The UK Border Agency reports that four people have been jailed for a total of more than six years for their part in a sham marriage scam involving Nigerian and Dutch nationals.
The investigation was triggered when our officers identified the suspicious travel patterns of passengers flying in and out of Luton and Stansted Airports on tickets purchased by Adeolu Eletu, a 29-year-old Nigerian.
On 10 February, our officers from the immigration crime team (East), arrested Daniloush Solano, a 21-year-old Dutch woman, at Luton Airport as she attempted to board a flight to Amsterdam.
Investigations revealed that earlier that day Solano had married Eletu at a church in Wood Green, London. She was paid 1,500 euros for her role.
Eletu was subsequently arrested on 27 February at his home address in Falcon Brae, Livingston. His Nigerian girlfriend Helen Omoboye, 33, was also arrested. She had been due to participate in a sham marriage of her own at the same Wood Green venue on 11 February.
Sylvernus Ogungbade, a 36-year-old Nigerian, was also arrested on 10 February after officers established that Solano had caught her taxi to Luton Airport from his home in Goldbeater's Grove, Edgware. Immigration checks revealed that Ogungbade, who was living alone, had recently applied for a visa on the back of his marriage to a Dutch woman who is still wanted by us.
Last week at Luton Crown Court, Eletu, Ogungbade and Omoboye pleaded guilty to conspiring to breach the UK's immigration laws. Eletu and Omoboye also pleaded guilty to perjury charges.
Eletu was sentenced to two years eight months, Omoboye was sentenced to 18 months and Ogungbade was sentenced to a year and eight months. Solano had pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to breach the UK's immigration laws and perjury at an earlier hearing on June 10. She was sentenced to 12 months.
Sam Bullimore, assistant director, UK Border Agency said:
'The sentences handed out show how seriously we, and the courts, take these kinds of attempts to undermine our immigration laws.
'We will not tolerate immigration abuse and, as these convictions demonstrate, our immigration crime teams are creating a hostile environment for those who break the immigration laws. We know that sham marriage rackets are not just about getting a ticket to the UK, often the offenders are also involved in other forms of criminality. If we see marriages that are not genuine, we will challenge them and prosecute where appropriate.
'People should be under no illusion that marriage is not enough to get permission to stay in the UK. Couples must also prove to the UK Border Agency that they have been in a genuine relationship for at least two years.'
Any foreign criminal sentenced to more than 12 months in prison for any offence is automatically considered for deportation. Source: UK Border Agency
See also:
Border Agency bust sham marriage – six arrested
UK Border Agency foils sham marriage
The great American immigration deception
American town bans renting property to illegal immigrants
US Green cards face fee hikes
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Showing posts with label Australia migration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Australia migration. Show all posts
Friday, July 09, 2010
Saturday, July 03, 2010
Non EU immigration consultation launched by Migration Advisory Committee (MAC)
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) launched a consultation yesterday on the annual limit of the number of non-EU migrants admitted to work in the UK through Tiers 1 and 2 of the points based system, the UK Border Agency announced.
The government has asked the MAC, as an independent expert body on migration, to provide advice on the level of the permanent economic migration limit for its first full year of operation. The permanent limit is intended to be implemented from April 2011.
As well as the economic impacts, the MAC will take into account the social and public service impacts of immigration on the UK.
The consultation will be open for submissions until 7 September 2010, and the MAC advice will be presented to the government by the end of that month. A paper setting out the consultation questions and procedures for submitting evidence has been published today.
The Chair of the Migration Advisory Committee, Professor David Metcalf, said:
'The Migration Advisory Committee is pleased that it has been asked to carry out this work and looks forward to working with its partners to develop robust and well-informed advice to the government.'
The consultation is running in parallel with the UK Border Agency's limits on non-EU economic migration which was announced on 28 June.
Businesses concerned about a cap on non-EU skilled migrants should take part in the consultation. This week a prominent business group warned that the Government-imposed limit on immigration could pose a risk to the UK recovery.
Government ministers such as the education secretary, Michael Gove, and the universities secretary, David Willetts, have privately warned last week that too rigid an immigration cap could hit Britain’s competitiveness and reputation among top overseas students. The business secretary, Vince Cable, voiced his concerns in public about a too-inflexible cap.
