Friday 8 December 2023

It has been a highly publicised week for UK immigration law, from the resignation of Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick to the announcement of changes to the Immigration Rules from Spring 2024, including substantial increases to the financial requirements for Skilled Workers and dependants of British citizens.

The government has added a new Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules HC 246 to the roster of announcements, setting out updates to various immigration categories. The main changes are as follows:

Visitor Rules Amendments, including permitting business visitors to work remotely whilst they are in the UK (provided this is not the primary purpose of their visit), amending the permitted intra-corporate activities to remove the prohibition on working directly with clients, expanding the permitted activities for legal professionals and other measures to facilitate specific professions such as flight crew, scientists, researchers, conference speakers and academics in visits to the UK.

EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) Amendments: Among other changes, the modifications aim to prevent EUSS applications by irregular arrivals, requiring visitors to apply within three months of arrival and allowing limited leave under the EUSS to be curtailed under certain circumstances.

Changes to Travel Document Requirements for School Groups: Children under 18 from French schools will be able to visit the UK on educational trips without passports or visit visas.

Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) Changes: Updates include agreements with Uruguay, enhanced arrangements with Japan and South Korea, and adjustments to age ranges and requirements for citizens participating in the scheme.

Introduction of New Appendices: Appendices like Bereaved Partner, Victim of Domestic Abuse, and Statelessness replace existing provisions and introduce specific routes for settlement based on various circumstances.

The significant changes above are primarily due to come into effect on 31 January 2024.

Get in touch

To learn more about forthcoming changes to UK immigration law, see our website, contact your assigned LDI lawyer or email enquiries@lauradevine.com.