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
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
UK immigration cap - Q&A
The fantastic BBC website team have produced this useful Q&A on the new immigration cap
How does the British immigration system currently work?
There are different ways to come to live or settle permanently in the UK.
Putting it very simply, migrants fall into five categories: economic migrants, students, temporary workers or visitors, refugees and asylum seekers, or people arriving for family reasons such as marriage.
Family reunion is the easiest part of the system to understand. If you are the partner of a British citizen or someone living permanently in the UK, you can ask to join them. The principles behind the refugee system are relatively simple too. If you believe you need protection because you are being persecuted, you apply for asylum. Government's main focus at the moment is the complicated business of economic migration.
So how does economic migration work?
The British system differentiates between most people who live in Europe and migrants from the rest of the world. If a migrant is a citizen of one of the European Union's member states (or one of the other counties in the European Economic Area), then they are free to compete for jobs in the UK.
This is because the UK is part of the European free trade area under which goods, services and labour can be freely traded across borders. The rules mean that British workers can equally seek work and settle across the rest of the EU.
And what about if you come from elsewhere?
If you come from anywhere else, including Commonwealth nations, a migrant has to apply under one of the "tiers" that make up the Points Based System (PBS).
This is a popular system among leading industrialised nations which allows border agencies to let in people the economy genuinely needs by awarding them points for their skills. Those with the most skills get the most points - and find it easier to get in.
So what are the tiers?
The most prized migrants in the global economy are, logically, the highly skilled. This would include business leaders with top qualifications and experience, doctors, experts in their professional fields and so on.
MIGRATION TO UK 2008
TOTAL: 590,000
UK citizens: 85,000
EU nationals: 198,000
Rest of the world: 307,000
Net inflow: 163,000
Source: ONS Long-term migration statistics (opens ONS page)
Under the Labour government, many of these "Tier 1" migrants could apply to enter the UK without a guaranteed job because experts say they are likely to generate wealth and expand the economy.
Tier 2 of the system covers skilled workers who must be sponsored. An employee advertises a post for a month - and if they believe they can't fill it from the British labour force, they can ask the Home Office for permission to bring in a foreign worker to fill the gap.
Tier 3 covers low skilled workers from outside the EEA - but that part of the system has never been introduced because the government says the vacancies should be filled by UK and European workers.
The fourth tier of the system covers students. The final tier covers temporary workers or visitors - such as young people working in bars or agriculture as they fund gap year travels. It also covers some very specific categories outside of the main economy, such as elite sportsmen and women, performing artists and religious leaders.
Will this system be scrapped?
No. But the new coalition government has pledged to tighten it up because it's the most obvious lever it has to push down levels of migration. It will introduce a cap on migration from April 2011. In the meantime, it is introducing temporary caps on some parts of Tier 1 and Tier 2 workers.
The number of general Tier 1 highly skilled migrants will be capped at the current level of about 5,400 applicants and the points required for entry will also be raised.
Investors and entrepreneurs putting cash into the British economy will not be blocked. The government is also cutting by 1,300 the number of skilled workers who gain entry through Tier 2 - but it won't block companies from moving their own staff in and out of the country, a relatively significant part of economic migration of skilled workers.
What does a cut of 1,300 workers look like in the context of all migration?
The Office for National Statistics says that 505,000 non-British people came to live in the UK for more than a year in 2008.
In the first three months of 2010, the UK Border Agency issued 6,685 Tier 1 visas and 16,915 Tier 2 visas as part of the 406,455 approvals it made to all visitors and economic migrants.
Other figures show some 214,345 were allowed to settle permanently in the UK in the year to March 2010. Just under half of these settlements were granted to people who had come for work and put down roots. The 1,300 temporary cut in skilled worker visas equals about 1.5% of these work-related settlements.
What will the cap be set at?
The government is asking business for its views on what the cap should be and how it should work. Once a cap is in place, it proposes putting all the skilled migrants into a first-come-first-served system - meaning that companies will need to act fast to get the people they want.
For the highly skilled migrants, it suggests placing them all in a pool. Employers could then periodically dip into that pool to fish out the top worker they want.
What effect will a cap have?
The short answer is that we don't know. If the cap were set very high it would have no effect at all. The key question that nobody can answer is how employers will react if it's set very tightly.
Let's take one example - the ongoing demand for home and social care workers. The government has been telling the care industry to do more to train up British workers so that it becomes less reliant on foreign care workers labour from around the world.
But, if a cap is put in place, will employers invest in training British workers - which some warn will lead to higher prices for the services - or will they bring in more workers from cheaper parts of the European Union?
And if they bring in more EU workers, something ministers cannot stop, will the government be able to meet a pledge to reduce levels of net migration back to "tens of thousands, not hundreds of thousands"?