Home Secretary Theresa May unveiled a highly “business friendly” consultation paper earlier this week outlining how the new annual limit for skilled migrants – to be introduced from next April – might work.
A temporary cap to be imposed from July – to prevent a surge in applications ahead of the cap – includes such widespread exemptions that nearly half those who currently qualify for skilled worker visas will be exempt. The exemptions include multinational companies transferring staff and elite sports people, so new restrictions on the use of overseas players in football’s Premier League are ruled out.
Immigrant cap will ‘hit growth’ business tells UK Government
UK immigration cap Q&A – your questions answered
Home Office confirm UK migration limit
Immigration cap ‘would damage hospitality sector’ say REC
Home Secretary’s statement to the House of Commons on immigration cap
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
The government has asked the MAC, as an independent expert body on migration, to provide advice on the level of the permanent economic migration limit for its first full year of operation. The permanent limit is intended to be implemented from April 2011.
As well as the economic impacts, the MAC will take into account the social and public service impacts of immigration on the UK.
The consultation will be open for submissions until 7 September 2010, and the MAC advice will be presented to the government by the end of that month. A paper setting out the consultation questions and procedures for submitting evidence has been published today.
The Chair of the Migration Advisory Committee, Professor David Metcalf, said:
'The Migration Advisory Committee is pleased that it has been asked to carry out this work and looks forward to working with its partners to develop robust and well-informed advice to the government.'
The consultation is running in parallel with the UK Border Agency's limits on non-EU economic migration which was announced on 28 June.
Businesses concerned about a cap on non-EU skilled migrants should take part in the consultation. This week a prominent business group warned that the Government-imposed limit on immigration could pose a risk to the UK recovery.
Government ministers such as the education secretary, Michael Gove, and the universities secretary, David Willetts, have privately warned last week that too rigid an immigration cap could hit Britain’s competitiveness and reputation among top overseas students. The business secretary, Vince Cable, voiced his concerns in public about a too-inflexible cap.
Home Secretary Theresa May unveiled a highly “business friendly” consultation paper earlier this week outlining how the new annual limit for skilled migrants – to be introduced from next April – might work.
A temporary cap to be imposed from July – to prevent a surge in applications ahead of the cap – includes such widespread exemptions that nearly half those who currently qualify for skilled worker visas will be exempt. The exemptions include multinational companies transferring staff and elite sports people, so new restrictions on the use of overseas players in football’s Premier League are ruled out.
Immigrant cap will ‘hit growth’ business tells UK Government
UK immigration cap Q&A – your questions answered
Home Office confirm UK migration limit
Immigration cap ‘would damage hospitality sector’ say REC
Home Secretary’s statement to the House of Commons on immigration cap
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
OFW's pursue their dreams in London
Juanita Trinidad of the Manila Bulletin reports on Filipino’s living and working in the UK.
Tales of woe are common among Filipino migrant workers. Tales of abuse, exploitation, and maltreatment have been played up every so often, although this is probably the risk that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have to take each time they leave to look for greener pastures or look for means of income that, for them, are few and far between in their own country.
It, however, comes as a breath of fresh air to hear stories of success, happiness, and contentment in an OFW’s existence in the host country.
In this city, for instance, Filipino workers are seemingly a happy lot; they go about their daily chores with ease and a smile on their faces.
This writer had the chance to meet some of the Filipino crew members of the Norwegian Epic, a luxury liner owned by the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), that had its maiden voyage in Southampton, a port city on the outskirts of London, and which played host to Filipino and foreign journalists who covered the ship’s inaugural sail.
Of the Norwegian Epic’s 1,700 crew, 60 percent are young Filipinos, while the rest are Indonesians, Indians, and Sri Lankans. This is the reason they are found all over the luxury liner, doing various jobs as chef, hotel supervisor, bartender, waitress, junior waiter, room assistant, and other odd jobs. The Norwegian Epic, for them, is their “ship of dreams.”
