Dependants left in limbo under UK’s proposed ‘earned settlement’ income test
India-UK Young Professionals Scheme: February ballot dates confirmed
Home Office schedules February & March entry-clearance statistics releases
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Migration Observatory updates analysis on ‘earned settlement’ implications
An updated Migration Observatory commentary released on 10 February quantifies how the draft ‘earned settlement’ rules could delay permanent residence for up to 425,000 migrants. The analysis stresses the need for transition safeguards and flags retention risks for UK employers.
UK widens Hong Kong BN(O) visa to cover ‘lost generation’ of adult children
The Home Office has closed the biggest loophole in the BN(O) scheme by allowing adult children of status-holders to apply independently. Roughly 26,000 extra Hongkongers are expected to move to Britain over five years, easing family-splits created by the 2021 launch. While BN(O)s keep the five-year route to settlement, they will still face higher language and income tests, putting pressure on employers and universities to plan support early.
Think-tank warns settlement overhaul could trap 300,000 children in decade-long insecurity
IPPR research shows that doubling the settlement qualifying period to 10 years would affect 1.35 million legal migrants, including over 300,000 children. Critics warn of heightened child poverty, integration setbacks and talent loss, while ministers insist settlement must be ‘earned’. Companies relying on sponsored staff may need retention contingencies if the policy goes ahead.
‘Pulling up the drawbridge’: pressure grows over suspension of family-reunion visas for child refugees
Lord Dubs has condemned the government’s year-long suspension of family-reunion visas for unaccompanied minors, saying it betrays Britain’s humanitarian tradition and endangers children. Ministers insist routes will reopen after broader asylum reforms take effect, but NGOs and some Labour MPs are demanding immediate concessions. The controversy highlights the increasingly restrictive UK immigration climate relevant to employers’ CSR and duty-of-care strategies.