Ministers say they're not promising the Earth - but they pledging better control and certainty. They refer to the experience of New Zealand which operates a points and limits system very efficiently. Its labour market is smaller than the population of London - and it's also not part of a trading block comparable to the EU, which accounts for a third of all migration into the UK.
But long-term EU migration patterns are difficult to predict. Many EU economies applied temporary bars on workers from central and Eastern Europe. That bar will be lifted. Home Secretary Theresa May says she will be "very surprised" if that doesn't lead to changes in where workers from countries like Poland head. Source BBC.co.uk
See also:
Home Office confirm UK migration limit
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
How does the British immigration system currently work?
There are different ways to come to live or settle permanently in the UK.
Putting it very simply, migrants fall into five categories: economic migrants, students, temporary workers or visitors, refugees and asylum seekers, or people arriving for family reasons such as marriage.
Family reunion is the easiest part of the system to understand. If you are the partner of a British citizen or someone living permanently in the UK, you can ask to join them. The principles behind the refugee system are relatively simple too. If you believe you need protection because you are being persecuted, you apply for asylum. Government's main focus at the moment is the complicated business of economic migration.
So how does economic migration work?
The British system differentiates between most people who live in Europe and migrants from the rest of the world. If a migrant is a citizen of one of the European Union's member states (or one of the other counties in the European Economic Area), then they are free to compete for jobs in the UK.
This is because the UK is part of the European free trade area under which goods, services and labour can be freely traded across borders. The rules mean that British workers can equally seek work and settle across the rest of the EU.
And what about if you come from elsewhere?
If you come from anywhere else, including Commonwealth nations, a migrant has to apply under one of the "tiers" that make up the Points Based System (PBS).
This is a popular system among leading industrialised nations which allows border agencies to let in people the economy genuinely needs by awarding them points for their skills. Those with the most skills get the most points - and find it easier to get in.
So what are the tiers?
The most prized migrants in the global economy are, logically, the highly skilled. This would include business leaders with top qualifications and experience, doctors, experts in their professional fields and so on.
MIGRATION TO UK 2008
TOTAL: 590,000
UK citizens: 85,000
EU nationals: 198,000
Rest of the world: 307,000
Net inflow: 163,000
Source: ONS Long-term migration statistics (opens ONS page)
Under the Labour government, many of these "Tier 1" migrants could apply to enter the UK without a guaranteed job because experts say they are likely to generate wealth and expand the economy.
Tier 2 of the system covers skilled workers who must be sponsored. An employee advertises a post for a month - and if they believe they can't fill it from the British labour force, they can ask the Home Office for permission to bring in a foreign worker to fill the gap.
Tier 3 covers low skilled workers from outside the EEA - but that part of the system has never been introduced because the government says the vacancies should be filled by UK and European workers.
The fourth tier of the system covers students. The final tier covers temporary workers or visitors - such as young people working in bars or agriculture as they fund gap year travels. It also covers some very specific categories outside of the main economy, such as elite sportsmen and women, performing artists and religious leaders.
Will this system be scrapped?
No. But the new coalition government has pledged to tighten it up because it's the most obvious lever it has to push down levels of migration. It will introduce a cap on migration from April 2011. In the meantime, it is introducing temporary caps on some parts of Tier 1 and Tier 2 workers.
The number of general Tier 1 highly skilled migrants will be capped at the current level of about 5,400 applicants and the points required for entry will also be raised.
Investors and entrepreneurs putting cash into the British economy will not be blocked. The government is also cutting by 1,300 the number of skilled workers who gain entry through Tier 2 - but it won't block companies from moving their own staff in and out of the country, a relatively significant part of economic migration of skilled workers.
What does a cut of 1,300 workers look like in the context of all migration?
The Office for National Statistics says that 505,000 non-British people came to live in the UK for more than a year in 2008.
In the first three months of 2010, the UK Border Agency issued 6,685 Tier 1 visas and 16,915 Tier 2 visas as part of the 406,455 approvals it made to all visitors and economic migrants.
Other figures show some 214,345 were allowed to settle permanently in the UK in the year to March 2010. Just under half of these settlements were granted to people who had come for work and put down roots. The 1,300 temporary cut in skilled worker visas equals about 1.5% of these work-related settlements.
What will the cap be set at?
The government is asking business for its views on what the cap should be and how it should work. Once a cap is in place, it proposes putting all the skilled migrants into a first-come-first-served system - meaning that companies will need to act fast to get the people they want.
For the highly skilled migrants, it suggests placing them all in a pool. Employers could then periodically dip into that pool to fish out the top worker they want.
What effect will a cap have?
The short answer is that we don't know. If the cap were set very high it would have no effect at all. The key question that nobody can answer is how employers will react if it's set very tightly.
