UK triggers ‘emergency brake’ on study visas for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan
Skilled workers alarmed as government considers doubling residence needed for UK settlement
New UK carrier-liability rules and full ETA enforcement loom as law firm warns of ‘no-board’ risk
Latest News
Parliamentary committee clears path for UK visa-fee rises, including ETA increase to £20
The House of Lords Grand Committee has approved an order raising the legal ceilings on UK immigration fees, allowing the government to hike the ETA charge to £20 and increase various visa, settlement and citizenship fees later this year. Businesses should prepare for higher mobility costs once the follow-on regulations are laid.
UK publishes latest weekly small-boat figures as digital border strategy beds in
New Channel-crossing statistics released on 3 March 2026 show detections down 28 % year-on-year, which the Home Office links to ETA refusals and cooperation with France. While operational, the update underscores stricter enforcement that could catch business visitors who work without the proper visa.
UK cuts refugee leave to 30 months under new ‘core protection’ model
Refugees recognised from 2 March 2026 will receive only 30 months’ leave, renewable on review, replacing the previous five-year grant that led to settlement. The change aims to deter irregular migration and push skilled refugees into work- and study-visa routes, but it increases uncertainty for employers, universities and local authorities supporting integration.
First business week of UK Electronic Travel Authorisation sees strict airline checks and fee-rise warning
Enforcement of the UK’s ETA scheme hit its first business Monday on 2 March, with airlines denying boarding to travellers lacking digital permission. Community groups and travel bodies also highlighted a planned fee increase from £16 to £20. Corporate travellers must secure an ETA in advance or risk costly disruptions, while employers are urged to update travel-policy checklists.
Domestic-abuse concession guidance updated: Home Office adds digital-security safeguards for migrant victims
Updated Home Office guidance published on 2 March strengthens protections for migrant victims of domestic abuse by requiring case-workers to verify that applicants control their own digital UKVI accounts. The change aims to prevent abusive partners from sabotaging immigration status and clarifies how temporary leave is extended during follow-on applications, with implications for HR and university support teams.
Windrush Commissioner signs Memorandum of Understanding with Home Office to strengthen oversight
A new MoU signed on 2 March 2026 formalises cooperation between the Windrush Commissioner and the Home Office, giving the commissioner structured access to data and the ability to flag systemic problems in compensation or status cases. The pact aims to improve transparency and speed for Windrush generation applicants, indirectly reducing right-to-work risk for UK employers.