UK Immigration News

New UK visa rules have been introduced for travellers from Libya, Egypt and Syria transiting through UK airports. From 3 April 2012, nationals from these countries will need to apply for a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV).

From 6 April 2012, migrants from outside the EU earning less than £35,000 will not be allowed to settle in the UK. Critics have accused ministers of risking patient health in favour of a "crude" immigration policy after government documents revealed that almost half of the migrant nurses will be forced to leave the UK under the new immigration rules.A new UK government impact assessment reveals the change will cut the number of NHS nurses by "hundreds or low thousands" and cost the economy up to £433 million over the next 10 years as people leave.

According to a leaked cabinet letter, UK Home Secretary Theresa May is planning an immigration crackdown on tens of thousands of people who fraudulently use family visas to settle in the UK.

The UK National Union of Students (NUS) have launched an online campaign on behalf of international students to protest against the UK government's immigration policies.The initiative follows a report published in February that says the changes to UK visa policy deter foreign students from studying in the UK and have a detrimental effect on the country's international reputation.

Several changes for UK visas will come into effect 6 April 2012. The changes will affect those applying for tier visas as Tier 2 visa skilled workers, Tier 4 students and other Tier visa temporary workers.Increased Visa FeesUK immigration fees will increase by only 2 percent in the majority of cases, but there will be much bigger fee increases for certain visa routes.

British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India, Peter Beckingham announced new figures on 14 March about India's investment in the UK over last two years.