Let's take one example - the ongoing demand for home and social care workers. The government has been telling the care industry to do more to train up British workers so that it becomes less reliant on foreign care workers labour from around the world.
But, if a cap is put in place, will employers invest in training British workers - which some warn will lead to higher prices for the services - or will they bring in more workers from cheaper parts of the European Union?
And if they bring in more EU workers, something ministers cannot stop, will the government be able to meet a pledge to reduce levels of net migration back to "tens of thousands, not hundreds of thousands"?
Ministers say they're not promising the Earth - but they pledging better control and certainty. They refer to the experience of New Zealand which operates a points and limits system very efficiently. Its labour market is smaller than the population of London - and it's also not part of a trading block comparable to the EU, which accounts for a third of all migration into the UK.
But long-term EU migration patterns are difficult to predict. Many EU economies applied temporary bars on workers from central and Eastern Europe. That bar will be lifted. Home Secretary Theresa May says she will be "very surprised" if that doesn't lead to changes in where workers from countries like Poland head. Source BBC.co.uk
See also:
Home Office confirm UK migration limit
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
Immigration will be reduced says Immigration Minister
Damian Green announced last week that the new government will introduce measures to ‘properly control immigration’ following figures released on 24 June which shows an increase in the UK population.
Responding to statistics which showed the population increased in 2008-09, the minister for immigration said the new government intends to reduce immigration numbers back to 1990s levels.
Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (new window) showed that the population of the UK was 61.8m in mid-2009, an increase of 394,000 on the previous year.
The report showed a total population increase of 2.7m compared with 2001.
'Far too high'
The new Minister for Immigration, who replaced Phil Woolas following the general election, said:
‘We believe that immigration has been far too high in recent years, which is why the new government will reduce net migration back down to the levels of the 1990s — to tens of thousands rather than hundreds of thousands.
‘Over the coming weeks and months the public will see us tackle this issue by introducing a wide range of new measures to ensure that immigration is properly controlled, including a limit on work permits, actions on marriage and an effective system of regulating the students who come here.’ Source: Home Office
There were several media reports last weekend that the coalition government had watered down its flagship ‘immigration cap’ election pledge after a cabinet revolt.
The BBC reports that the Business Secretary Vince Cable defended government plans for a temporary cap on migrant workers from outside the EU, but said it must be implemented in a “flexible way”.
The government has informed the media that it will announce a limit of 24,100 until April 2011 while the coalition consults on introducing a permanent cap.
Whilst Britain has been introducing measures to reduce immigration for the last few years, Canada is attracting the best migrants from both the developing world and the UK. See Why the world wants to be Canadian.
Related immigration articles:
Lib Dem defends temporary cap on non-EU migration
Immediate cap on non-EU migrant workers to be introduced by Home Office
Demographic shift ‘will cut UK growth’ according to ONS figures
Immigration cap ‘would damage hospitality sector’ say REC
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
Responding to statistics which showed the population increased in 2008-09, the minister for immigration said the new government intends to reduce immigration numbers back to 1990s levels.
Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (new window) showed that the population of the UK was 61.8m in mid-2009, an increase of 394,000 on the previous year.
The report showed a total population increase of 2.7m compared with 2001.
'Far too high'
The new Minister for Immigration, who replaced Phil Woolas following the general election, said:
‘We believe that immigration has been far too high in recent years, which is why the new government will reduce net migration back down to the levels of the 1990s — to tens of thousands rather than hundreds of thousands.
‘Over the coming weeks and months the public will see us tackle this issue by introducing a wide range of new measures to ensure that immigration is properly controlled, including a limit on work permits, actions on marriage and an effective system of regulating the students who come here.’ Source: Home Office
There were several media reports last weekend that the coalition government had watered down its flagship ‘immigration cap’ election pledge after a cabinet revolt.
The BBC reports that the Business Secretary Vince Cable defended government plans for a temporary cap on migrant workers from outside the EU, but said it must be implemented in a “flexible way”.
The government has informed the media that it will announce a limit of 24,100 until April 2011 while the coalition consults on introducing a permanent cap.
Whilst Britain has been introducing measures to reduce immigration for the last few years, Canada is attracting the best migrants from both the developing world and the UK. See Why the world wants to be Canadian.
Related immigration articles:
Lib Dem defends temporary cap on non-EU migration
Immediate cap on non-EU migrant workers to be introduced by Home Office
Demographic shift ‘will cut UK growth’ according to ONS figures
Immigration cap ‘would damage hospitality sector’ say REC
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
Commons Speaker to investigate leak claim
Immigration Matters reports.
Commons Speaker John Bercow has promised to investigate claims that a statement on immigration was leaked to the media before MPs were informed, the BBC reports.
