Lifting of visa restrictions and changes to visa services in Nigeria

The British High Commission, Nigeria has announced that the lifting of the the temporary suspension of visa services for first time visitors aged 18-30 will take effect on Friday 17 March. (more)

Changes to the Immigration Rules - leave to remain and settlement

From March 13 2006, there will be important changes in Immigration Rules, which will affect people applying for leave to remain, and indefinite leave to remain (or settlement), in the UK. The changes will take effect from 3 April this year. (more)

Termination of UK Sectors Based Scheme

The Home Office Command Paper, "A Points-Based System: Making Migration Work for Britain", was published today.

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Points-Based System: Making Migration Work for Britain

New Migration System To Decide Who Works In The UK

A new points based system to enable the UK to control migration more effectively, tackle abuse and identify the most talented workers was launched by the Home Secretary today.

IMPORTANT: The below announcement of proposed changes to the UK Immigration System is unlikely to come into effect until mid-2007 at the earliest and does not in any way change current UK Immigration routes. If you qualify now, for example, for the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme then you should apply for HSMP while you can.

Unveiling the Government's Command Paper on the points-based system for managed migration, the Home Secretary called on industry and education sectors to play their role in making migration work for Britain, and reminded them that they had a responsibility to help make the new scheme a success.

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Home Office Switching Rules

The Home Office have updated the UK switching rules and are now as shown below. (more)