Roxan Angeles has been with the NCL for nine years now, and has risen from the ranks, from dining room assistant to her present job as casino supervisor. She lamented about the loneliness of living in a foreign land, as she misses her family in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, but the friendship and company of fellow-Filipinos aboard the ship have somehow helped her cope with the travails.
Restaurant stewardess Nelfa Sy is with the NCL for over 10 years. She said she is enjoying her job as it gives her the opportunity to see the world, pointing out that the Norwegian Epic’s Filipino crew has been taken from other NCL-owned ships, stressing that they have been selected for the maiden voyage due to their skills and experience. While on dock, the crew, she said, is allowed to go out for a few hours to shop or see some places. “This way, we are able to tour and do some picture-taking.”
The same enthusiasm for work is shared by Jowell Manzano, a bar chief, who, like Roxan, also rose from the ranks in almost 20 years with the NCL. “We’ve free medical care, insurance, and our lodging in the ship is probably one of the best accommodations given to workers. Free time is spent by bonding together through music, dance, and small party aboard the ship.”
It was learned that the first three decks of the Norwegian Epic have been allotted to house its workers, each provided with his own cabin, complete with plasma TV, DVD, a small refrigerator, and facilities.
The tale of Clarinda Agno is a different one; she doesn’t work inside a ship, but in a hotel near the Heathrow International Airport. Now a British subject, Agno is staying with her husband, Froilan, and three children on a house and lot on Bath Road, near Sheraton Skyline, where she works for 23 years now.
“I came to London in 1983 and first worked at the Heathrow airport, later transferred to the hotel. I am blessed to get jobs that have been good to me and my family,” Agno relates, saying that she was able to petition her family when she opted to become a British subject.
Her husband now works at the Heathrow Terminal 5.
She, however, confides that although she doesn’t miss her family as they now stay with her, she someday wishes to retire in her own country. “The last time I went home was when my mother died in 2007. I aim for the simple life in my hometown of Batac, Ilocos Norte. Someday, when we have enough money to sustain us, we’ll go back to the Philippines and retire there permanently,” stressing that “it’ll be home sweet home, indeed.” Source: Juanita Trinidad, Manila Bulletin MB.com
The content of story will come as no surprise to those of us who have known overseas Filipino workers (OFW’s) living in the UK for the last 30 years.
The vast majority of Filipinos work with a happy heart and a smile, whatever their job or situation, which is one of the main reasons employers love them. Even the new Foreign Secretary, Willan Hague, praised Filipino workers for their “considerable” contribution to the country’s economy and health".
And why wouldn’t Filipinos and other overseas workers be happy in the UK?
Prosperous, multi-cultural and vibrant, Britain is safe and fair country where employment, health and safety and human rights laws are among the toughest in the world.
Unlike many places where OFW’s are deployed, foreign workers, including those on student visas, have the same rights as British workers.
Many thousands of Filipinos have gained permanent residence (Indefinite Leave to Remain/ILR) or British Citizenship and this route is still open to workers and highly skilled migrants.
Workers and students can bring their dependant and at present they all receive free healthcare and schooling. Dependants of visa holders, even Tier 4 students, can work without restriction.
Tier 4 and old students visa holders are allowed to work and can switch into a Tier 2 Working Visa or Tier 1 post graduate category (for degree level students) whilst in the UK
Despite global economic problems the UK job market for those with the right skills remains buoyant, especially in the care and service sectors.
The benefits of living in the UK are numerous, evidenced by the fact that so many people want to come here and very few leave!
The new coalition government has pledged to cut immigration and impose a cap on non-EU immigration. Initially there will be an interim limit whilst a government to business consultation takes place.
Despite favourable conditions in the UK, thousands of people seek greener opportunities in countries like Canada, USA and Australia. But this has always been the case with an estimated 5 million Brits currently living or working abroad.
See also:
Foreign Secretary Hague praises UK Filipino workers
Home Office confirm UK migration limit
UK immigration cap Q&A – your questions answered
Why the world wants to be Canadian
For more information on how you can migrate to Canada - CLICK HERE
US Green cards face fee hikes
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
Nursing In Australia-A Guide To Working & Living As A Nurse Down Under
A Step-by-step Guide to Getting A Visa, Job And Registration & Relocating And Settling In Australia.
