On Tuesday 30th June 2020, China has formally made a heavily criticised proposed national security law for Hong Kong into primary legislation. Imminently since it was signed off, this has sparked waves of protests in Hong Kong as well as international scrutiny. Unquestionably, this agitation could pave the way towards an undeclared war between China
On 25th June 2020, the European Commission published a proposal for a Council Recommendation on the temporary restriction on non-essential travel into the EU. This is an extension of the Communication created by the European Commission back on 16th March 2020 which imposed an interim ban on non-essential travel from third countries into the “EU+
As of recent, Prof Brian Bell, the new head of the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has been probed by MPs into the details of the new immigration bill. The bill is scheduled to take effect from 1st January 2021 and will impose strong barriers to migrants who want to enter the UK. These blocks on
On 24th June 2020, Michael Davenport, British Ambassador to Kuwait announced a warm welcome to Kuwaiti students to enter and study in the UK. “I am delighted that during the academic year just ending we welcomed over 6,000 Kuwaitis at British universities and colleges in a wide range of different disciplines… The UK is a
“We have a moral duty to create an immigration system that protect the lives and jobs of our citizens.”– Donald Trump, President of the United States. On Monday 22nd June 2020, Donald Trump signed an executive order which imposes further immigration restrictions. This is an extension to the current US immigration restrictions implemented just a
On 19th June 2020, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) updated its policy guidance in respect of re-opening of more Visa Application Centres (VACs), the issuance of Tier 4 concessions and the opportunity for passports to be returned to some individuals. New Amendments From Sunday 28th June 2020, further VACs are scheduled to reopen. VACs that
On 9th June 2020, the Home Office and UK Visas and Immigration released new guidance for visa applicants and temporary UK residents. If you are applying to enter the UK or remain solely for the purposes of family or private life, temporary concessions may apply to you. These interim concessions will apply on condition that
Towards the end of May 2020, the UK government published amended guidance to reveal that specified Visa Application Centres (VACs) and UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVACs) would open and resume services, albeit at a reduced capacity, from 1st June. The thoughts behind this localised approach is to commence a phased return of services
On Wednesday 3rd June 2020, Boris Johnson declared that should China implement new security laws, the UK would proffer the citizens of Hong Kong a “route to citizenship”. The new law that China is scheduling to implement has faced considerable criticism from Hong Kong, UK, and its allies such as the United States and Australia.
As we begin to see the spread of the coronavirus diminishing, countries are seeking to gradually ease travel to give visa customers, passengers and the travel and aviation industry a chance of succour. As a steppingstone towards fully opening international borders, multiple nations have scheduled to implement procedures permitting international travel from June onwards, albeit
On Monday 1st June 2020, multiple travel companies have launched a plea over the UK quarantine rule that is due to take effect from 8th June 2020. This means that people entering the UK from overseas will be instructed to isolate for 14 days. Approximately 200 travel businesses have written a formal letter to the
On Thursday 28th May 2020, the Home Office proclaimed updated guidance for sponsors, visa customers and holders inside and out of the UK and short-term residents in the UK. The UK Government website now confirms that Visa Application Centres (VACs) will resume operations and re-open as of 1st June 2020, alongside some UK Visa and
On Friday 22nd May 2020, The Home Office imparted new guidance on the future health measures at the UK border which are due to take effect from 8th June 2020. This guidance also contains supplementary information about visa extensions for migrants in the UK. New Amendments- Entering the UK: Passengers must provide travel and contact
Over the last two days, The Home Office and Department of Health asserted two significant announcements directed to the loved ones of health and social care workers who have died because of COVID-19 and migrant workers in the NHS. On Wednesday 20th May 2020, an extension to the NHS Bereavement Scheme was granted. The scheme
In March 2020, the UK government commissioned the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to generate a brand-new Shortage Occupation List (SOL) in anticipation of the launch of the new immigration system. The newly discovered points-based immigration system is scheduled to take effect in the UK from 1st January 2021. The new immigration system will take prime
