Treasury figures warn visa-fee hikes could wipe £1.15 bn off UK tourist spending
Home Office tightens Skilled Worker rules: sponsors barred from recouping licence costs
Heathrow abolishes 100-ml liquids rule after £1 billion CT-scanner upgrade
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Number of UK licensed work sponsors tops 87,000 as Home Office updates register
The Home Office’s 23 January update shows 87,132 organisations now hold work-sponsor licences, a 12 % annual rise led by health, hospitality and construction. More sponsors mean tighter talent competition and a heavier UKVI workload, so employers should audit compliance and budget for upcoming fee hikes.
Student-visa growth masks headwinds for UK purpose-built student housing
A Global Student Living report warns that, despite a 4.5 % rise in 2025 student-visa grants, December applications fell 16.8 %. Earlier CAS issuance, stricter compliance rules and a shorter Graduate Route could leave PBSA landlords with unexpected vacancies and pressure rents in 2026.
MAC review prompts debate over £29k family-visa income threshold
A 23 January update notes that the MAC recommends lowering the family-visa income bar to £23k–£25k, but the government has not yet moved from the current £29k. Employers should watch the policy debate, as a lower MIR would make it easier for foreign staff to secure partner visas and remain in the UK.