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Tales of woe are common among Filipino migrant workers. Tales of abuse, exploitation, and maltreatment have been played up every so often, although this is probably the risk that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have to take each time they leave to look for greener pastures or look for means of income that, for them, are few and far between in their own country.
It, however, comes as a breath of fresh air to hear stories of success, happiness, and contentment in an OFW’s existence in the host country.
In this city, for instance, Filipino workers are seemingly a happy lot; they go about their daily chores with ease and a smile on their faces.
This writer had the chance to meet some of the Filipino crew members of the Norwegian Epic, a luxury liner owned by the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), that had its maiden voyage in Southampton, a port city on the outskirts of London, and which played host to Filipino and foreign journalists who covered the ship’s inaugural sail.
Of the Norwegian Epic’s 1,700 crew, 60 percent are young Filipinos, while the rest are Indonesians, Indians, and Sri Lankans. This is the reason they are found all over the luxury liner, doing various jobs as chef, hotel supervisor, bartender, waitress, junior waiter, room assistant, and other odd jobs. The Norwegian Epic, for them, is their “ship of dreams.”
Roxan Angeles has been with the NCL for nine years now, and has risen from the ranks, from dining room assistant to her present job as casino supervisor. She lamented about the loneliness of living in a foreign land, as she misses her family in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, but the friendship and company of fellow-Filipinos aboard the ship have somehow helped her cope with the travails.
Restaurant stewardess Nelfa Sy is with the NCL for over 10 years. She said she is enjoying her job as it gives her the opportunity to see the world, pointing out that the Norwegian Epic’s Filipino crew has been taken from other NCL-owned ships, stressing that they have been selected for the maiden voyage due to their skills and experience. While on dock, the crew, she said, is allowed to go out for a few hours to shop or see some places. “This way, we are able to tour and do some picture-taking.”
The same enthusiasm for work is shared by Jowell Manzano, a bar chief, who, like Roxan, also rose from the ranks in almost 20 years with the NCL. “We’ve free medical care, insurance, and our lodging in the ship is probably one of the best accommodations given to workers. Free time is spent by bonding together through music, dance, and small party aboard the ship.”
It was learned that the first three decks of the Norwegian Epic have been allotted to house its workers, each provided with his own cabin, complete with plasma TV, DVD, a small refrigerator, and facilities.
The tale of Clarinda Agno is a different one; she doesn’t work inside a ship, but in a hotel near the Heathrow International Airport. Now a British subject, Agno is staying with her husband, Froilan, and three children on a house and lot on Bath Road, near Sheraton Skyline, where she works for 23 years now.
“I came to London in 1983 and first worked at the Heathrow airport, later transferred to the hotel. I am blessed to get jobs that have been good to me and my family,” Agno relates, saying that she was able to petition her family when she opted to become a British subject.
Her husband now works at the Heathrow Terminal 5.
She, however, confides that although she doesn’t miss her family as they now stay with her, she someday wishes to retire in her own country. “The last time I went home was when my mother died in 2007. I aim for the simple life in my hometown of Batac, Ilocos Norte. Someday, when we have enough money to sustain us, we’ll go back to the Philippines and retire there permanently,” stressing that “it’ll be home sweet home, indeed.” Source: Juanita Trinidad, Manila Bulletin MB.com
The content of story will come as no surprise to those of us who have known overseas Filipino workers (OFW’s) living in the UK for the last 30 years.
The vast majority of Filipinos work with a happy heart and a smile, whatever their job or situation, which is one of the main reasons employers love them. Even the new Foreign Secretary, Willan Hague, praised Filipino workers for their “considerable” contribution to the country’s economy and health".
And why wouldn’t Filipinos and other overseas workers be happy in the UK?
Prosperous, multi-cultural and vibrant, Britain is safe and fair country where employment, health and safety and human rights laws are among the toughest in the world.
Unlike many places where OFW’s are deployed, foreign workers, including those on student visas, have the same rights as British workers.
Many thousands of Filipinos have gained permanent residence (Indefinite Leave to Remain/ILR) or British Citizenship and this route is still open to workers and highly skilled migrants.
