On Tuesday 26th May 2020, HM Treasury officially opened its gateway for the arrival of applications from small businesses and employers in the UK who have paid statutory sick pay to staff who have taken sick leave for reasons associated with COVID-19. The scheme has been established for the purposes of assisting employers and small
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
As a detrimental consequence of COVID-19, countries across the globe have decided to close off their borders. This is to limit individuals from overseas to enter these respective countries, with the main object of exercise being to reduce the rate of ‘imported infection’. As death tolls fall in certain countries, this factor has ultimately paved
The Immigration Bill 2020 is the latest primary legislation associated with UK immigration and will be effective at the end of the Brexit transition period, 31st December 2020. Its significance is that it will create a designated route for the implementation of a revitalised immigration system in the UK; a points-based system. This system will
On Tuesday 12th May 2020, The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, broadcasted to the nation that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will be extended. The scheme is continuously monitored and was due to cease operating in June 2020. Now, the scheme will operate for another four months until October 2020. Changes will be
On Friday 1st May 2020, the Home Office and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) renewed its current guidance for temporary residents in the UK and individuals who would like to apply for a visa. Amendments: If you are an NHS worker: Some frontline workers will have their visas automatically extended if their leave expires between
On Monday 4th May 2020, HM Revenue & Customs updated its guidance on the launch of a new scheme: The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS). This scheme has been launched by the UK government in a bid to aid individuals who are either self-employed or members of a partnership who have been negatively affected by
On Wednesday 29th April 2020, the Home Secretary Priti Patel notified the public that visa extensions will automatically be conferred on overseas front-line health and care workers. “We are incredibly grateful to all overseas health and care workers fighting this invisible enemy” -Priti Patel. Ultimately, what this shows is the UK government’s aim to relieve
On Friday 24th April 2020, The Foreign & Commonwealth Office issued updated information for British citizens engaging in international travel during the coronavirus pandemic. Ultimately, the two crucial messages to individuals travelling abroad still stand: Individuals should return to the UK now, on condition that commercial flights are available. Do not travel overseas except when
On Monday 27th April 2020, HM Revenue & Customs published guidance documents for employers on how to calculate employees’ statutory pay for specific employees who have recently been furloughed. The following employees will now be paid based on their usual earnings, not the furlough rate: Workers taking paid maternity leave Workers taking paid paternity leave
On Thursday 23rd April 2020, HM Revenue and Customs updated its guidance directed to both employers and employees on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. If you are an employer claiming through the CJRS or an employee on furlough, please see our FAQs if you have any queries. I am an employer: I am claiming under
On Monday 20th April 2020, US President Donald Trump boldly voiced that he would sign an executive order to momentarily halt immigration to the US because of the pandemic. As of Thursday 23rd April, he has officially signed the proposed executive order to temporarily defer approval of green cards. This new policy is to be
On Monday 20th April 2020, The Home Office published its most recent guidance for i) sponsors, ii) visa customers overseas and iii) visa holders and short-term residents in the UK. New Amendments: Visa Holders and Short-term Residents Visa Extensions: Individuals who already have leave in the UK and plan to remain after their leave expires,