Labour MP Chris Bryant accused ministers of "consistently leaking to the press".
He added that, in telling the media before MPs about its plans, the government could "laugh at this House".
Mr Bercow promised an inquiry to "decide what action needs to be taken".
In a statement to the Commons, Home Secretary Theresa May announced a consultation on introducing an annual cap on non-EU immigration and said that, as a first step, the number of skilled workers allowed into the UK from outside the EU is to be cut by 1,300 between now and April 2011.
'New pattern'
This was widely reported in the media beforehand.
Making a point of order, Mr Bryant said to the Speaker: "You said last week and you said five weeks ago that you wholly deprecated the practice of ministers announcing things to the press before announce them to this House."
He added: "There's no point getting elected to this House if you might as well have stayed at home and listened to the statement on the radio or television or read it in the newspapers...
"We know we have a government which is consistently leaking to the press."
Mr Bryant said it was important to act because "otherwise, ministers will laugh at this house".
In response, Mr Bercow said he did not know the details of Mr Bryant's claims, but told MPs: "I reiterate in the strongest possible terms that I entirely deprecate the practice of releasing to the media the content of ministerial statements before those statements have been made to the House."
He added: "I can confirm to the honourable gentleman [Mr Bryant] that I'm willing to look further into the precise details of this case, to decide what, if any, action needs to be taken.
"We need to establish a new pattern in this parliament, whereby this sort of thing doesn't happen and, if it does, action is taken."
Mr Bercow said he would report back to MPs with the findings of the inquiry. Source BBC
See also:
Immediate cap on non-EU migrant workers to be introduced by Home Office
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
Monday, June 28, 2010
Lib Dem's Cable defends temporary cap on non-EU migration
There have been several media reports that the coalition government has watered down its flagship ‘immigration cap’ election pledge after a cabinet revolt.
The BBC reports that the Business Secretary Vince Cable defended government plans for a temporary cap on migrant workers from outside the EU, but said it must be implemented in a "flexible way".
The government has informed the media that it will announce a limit of 24,100 until April 2011 while the coalition consults on introducing a permanent cap.
Mr Cable said ministers had "signed up" to the principle of a cap, but they must "accommodate" the needs of certain industries as well as universities.
Labour has said an arbitrary immigration cap is "fraught with difficulty".
The Lib Dems opposed Conservative proposals for an annual cap before the election - but agreed to back the proposal as part of their coalition agreement.
'Public reassurance'
The temporary cap, due to be announced today by Home Secretary Theresa May, is aimed at preventing a rush of applications before a permanent figure is agreed.
Mr Cable told the BBC's Andrew Marr show that it was designed to "pre-empt a flood" of new arrivals in the period before permanent arrangements came into force.
Businesses have warned that the cap could stop them from filling vacancies at times of high demand and also recruiting people with specific skills in areas such as catering and social care.
Critics have said the measures could have a detrimental effect on the higher education sector, which is reliant for much of its income on foreign students.
"The new regime has to accommodate those concerns," Mr Cable said. "It has to be implemented in a flexible way."
The government had to "reassure the public" that there was an effective system of immigration controls in place but also to ensure the economy was not damaged as it seeks to recover from the effects of the recession.
'Confident'
He said talks between Conservative and Lib Dem ministers on the issue had been "collegiate".
"I am confident the way it is being implemented will achieve these objectives," he said.
During the election campaign David Cameron said he wanted to reduce net annual migration - the number of immigrants minus the number emigrating from the UK - from hundreds of thousands currently to tens of thousands.
Labour says any policy needs to be "tough but fair" and that the points-based system it introduced in 2008 has succeeded in reducing immigration levels and stopping unskilled workers from outside the EU coming into the UK.
The home secretary will give details of the consultation process ministers will undertake before deciding what the permanent cap should be.
It has been reported that this could include the option of exempting job categories to reflect skills shortages in some areas.
Mr Cable also defended the Budget, saying many of the spending cuts and tax rises announced by Chancellor George Osborne were "unpleasant" but action was needed to deal with the "horrendous" financial situation the coalition had inherited.
Measures such as raising the income tax threshold for the lowest-paid - as well maintaining the top rate 50p tax band and cutting pension tax relief for the better-off - helped offset the VAT increase in terms of where the burden fell, he added.
"If you look at the package as a whole, that makes the balance much better and more equitable," he said.
He also played down talk that Lib Dem MPs could seek to table amendments to the Budget following comments by the party's Deputy Leader Simon Hughes last week.
"We have a balanced package as it is," he added. "We are not reopening it." Source: BBC
During the election campaign the Liberal's were the only main party to suggest an amnesty as a way of dealing with the estimated 750,000 immigrants illegally in the UK. Although their honesty did not go down too well with voters they now find themselves, through the coalition government, in a position to influence immigration policy.