Workers and students can bring their dependant and at present they all receive free healthcare and schooling. Dependants of visa holders, even Tier 4 students, can work without restriction.
Tier 4 and old students visa holders are allowed to work and can switch into a Tier 2 Working Visa or Tier 1 post graduate category (for degree level students) whilst in the UK
Despite global economic problems the UK job market for those with the right skills remains buoyant, especially in the care and service sectors.
The benefits of living in the UK are numerous, evidenced by the fact that so many people want to come here and very few leave!
The new coalition government has pledged to cut immigration and impose a cap on non-EU immigration. Initially there will be an interim limit whilst a government to business consultation takes place.
Despite favourable conditions in the UK, thousands of people seek greener opportunities in countries like Canada, USA and Australia. But this has always been the case with an estimated 5 million Brits currently living or working abroad.
See also:
Foreign Secretary Hague praises UK Filipino workers
Home Office confirm UK migration limit
UK immigration cap Q&A – your questions answered
Why the world wants to be Canadian
For more information on how you can migrate to Canada - CLICK HERE
US Green cards face fee hikes
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
Nursing In Australia-A Guide To Working & Living As A Nurse Down Under
A Step-by-step Guide to Getting A Visa, Job And Registration & Relocating And Settling In Australia.
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Philippine Government launch new program for OFW's
The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) recently launched a program that ensures the efficient delivery of the social protection services to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Dubbed ‘Kabayanihan,’ the program will be implemented in partnership with the Social Security System
(SSS), Philhealth, Pag-ibig, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Labor Secretary Marianito Roque said ‘Kabayanihan,’ a one-stop-shop that will be set up at the Philippines Overseas Labor Offices (POLO), uses a ‘bundling approach’ membership and services.
“This means that all government welfare services, social insurance, savings and investment, housing, loans and scholarship benefits to OFWs and their families, among others are unified to make it more accessible, convenient and affordable for the OFWs,’’ said Roque.
“Registration and transaction procedures are also expected to be simplified under the program,’’ said Roque. Source: Shianee Mamanglu, Manila Bulletin
See also:
Filipino domestic workers struggle for justice and survival
Overseas Filipino workers boost Philippine balance of payments
US Green cards face fee hikes
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
Ultimate Guide to Job Interview Answers
“How To Answer Any Question An Interviewer Could Possibly Throw At You! … “ Click Here!
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Dubbed ‘Kabayanihan,’ the program will be implemented in partnership with the Social Security System
(SSS), Philhealth, Pag-ibig, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Labor Secretary Marianito Roque said ‘Kabayanihan,’ a one-stop-shop that will be set up at the Philippines Overseas Labor Offices (POLO), uses a ‘bundling approach’ membership and services.
“This means that all government welfare services, social insurance, savings and investment, housing, loans and scholarship benefits to OFWs and their families, among others are unified to make it more accessible, convenient and affordable for the OFWs,’’ said Roque.
“Registration and transaction procedures are also expected to be simplified under the program,’’ said Roque. Source: Shianee Mamanglu, Manila Bulletin
See also:
Filipino domestic workers struggle for justice and survival
Overseas Filipino workers boost Philippine balance of payments
US Green cards face fee hikes
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
Ultimate Guide to Job Interview Answers
“How To Answer Any Question An Interviewer Could Possibly Throw At You! … “ Click Here!
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
International students are turning to universities as UK government clamp down on private colleges
Cynthia Barker writes that UK based non-EU students are increasingly looking to Universities as a place to continue their studies after having their fingers burned by private colleges.
Although University fees are higher than in the private sector, students are more secure from the kind of immigration rule changes which the UK Border Agency (UKBA) has inflicted on non-government colleges in the last few months.
As an immigration adviser I have met students who have been through up to three private colleges only to see each one been closed down or had their Tier 4 licence revoked just months after been put on the register by the UKBA.
With this in mind some are no longer prepared to risk losing thousands of pounds on a college which, however reputable, can be put out of business at the stroke of a pen.
So what are the pro’s and con’s of a University compared to a private provider?
