Overhauls to UK Immigration, Changes to Colombian Nationals, New Ukrainian Scheme and Other December 2024 Updates

Kier Starmer Resolves to Overhaul UK Immigration System After Latest Migration Numbers Published

UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer has voiced his intention to overhaul the UK immigration system after latest net migration figures were published by the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

The figures showed that approximately 903,000 people came to the UK in the year ending June 2023, which was higher than estimates predicted.

Starmer, commenting on the statistics, stated that they were “off the scale” and accused the Conservative party of “running an open borders experiment” prior to Labour being elected earlier this year.

In a press conference in London, the Prime Minister also went on to commit to an overhaul of the UK’s existing points-based immigration system in order to lessen the UK economy’s dependency on foreign workers.

He stated: “The Migration Advisory Committee is already conducting a review and where we find clear evidence of sectors that are over-reliant on immigration, we will reform the points-based system and make sure that applications for the relevant visa routes, whether it’s the skilled worker route or the shortage occupation list, will now come with new expectations on training people here in our country.”

Starmer’s comments also come in light of the Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch’s comments on the party’s immigration policies. Speaking in a press conference last week, the leader admitted that the Tory party “got it wrong” on immigration.

Badenoch also committed to introducing a numerical cap on migration numbers if her party was to be elected in the next election, as well as a review of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the Human Rights Act in UK policy.

UK Employers Who Flout Immigration Rules to be Banned from Hiring Foreign Workers

The UK government have tightened restrictions on UK businesses who abuse or exploit UK visa and immigration rules.

In a press release published on the Home Office website, the government revealed plans to ban employers from hiring foreign workers if they repeatedly flout immigration rules or commit serious breaches, such as not paying the national minimum wage.

This involves the lengthening of the current ban period from 12 months to “at least 2 years”.

Businesses who also commit minor breaches will have restrictions tightened, with the maximum time given to apply corrective action plans being lengthened from 3 months to 12 months.

The government also doubled down on the policy of revoking the sponsor licences of businesses who fail to comply or make necessary changes to their practices while under review from the Home Office.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra MP, stated: “We committed in our manifesto to do everything in our power to ensure those who abuse our immigration system face the strongest possible consequences.

No longer will employers be able to flout the rules with little consequence or exploit international workers for costs they were always supposed to pay if they choose not to recruit domestically.”

Colombian Nationals to Require Visa to Visit UK

Colombian nationals will henceforth be required to obtain a visa before travelling to the UK, as part of new changes set out in the latest Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules.

This includes Visitor visas for short-term visits and Transit visas if connecting to another flight via a UK airport.

In addition to these changes, Colombian nationals will no longer be eligible to apply for Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) for travel from 8 January 2025 as previously planned.

The Home Office have announced a four-week, visa-free transition period for those who already hold confirmed bookings to the UK obtained on or before 15:00 GMT 26 November 2024 where arrival in the UK is no later than 15:00 GMT 24 December 2024.

The reason given for this change is due to an alleged increase of Colombian nationals travelling to the UK for reasons other than those permitted under normal Visitor visa rules. These include an increased number of asylum claims and an high rates of refusals at the UK border due to visitors travelling for prohibited purposes.

New Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme to Launch on 4 February 2025

The UK government have announced the launch date of the new Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme to be 9:00am on the the 4th of February 2025.

The new scheme, first announced earlier this year, will allow Ukrainian nationals and their families currently in the UK on one of the Ukraine schemes to stay in the UK for a further 18 months.

Existing eligible Ukraine schemes include the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, Ukraine Family Scheme and the Ukraine Extension Scheme.

Applicants must be in the UK when they apply and submit their application no earlier than 28 days before their current permission expires.

It will be free to apply for the UPE scheme.

How Can IAS Help With Your UK Visa Application?

IAS have a team of immigration advisers and caseworkers experienced in the field of UK immigration law.

Regardless of where you’re coming from or what your chosen immigration pathway is, we can help you with almost all UK immigration and visa cases, using our years of experience and compassionate customer service to help get you to where you need to go.

We also offer fast-track and urgent application packages if you need to submit your application to a deadline.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help on your situation today. Call us on +44 (0)333 414 9244 or reach out to us online.