See also:
Immediate cap on non-EU migrant workers to be introduced by Home Office
Demographic shift ‘will cut UK growth’ according to ONS figures
Immigration cap ‘would damage hospitality sector’ say REC
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 BBC reports that the Business Secretary Vince Cable defended government plans for a temporary cap on migrant workers from outside the EU, but said it must be implemented in a "flexible way".
The government has informed the media that it will announce a limit of 24,100 until April 2011 while the coalition consults on introducing a permanent cap.
Mr Cable said ministers had "signed up" to the principle of a cap, but they must "accommodate" the needs of certain industries as well as universities.
Labour has said an arbitrary immigration cap is "fraught with difficulty".
The Lib Dems opposed Conservative proposals for an annual cap before the election - but agreed to back the proposal as part of their coalition agreement.
'Public reassurance'
The temporary cap, due to be announced today by Home Secretary Theresa May, is aimed at preventing a rush of applications before a permanent figure is agreed.
Mr Cable told the BBC's Andrew Marr show that it was designed to "pre-empt a flood" of new arrivals in the period before permanent arrangements came into force.
Businesses have warned that the cap could stop them from filling vacancies at times of high demand and also recruiting people with specific skills in areas such as catering and social care.
Critics have said the measures could have a detrimental effect on the higher education sector, which is reliant for much of its income on foreign students.
"The new regime has to accommodate those concerns," Mr Cable said. "It has to be implemented in a flexible way."
The government had to "reassure the public" that there was an effective system of immigration controls in place but also to ensure the economy was not damaged as it seeks to recover from the effects of the recession.
'Confident'
He said talks between Conservative and Lib Dem ministers on the issue had been "collegiate".
"I am confident the way it is being implemented will achieve these objectives," he said.
During the election campaign David Cameron said he wanted to reduce net annual migration - the number of immigrants minus the number emigrating from the UK - from hundreds of thousands currently to tens of thousands.
Labour says any policy needs to be "tough but fair" and that the points-based system it introduced in 2008 has succeeded in reducing immigration levels and stopping unskilled workers from outside the EU coming into the UK.
The home secretary will give details of the consultation process ministers will undertake before deciding what the permanent cap should be.
It has been reported that this could include the option of exempting job categories to reflect skills shortages in some areas.
Mr Cable also defended the Budget, saying many of the spending cuts and tax rises announced by Chancellor George Osborne were "unpleasant" but action was needed to deal with the "horrendous" financial situation the coalition had inherited.
Measures such as raising the income tax threshold for the lowest-paid - as well maintaining the top rate 50p tax band and cutting pension tax relief for the better-off - helped offset the VAT increase in terms of where the burden fell, he added.
"If you look at the package as a whole, that makes the balance much better and more equitable," he said.
He also played down talk that Lib Dem MPs could seek to table amendments to the Budget following comments by the party's Deputy Leader Simon Hughes last week.
"We have a balanced package as it is," he added. "We are not reopening it." Source: BBC
During the election campaign the Liberal's were the only main party to suggest an amnesty as a way of dealing with the estimated 750,000 immigrants illegally in the UK. Although their honesty did not go down too well with voters they now find themselves, through the coalition government, in a position to influence immigration policy.
See also:
Immediate cap on non-EU migrant workers to be introduced by Home Office
Demographic shift ‘will cut UK growth’ according to ONS figures
Immigration cap ‘would damage hospitality sector’ say REC
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
Revised Green Card Form I-9 Documentation
On May 11, 2010, USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) announced it had redesigned the Permanent Resident Card, which most of us know more commonly as the Green Card. In a moment of sheer genius, the designers of the "Green" Card actually decided to make it green in color for ease of recognition!
A Green Card is proof of authorization to live and work in the United States. A newly issued Green Card is valid for 10 years for lawful permanent residents and 2 years for conditional residents.
Some existing Green Cards have an expiration date - these cards will remain valid until they expire. Holders of Green Cards with an expiration date will receive the redesigned version when seeking a renewal or replacement.
Other existing Green Cards have no expiration date. These cards remain valid however; USCIS is recommending that people who have a card without an expiration date apply to replace their cards with the newly redesigned version.
Evidence of Work Eligibility
The intent of the newly redesigned Permanent Resident Card is to help prevent immigration fraud. The new Green Card incorporates state-of-the-art technology to prevent counterfeiting and facilitate accurate authentication. The enhanced features are intended to be useful to law enforcement, employers, and immigrants - all of whom look to the Green Card as definitive proof of authorization to legally live and work in the United States.
