deportation “unduly harsh” on his daughter, citing his crucial role in her emotional and financial well-being. The decision has sparked criticism from Conservative politicians advocating for reforms to prevent such rulings, exemplifying ongoing debates over immigration and human rights law interpretations. citeturn0news33

These developments reflect the UK’s evolving immigration policies and their societal impacts.