Due to the pandemic, some of the Visa Application Centres (VACs) around the world have been closed due to local restrictions. The UK government advise to go on the TLS website (for Europe and Africa and part of middle east) or the VFS global website (for other countries) which allows you to get information about
Since Monday 19th July the Covid restrictions have been lifted in the UK. As a result, the government is no longer recommending against travel to amber list countries. The amber list rules only apply to people who are fully vaccinated under a UK vaccination programme. Being fully vaccinated means that you must have had your
The UK government is phasing out the post office biometrics services. As a result, as of 31st July 2021 visa applicants will no longer be asked to provide their biometrics at the post office. Instead, the UK government has set up 7 Service Support Centres (SSCs) where applicants will be directed to provide biometrics or
It is clear that the pandemic has reshaped the way that people live including the way people travel. With many countries in and out of lockdowns and restrictions changing from month to month, a lot of people are taking “staycations” or holidays closer to home. In some countries such as China, quarantine rules for visitors
A right to work check should be conducted before an individual starts working with you. This is because you need to be satisfied that the individual has a legal right to work in the UK. On 1st January 2021 new rules came into force for EU nationals residing and working in the UK. EU, EEA
In March 2020 China suspended entry for foreigners; however, now, business travel to China is slowly increasing. The current requirements for the business travel visa (M visa) are that you must either have: an “invitation letter” (known as a PU letter) or have a valid APEC business travel card to be able to apply for
Australia has managed the virus cautiously after keeping cases low consistently. Subsequently, locals have been able to experience few restrictions. Since March 2020 Australia has enforced strict quarantine and border rules to try to suppress the virus. However, Australia has had to impose a 2 week lockdown on Sydney, this is the first lockdown
The guidance for international travel from the UK is changing constantly. The UK government moves countries between the amber, red and green lists and outlines countries which are safe to travel to and therefore on the “green list.” Which destinations are now on the green list? As of 30th June 2021, a number
In a previous post, we explained that the UK government had announced that as of 21st June 2021, right to work checks can no longer be made by checking digital documents or scanned copies of documents online. However, since the UK government has delayed the Covid easing of restrictions, the Covid adjusted temporary right
On 24th May 2021 the Home Office announced a New plan for immigration: legal migration and border control strategy statement. In another post we gave an overview of the proposals. In this post we will take a deeper dive into the plans. Simplify rules The UK government aims to simplify the immigration rules
On 24th May 2021 the Home Office announced a New plan for immigration: legal migration and border control strategy statement. The statement outlines the UK’s goals for the coming years to improve UK immigration. Since the pandemic has hit, the UK government is putting plans in place to build back the economy through various means,
Canada is setting up a new route to permanent residency for temporary workers and international graduates on 6th May 2021. The Canadian government is introducing this for those individuals who are essential to helping the country overcome the pandemic. Eligible essential workers such as health care professionals and relevant graduates will benefit from this. Permanent
There was mention of “Covid passports” a few weeks ago and the UK government is still debating whether these should be enforced when entering certain places such as pubs. However, around the world, other countries are making plans of their own. EU pass: Digital Green Certificate EU leaders have approved the idea of a “Digital
The Irish government has announced a national remote working strategy which aims to ensure “that remote working is a permanent feature in the Irish workplace in a way that maximises economic, social and environmental benefits.” The government aims to make remote working a mandatory norm for 20% of the public sector and are looking to
The UK government first announced the furlough scheme during the first lockdown in March 2020. This allowed employers to continue paying employees although they could not work due to the pandemic. The scheme pays 80% of employees’ wages for time they cannot work. During the “budget speech”, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced changes to the furlough
