Big Changes in UK Visa Services, Fewer Student & Dependent Visas Approved, and Other October 2024 Updates

Changes to UKVI Partner Visa Services

UKVI have announced that they will be changing commercial partners for visa services from TLScontact to VFS Global in certain companies and territories.

These include several locations in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia.

Applicants in the affected areas have been urged to check their email inboxes for emails from these companies, which will contain information about any necessary further steps they may have to take for their visa applications.

VFS Global took over visa services in the following locations from 22 October 2024:

• Algeria
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Gabon
• Gambia
• Ghana
• Ivory Coast
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Mauritius
• Morocco
• Seychelles
• South Africa
• Tunisia

Additionally, VFS Global took over visa services in the following locations from 5 November 2024:

• Cyprus (North)
• France
• Iraq
• Israel
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Lebanon
• the Occupied Palestinian Territories
• Tajikistan
• Turkey
• Ukraine
• Uzbekistan

In addition to these changes, the commercial partner for UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services changed from Sopra Steria to TLScontact on 15 October 2024.

The changing of visa partners will not affect the decision of visa applications, nor the length of time it takes for applications to be processed.

Decline in UK Student Visa Applications

Latest figures from the Home Office have shown that there has been a noticeable decline in Student visa applications from foreign students.

There was a 16% drop in applications between July and September in 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.

Applications for family members of international students also dropped by 89%, after new rules brought in this year restricting international students’ ability to bring dependent family members with them to the UK.

The statistics have caused concern among UK universities, many of which are heavily dependent on the income from foreign students. There have also been calls for the UK government to offer bailouts to higher education institutions that are struggling financially.

Immigration Drives Up UK Population At Fastest Rate in 50 Years

Latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) has revealed the fasted population growth in the UK for 50 years.

The population of the UK reached 68.3 million in the middle of 2023, representing a 1% overall growth since the middle of 2022.

This rise has been attributed to overall increasing net migration levels. Corresponding data from the ONS has also demonstrated a sharp increase in UK visa applications, especially in the Work visa category.

However, net migration levels are expected to return to more normal levels in 2024 data.

Westminster to Debate Visas and Services for Hongkongers in the UK

There will be a Westminster Hall debate among MPs on 17th October 2024, with the topic being Hongkongers in the UK and the security, services and visas available to them.

Since the BN(O) visa was launched for Hongkongers in 2021, over 150,000 Hongkongers have moved to the UK and made it their home.

They currently have no recourse to public funds and must pay the immigration healthcare surcharge to access NHS services. They are also ineligible for home fee status or student finance.

However, growing security concerns regarding Hongkongers have prompted fresh debates on how the UK can further protect them from invasive or predatory behaviour borne from China’s National Security Law.

The debate will be opened by Connor Rand MP.

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.