The first obvious advantage of using a government funded provider is security. Any rule changes are likely to favour the state sector, which had previously been losing out to more competitive private colleges, and Universities will not lose their Tier 4 licence - however badly they monitor their students!
The other crucial advantage is that most University courses lead to a recognised Bachelors or Masters degree, which means you can automatically qualify to stay in the UK under the ‘Post-study work’ scheme for two years under Tier 1 of the points based system. Some private colleges also offer degree level courses validated by Universities.
British Universities are renowned all over the world for their excellence and high standards and a UK degree carries a lot of weight on any CV.
On the other hand fees for courses will be much higher than a private college, a typical degree course will cost around £8900 per annum, and term times are not so flexible.
However, Evelie Padadac an OISC registered immigration adviser with Bison Management UK, said students with a Philippine degree can benefit from their APL (Accredited Prior Learning) and gain a degree in a shorter time or go straight to a one year post graduate Masters programme.
For instance, a student with a nursing degree and some experience back home could gain a UK BSc in Nursing degree, which would enable them to practice as a registered nurse, by only completing the final year of the course.
There are a multitude of subjects from Foundation degrees to MBA’s available to study with the most popular courses for overseas students being business and management.
Colleges fight back
The UK Border Agency are facing a raft of Judicial Reviews against Tier 4 suspension decisions from international colleges.
In March English UK, which represents English language schools, launched a legal challenge against the Home Office over fears that the UK will lose thousands of jobs and £400m in income through tighter visa regulations.
Earlier this month a cross party group of 14 MP’s signed an Early Day Motion (EDM) calling on the UK Government to abolish ‘flawed and rushed’ legislation brought in by the previous administration requiring overseas students wishing to study English in Britain to first pass an English test. An appeal against the Home Office interpretation of the Points Based System has succeeded in the Court of Appeal. The case is Secretary of State for the Home Department v Pankina [2010] EWCA Civ 719. The question now is where this leaves the Home Office on the many Judicial Review cases it is defending against international colleges and English UK.
Overseas students worth £8 billion to UK economy
Financial pressures have made overseas students an increasingly important source of income for universities and the wider economy.
In the UK, overseas students are worth £5.3bn each year, according to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, and £8 billion according to former immigration minister Phil Woolas.
There are plenty of countries waiting in the wings to woo international students such as Australia where students have a route to residency.
See also:
Colleges challenge UK Govenrment’s Tier 4 suspension in Judicial Review
Early Day Motion calls on UK Government to scrap new Tier 4 student visa rules
English language schools to challenge tightening of visa rules by judicial review
Points Based System appeal case succeeds
For free immigration news updates, please visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Although University fees are higher than in the private sector, students are more secure from the kind of immigration rule changes which the UK Border Agency (UKBA) has inflicted on non-government colleges in the last few months.
As an immigration adviser I have met students who have been through up to three private colleges only to see each one been closed down or had their Tier 4 licence revoked just months after been put on the register by the UKBA.
With this in mind some are no longer prepared to risk losing thousands of pounds on a college which, however reputable, can be put out of business at the stroke of a pen.
So what are the pro’s and con’s of a University compared to a private provider?
The first obvious advantage of using a government funded provider is security. Any rule changes are likely to favour the state sector, which had previously been losing out to more competitive private colleges, and Universities will not lose their Tier 4 licence - however badly they monitor their students!
The other crucial advantage is that most University courses lead to a recognised Bachelors or Masters degree, which means you can automatically qualify to stay in the UK under the ‘Post-study work’ scheme for two years under Tier 1 of the points based system. Some private colleges also offer degree level courses validated by Universities.
British Universities are renowned all over the world for their excellence and high standards and a UK degree carries a lot of weight on any CV.
On the other hand fees for courses will be much higher than a private college, a typical degree course will cost around £8900 per annum, and term times are not so flexible.
However, Evelie Padadac an OISC registered immigration adviser with Bison Management UK, said students with a Philippine degree can benefit from their APL (Accredited Prior Learning) and gain a degree in a shorter time or go straight to a one year post graduate Masters programme.
For instance, a student with a nursing degree and some experience back home could gain a UK BSc in Nursing degree, which would enable them to practice as a registered nurse, by only completing the final year of the course.