Although this seems to be a positive step in decreasing incidents of identity theft and document fraud, it actually creates more uncertainty for employers. It becomes the employer's burden to identify legitimate documents when many employers are not familiar with every version of the Green Card issued over time.
There have been several versions of the Green Card issued over the years. The first Green Card was issued in 1946 and at that time was referred to as an Alien Registration Receipt Card. Few of these are still in circulation. They contain no expiration date and as of March 20, 1996 are no longer valid evidence of permanent residency. Other versions of the Resident Alien Card were issued in 1977 and again in 1989. Oddly enough, neither the 1977 card nor the 1989 were green in color.
In 1997, the card was renamed the Permanent Resident Card. It was updated yet again in 2004. Every time the card has been updated, additional security measures have been added. As for the most current version, holders of older cards will only receive the redesigned Permanent Resident Card when seeking a renewal or replacement card.
Recipients of the redesigned Permanent Resident Card will include those newly approved lawful permanent residents, as well as those who get a renewal or replacement card. As of May 11, 2010 the cost of renewing or replacing a Permanent Resident Card was $370.
Identity Documents for the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification
Inspecting work authorization and identity documents is an integral part of meeting your responsibility to verify the work eligibility of each person you hire. Employers should choose to work with a qualified expert to help them navigate the complex requirements of the Form I-9.
See also:
American Immigration – what will be the impact of increased processing fees?
Canadian Government takes on rogue immigration consultants
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!
A Green Card is proof of authorization to live and work in the United States. A newly issued Green Card is valid for 10 years for lawful permanent residents and 2 years for conditional residents.
Some existing Green Cards have an expiration date - these cards will remain valid until they expire. Holders of Green Cards with an expiration date will receive the redesigned version when seeking a renewal or replacement.
Other existing Green Cards have no expiration date. These cards remain valid however; USCIS is recommending that people who have a card without an expiration date apply to replace their cards with the newly redesigned version.
Evidence of Work Eligibility
The intent of the newly redesigned Permanent Resident Card is to help prevent immigration fraud. The new Green Card incorporates state-of-the-art technology to prevent counterfeiting and facilitate accurate authentication. The enhanced features are intended to be useful to law enforcement, employers, and immigrants - all of whom look to the Green Card as definitive proof of authorization to legally live and work in the United States.
Although this seems to be a positive step in decreasing incidents of identity theft and document fraud, it actually creates more uncertainty for employers. It becomes the employer's burden to identify legitimate documents when many employers are not familiar with every version of the Green Card issued over time.
There have been several versions of the Green Card issued over the years. The first Green Card was issued in 1946 and at that time was referred to as an Alien Registration Receipt Card. Few of these are still in circulation. They contain no expiration date and as of March 20, 1996 are no longer valid evidence of permanent residency. Other versions of the Resident Alien Card were issued in 1977 and again in 1989. Oddly enough, neither the 1977 card nor the 1989 were green in color.
In 1997, the card was renamed the Permanent Resident Card. It was updated yet again in 2004. Every time the card has been updated, additional security measures have been added. As for the most current version, holders of older cards will only receive the redesigned Permanent Resident Card when seeking a renewal or replacement card.
Recipients of the redesigned Permanent Resident Card will include those newly approved lawful permanent residents, as well as those who get a renewal or replacement card. As of May 11, 2010 the cost of renewing or replacing a Permanent Resident Card was $370.
Identity Documents for the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification
Inspecting work authorization and identity documents is an integral part of meeting your responsibility to verify the work eligibility of each person you hire. Employers should choose to work with a qualified expert to help them navigate the complex requirements of the Form I-9.
See also:
American Immigration – what will be the impact of increased processing fees?
Canadian Government takes on rogue immigration consultants
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!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Immigration News Round up 27 June 2010
American Immigration – what will be the impact of increased processing fees?
The following article by analyzes the rising costs of US Immigration petitions and applications and how these increased fees may impact those who wish to bring a foreign loved one to the United States of America.
Points Based System appeal case succeeds
The 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/UK Border Agency on the many Judicial Review cases it is defending against international colleges and English UK. FULL STORY
UKBA immigration officials are failing victims of domestic violence says leading Barrister
An article by leading immigration Barrister Colin Yeo for the Guardian.
Border Agency bust sham marriage – six arrested
The UK Border Agency reports that a bride and groom together with four wedding guests were arrested as part of an investigation into a suspected sham marriage.
Demographic shift ‘will cut UK growth’ according to ONS figures
Office for Budget Responsibility predicts curbs on immigration and costs of an ageing society will slow economy’s growth rate…
Canadian Government takes on rogue immigration consultants
People seeking help to emigrate to Canada are set to be better protected after the Canadian government announced new legislation to deal with fraudulent immigration consultants.
Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre expansion plans scrapped
Plans to double the size of Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre in north Bedfordshire have been scrapped.
American town bans renting property to illegal immigrants
American voters in Fremont Nebraska on Monday approved a ban on hiring or renting property to illegal immigrants, the latest proposal in a series of immigration regulations taken up by communities around the country.
Early day motion by MP’s in support of doomed RMJ
The JCWI has called for members to write to their MP’s to ask for support for the Early Day Motion to save the RMJ.
JCWI call for demo against Refugee and Migrant Justice closure
The Joint Council for Welfare of Immigrants (JWCI) has issued a press release calling on the government to take urgent action to prevent the closure of Refugee and Migrant Justice (RMJ).
Overseas Filipino workers boost Philippine balance of payments
The Philippines balance of payments (BOP) surplus rose by almost a third in the first five months of the year, as more foreign exchange flowed in (from OFW’s) through loans against domestic currency used to pay the country’s debts.
Why the world wants to be Canadian
More than half of people around the world say they would abandon their homelands and emigrate to Canada if they could.
Filipino domestic workers struggle for justice and survival
ABS-CBN’s Niña Corpuz, the author of the article, “Filipino Domestic Workers: between justice and survival,” won the 2010 edition of the journalistic prize for the best story on labour rights, awarded by the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITC-ILO), the training arm of the ILO.
See also:
Weekly Immigration News Round up 20 June 2010
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
For more information on how you can migrate to Canada - CLICK HERE
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
The following article by analyzes the rising costs of US Immigration petitions and applications and how these increased fees may impact those who wish to bring a foreign loved one to the United States of America.
Points Based System appeal case succeeds
The 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/UK Border Agency on the many Judicial Review cases it is defending against international colleges and English UK. FULL STORY
UKBA immigration officials are failing victims of domestic violence says leading Barrister
An article by leading immigration Barrister Colin Yeo for the Guardian.
Border Agency bust sham marriage – six arrested
The UK Border Agency reports that a bride and groom together with four wedding guests were arrested as part of an investigation into a suspected sham marriage.
Demographic shift ‘will cut UK growth’ according to ONS figures
Office for Budget Responsibility predicts curbs on immigration and costs of an ageing society will slow economy’s growth rate…
Canadian Government takes on rogue immigration consultants
People seeking help to emigrate to Canada are set to be better protected after the Canadian government announced new legislation to deal with fraudulent immigration consultants.
Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre expansion plans scrapped
Plans to double the size of Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre in north Bedfordshire have been scrapped.
American town bans renting property to illegal immigrants
American voters in Fremont Nebraska on Monday approved a ban on hiring or renting property to illegal immigrants, the latest proposal in a series of immigration regulations taken up by communities around the country.
Early day motion by MP’s in support of doomed RMJ
The JCWI has called for members to write to their MP’s to ask for support for the Early Day Motion to save the RMJ.
JCWI call for demo against Refugee and Migrant Justice closure
The Joint Council for Welfare of Immigrants (JWCI) has issued a press release calling on the government to take urgent action to prevent the closure of Refugee and Migrant Justice (RMJ).
Overseas Filipino workers boost Philippine balance of payments
The Philippines balance of payments (BOP) surplus rose by almost a third in the first five months of the year, as more foreign exchange flowed in (from OFW’s) through loans against domestic currency used to pay the country’s debts.
Why the world wants to be Canadian
More than half of people around the world say they would abandon their homelands and emigrate to Canada if they could.
Filipino domestic workers struggle for justice and survival
ABS-CBN’s Niña Corpuz, the author of the article, “Filipino Domestic Workers: between justice and survival,” won the 2010 edition of the journalistic prize for the best story on labour rights, awarded by the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITC-ILO), the training arm of the ILO.
See also:
Weekly Immigration News Round up 20 June 2010
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
For more information on how you can migrate to Canada - CLICK HERE
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
Home Office will bring in immediate cap on non-EU migrant workers
A temporary limit on the number of migrant workers from outside the EU allowed into the UK is to be introduced ahead of a planned permanent cap, the BBC reports.
New Home Secretary Theresa May will limit the number of workers to 24,100 - down around 5% - between now and April 2011.
The Conservatives' election pledge to curb immigration survived the coalition agreement with the Liberal Democrats.
Labour said that the introduction of an arbitrary immigration cap "is fraught with difficulty".
The temporary cap is aimed at preventing a rush of applications before a permanent cap is set next April.
Ms May will announce the move on Monday, as she launches a consultation process for deciding the level of the permanent cap.
Julia Onslow-Cole, of PricewaterhouseCoopers, told the BBC that every overseas national brought by firms into the UK cost them three times as much as hiring a resident worker.
"They are not spending this money for nothing, they really need that expertise.
