Switzerland Temporarily Re-imposes Visas on Georgian Diplomatic and Service Passport Holders
UAE Bars Most Iranian Passport-Holders From Entry or Transit
Finland Ends Kela Benefits for Residents Without Valid Residence Permits
Latest News
Home Office confirms visa, sponsor and settlement fees will rise on 8 April 2026
From 8 April 2026 almost every UK visa, nationality and sponsorship fee will go up by 6-9 %. Standard Visitor visas rise to £135, Student visas to £558 and Skilled Worker visas (≤3 years) to £819, while sponsor-licence and ILR fees also increase. Corporates face higher on-boarding costs and a narrow window to file applications at the old rates, underscoring the importance of budget and timeline reviews.
EU biometric Entry/Exit System goes live 10 April—Irish travellers warned to expect longer queues
From 10 April the EU’s new biometric border regime replaces passport stamping. While Ireland sits outside Schengen, Irish citizens and residents transiting Schengen airports face extra processing time, meaning businesses should pad schedules and brief travellers now.
Italian Coast Guard Recovers 19 Bodies After Deadly Lampedusa Crossing
Nineteen migrants were found dead and 58 rescued from a drifting boat south of Lampedusa on 1 April. The tragedy pushes the 2026 central-Mediterranean death toll to 624 and will intensify Italy’s calls for stricter EU migration controls. Companies should review travel-risk protocols and track policy changes that could affect legal hiring channels.