There are a multitude of subjects from Foundation degrees to MBA’s available to study with the most popular courses for overseas students being business and management.
Colleges fight back
The UK Border Agency are facing a raft of Judicial Reviews against Tier 4 suspension decisions from international colleges.
In March English UK, which represents English language schools, launched a legal challenge against the Home Office over fears that the UK will lose thousands of jobs and £400m in income through tighter visa regulations.
Earlier this month a cross party group of 14 MP’s signed an Early Day Motion (EDM) calling on the UK Government to abolish ‘flawed and rushed’ legislation brought in by the previous administration requiring overseas students wishing to study English in Britain to first pass an English test. An appeal against the Home Office interpretation of the Points Based System has succeeded in the Court of Appeal. The case is Secretary of State for the Home Department v Pankina [2010] EWCA Civ 719. The question now is where this leaves the Home Office on the many Judicial Review cases it is defending against international colleges and English UK.
Overseas students worth £8 billion to UK economy
Financial pressures have made overseas students an increasingly important source of income for universities and the wider economy.
In the UK, overseas students are worth £5.3bn each year, according to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, and £8 billion according to former immigration minister Phil Woolas.
There are plenty of countries waiting in the wings to woo international students such as Australia where students have a route to residency.
See also:
Colleges challenge UK Govenrment’s Tier 4 suspension in Judicial Review
Early Day Motion calls on UK Government to scrap new Tier 4 student visa rules
English language schools to challenge tightening of visa rules by judicial review
Points Based System appeal case succeeds
For free immigration news updates, please visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Migrant cap will 'hit growth' business tells UK Government
The Government-imposed limit on immigration could pose a risk to the UK recovery, a prominent business group has told Sky News.
David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, told Jeff Randall Live that it was not a good time to close the door on workers who could play a role in rebuilding Britain's fragile economy.
His warning followed an announcement by Home Secretary Theresa May of a temporary cap on the number of migrant workers allowed into the UK from outside the EU.
Mr Frost told Sky business presenter Anna Jones: "We need to be careful that at a time when we need to get all the growth we can in the UK economy that we remember the needs of British business.
"The City for example... relies on a pool of global talent; specialist engineering companies working in the North Sea, those vital new science and innovation companies (all) rely on getting their employees from across the globe. We can't stop that."
On a day which saw the Government signal cuts to benefits as it seeks to reduce the budget deficit, Mr Frost also called for changes to the welfare system.
"We need to look at the whole picture and of course what is happening is, because many of the local employees don't have the skills, don't have the work ethic, then of course businesses are turning to Eastern European migrants and you can't reform migration without reforming the benefits system.
"Too many companies report through to me that they offer the job to the local person but they say 'It's not worth it - I get more money on benefit' and therefore immigration has got to be tackled hand and hand with welfare reform."
Mr Frost's views on the potential economic impact of an immigration cap echoed a warning from shadow home secretary Alan Johnson.
Mr Johnson told Sky News companies could take their business elsewhere if they were banned from hiring the skilled workers they need.
"The people we're talking about here are the people the economy needs in order to grow in very difficult economic times... At best this is a gesture, at worst this is a deceit," he said.
The restrictions mean that just over 24,000 workers from outside Europe can enter the country this year - 5% fewer than last year.
The measures are intended to prevent a spike in workers heading to the UK before the introduction of a permanent limit next year.
Defending the move, Mrs May told Sky News: "We need to introduce this limit. Immigration has been good for the UK but uncontrolled immigration isn't."
The Liberal Democrats, who are part of the coalition government, opposed the Conservatives' policy during the election campaign. Source: Sky News
This month a cross party group of MP’s signed an Early Day Motion (EDM) calling on the UK Government to abolish ‘flawed and rushed’ legislation brought in by the previous administration requiring overseas students wishing to study English in Britain to first pass an English test.
The new coalition Government has slashed a £75m programme to help 50,000 young unemployed people enter the adult social care workforce, in a move condemned by a leading care provider.
The Highly Skilled Migrants Forum and the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) argued that the cap would be unworkable and could damage the economy. The forum warned that a curb on international students would put at risk the £12bn a year generated by their fees.
