UK Immigration News

India is set to press for a relaxation in visa rules and the easing of restrictions on the movement of professionals from India to the UK. The matter is expected to be discussed when the UK's Secretary of State for Justice Kenneth Clarke meets with Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma.

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) is considering the effects of a judgement in the case of Ruiz Zambrano that granted him the right to stay in the UK as the sole carer of a British citizen.

According to the UKBA, the judgement "creates a right to reside and work for the sole carer of a dependent British citizen when that carer has no other right of residence in the UK and removing the carer from the UK would mean the British citizen would have to leave the European Union."

Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma recently raised concerns with UK Secretary of State for Justice Kenneth Clarke about the way in which Indians who apply for UK visas are treated during the visit to India. The refusal rate for Indians applying for UK visit visas is quite high.

Kiwis living in the UK are worried that Britain may remove the right to apply for settlement (permanent residence) after living and working in the UK for five years.

The UK Government recently closed their consultation on whether to end routes to permanent residence for non-EU citizens working in the UK under various visas such as the Tier 2 visa for skilled workers.

The Law Society has criticised the UK Government's proposal to implement new restrictions on Tier 2 immigration. They feel that new limits would greatly reduce the ability of UK law firms to recruit international talent.

For most people, immigrating to the UK for work requires applying under the points-based system. People who work for international companies could come under the Tier 2 Intra-company Transfer route.