UK Immigration News

The UK Border Agency announced that it will start issuing national identity cards after the new year to Tier 2 skilled migrants, three months ahead of schedule. Theissuing of cards will also be speeded up for migrants under Tiers 1 and5 of the points based system who will now be issued cards sometime in 2010, rather than 2011.

On 23 September 2009 UKBA further clarified the transitional arrangements for those who already have indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or who have a pending application before earned citizenships is introduced. UKBA also clarified the circumstances under which those on HSMP and certain others can continue to apply for ILR or British citizenship under the current rules.

The UK Border Agency in August 2009 announced changes to British Nationality Law under the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009. Some of these changes will take place in January 2010.

The UK Border Agency announced on 9 September that they have launched a public consultation on the fees it charges for its immigration and visa services.

UKBA would like comments on the fees for the new "earned citizenship" to be introduced in 2009 and fee structures in other areas where they might offer "more tailored" services in future.

Border and Immigration Minister Phil Woolas said:

The UK Government has announced that from next year there will be tougher requirements to come under Tier 2 of the points based system. This follows recent recommendations by the Migration Advisory Committee.

Alan Johnson the Home Secretary announced that from next year the following changes will take place:

Annual immigration statistics for 2008 and quarterly immigration figures for April to June 2009 were published by the Home Office today; This covers immigration from Eastern Europe, asylum applications and removals and voluntary departures.