The Home Office should take care that we do not scare off talented migrants and fee paying students who bring in over £12 billion in fees to Universities and colleges. Australia and Canada are waiting in the wings ready to grab skilled migrants take our share of the lucrative student market.
See also:
Home Office confirm UK migration limit
Early Day Motion calls on UK Government to scrap new Tier 4 student visa rules
UK Government scraps social care recruitment incentives
Lib Dem defends temporary cap on non-EU migration
Immediate cap on non-EU migrant workers to be introduced by Home Office
Immigration cap ‘would damage hospitality sector’ say REC
Cameron’s immigration cap ‘will strangle Britain’ say JCWI
Nursing In Australia-A Guide To Working & Living As A Nurse Down Under
Why the world wants to be Canadian
For more information on how you can migrate to Canada - CLICK HERE
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, told Jeff Randall Live that it was not a good time to close the door on workers who could play a role in rebuilding Britain's fragile economy.
His warning followed an announcement by Home Secretary Theresa May of a temporary cap on the number of migrant workers allowed into the UK from outside the EU.
Mr Frost told Sky business presenter Anna Jones: "We need to be careful that at a time when we need to get all the growth we can in the UK economy that we remember the needs of British business.
"The City for example... relies on a pool of global talent; specialist engineering companies working in the North Sea, those vital new science and innovation companies (all) rely on getting their employees from across the globe. We can't stop that."
On a day which saw the Government signal cuts to benefits as it seeks to reduce the budget deficit, Mr Frost also called for changes to the welfare system.
"We need to look at the whole picture and of course what is happening is, because many of the local employees don't have the skills, don't have the work ethic, then of course businesses are turning to Eastern European migrants and you can't reform migration without reforming the benefits system.
"Too many companies report through to me that they offer the job to the local person but they say 'It's not worth it - I get more money on benefit' and therefore immigration has got to be tackled hand and hand with welfare reform."
Mr Frost's views on the potential economic impact of an immigration cap echoed a warning from shadow home secretary Alan Johnson.
Mr Johnson told Sky News companies could take their business elsewhere if they were banned from hiring the skilled workers they need.
"The people we're talking about here are the people the economy needs in order to grow in very difficult economic times... At best this is a gesture, at worst this is a deceit," he said.
The restrictions mean that just over 24,000 workers from outside Europe can enter the country this year - 5% fewer than last year.
The measures are intended to prevent a spike in workers heading to the UK before the introduction of a permanent limit next year.
Defending the move, Mrs May told Sky News: "We need to introduce this limit. Immigration has been good for the UK but uncontrolled immigration isn't."
The Liberal Democrats, who are part of the coalition government, opposed the Conservatives' policy during the election campaign. Source: Sky News
This month a cross party group of MP’s signed an Early Day Motion (EDM) calling on the UK Government to abolish ‘flawed and rushed’ legislation brought in by the previous administration requiring overseas students wishing to study English in Britain to first pass an English test.
The new coalition Government has slashed a £75m programme to help 50,000 young unemployed people enter the adult social care workforce, in a move condemned by a leading care provider.
The Highly Skilled Migrants Forum and the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) argued that the cap would be unworkable and could damage the economy. The forum warned that a curb on international students would put at risk the £12bn a year generated by their fees.
The Home Office should take care that we do not scare off talented migrants and fee paying students who bring in over £12 billion in fees to Universities and colleges. Australia and Canada are waiting in the wings ready to grab skilled migrants take our share of the lucrative student market.
See also:
Home Office confirm UK migration limit
Early Day Motion calls on UK Government to scrap new Tier 4 student visa rules
UK Government scraps social care recruitment incentives
Lib Dem defends temporary cap on non-EU migration
Immediate cap on non-EU migrant workers to be introduced by Home Office
Immigration cap ‘would damage hospitality sector’ say REC
Cameron’s immigration cap ‘will strangle Britain’ say JCWI
Nursing In Australia-A Guide To Working & Living As A Nurse Down Under
Why the world wants to be Canadian
For more information on how you can migrate to Canada - CLICK HERE
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
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