"Particularly in these economic times, I think it's very important that we allow businesses a free choice to bring in overseas nationals," she said.
The Bangladesh Caterers' Association - which represents 12,000 Asian restaurants across the UK - says a cap on immigration will have a serious effect on their ability to recruit skilled chefs from outside the EU to work in the UK.
A spokeswoman for the sector said it contributed £30bn to the UK economy and the planned temporary limit would hinder economic recovery and growth.
The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), which represents the UK's £27bn private recruitment industry, also said it was concerned the cap would lead to greater skills shortages and would affect the delivery of social care in some areas.
A spokesman for the Confederation of British Industry said the organisation would wait until an announcement by the home secretary on Monday before making any comment.
A spokesman for the Labour Party said they would wait until Monday to make a full response, but added: "It seems that senior Tories are also doubtful about the proposals.
"The tough Australian-style points system introduced by Labour has already had a big impact on bringing down migrant numbers and closed the door to unskilled workers from outside the EU.
"We remain committed to an approach that will help our economy and which is tough but fair."
During the election campaign David Cameron said he wanted to reduce net annual migration - the number of immigrants minus the number emigrating from the UK - from hundreds of thousands to tens of thousands. The figure currently stands at 163,000.
The Liberal Democrats opposed a cap during the election campaign in May but signed up to the Tory idea as part of the coalition deal.
However they won agreement to end the detention of children in immigration centres.
Alp Mehmet, of MigrationWatchUK, said the introduction of a temporary limit was "a welcome sign that the government is starting as it means to continue".
He said: "We need carefully to consider how net immigration will be brought down to tens of thousands - we believe about 40,000 is a realistic target - rather than the hundreds of thousands of the last 10 years, and is therefore good news for all our people, including immigrants and future immigrants.
"Immigration at the levels of the past decade is in no-one's interest."
Tory MP Peter Bottomley, a member of the cross-party campaign group, Balanced Migration, said the cap was needed.
"Clearly you need to have people you need. If for example, you have Canadian graduates with teaching diplomas, those are the sorts of people we need.
"For many others, we actually have 8% unemployment. It's not the employment thing that matters most to most people, the biggest thing is the effect on environment and on planning."
Tim Finch from the Institute of Public Policy Research, said the measures were just a stopgap and would have a detrimental effect on the higher education sector.
He added: "Do we really want to have restrictions on foreign students at a time when the higher education sector is facing funding cuts and is going to rely on the fees that those students bring in?"
The new government has also axed the national identity card scheme. It was brought in by Labour to tackle fraud, illegal immigration and identity theft but was often criticised for being too expensive and an infringement of civil liberties.
Ministers are also bringing forward to the autumn measures requiring many immigrants marrying UK citizens to prove they have a command of English.
The plans, which Labour had planned to introduce in July 2011, will apply to partners coming to the UK from areas outside the EU, such as South Asia.
What is your reaction to this story? Are you an immigrant from outside the EU? Do you run a business which employs migrant workers? Should the government put a cap on migration?
Office for Budget Responsibility recently predicted that curbs on immigration and costs of an ageing society will slow economy’s growth rate.
Evelie Padadac of Bison UK, which specialises in work and study related visas, said:
"A cap on non-EU migrant workers will do little to help employers who have no other choice but to bring in overseas staff to fill vacant positions.
"Bison UK has just reduced fees for Tier 2 processing and we are extremely busy helping employers become sponsors and worker obtain working visas."
See also:
Demographic shift ‘will cut UK growth’ according to ONS figures
Immigration cap ‘would damage hospitality sector’ say REC
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
New Home Secretary Theresa May will limit the number of workers to 24,100 - down around 5% - between now and April 2011.
The Conservatives' election pledge to curb immigration survived the coalition agreement with the Liberal Democrats.
Labour said that the introduction of an arbitrary immigration cap "is fraught with difficulty".
The temporary cap is aimed at preventing a rush of applications before a permanent cap is set next April.
Ms May will announce the move on Monday, as she launches a consultation process for deciding the level of the permanent cap.
Julia Onslow-Cole, of PricewaterhouseCoopers, told the BBC that every overseas national brought by firms into the UK cost them three times as much as hiring a resident worker.
"They are not spending this money for nothing, they really need that expertise.
"Particularly in these economic times, I think it's very important that we allow businesses a free choice to bring in overseas nationals," she said.
The Bangladesh Caterers' Association - which represents 12,000 Asian restaurants across the UK - says a cap on immigration will have a serious effect on their ability to recruit skilled chefs from outside the EU to work in the UK.
A spokeswoman for the sector said it contributed £30bn to the UK economy and the planned temporary limit would hinder economic recovery and growth.
The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), which represents the UK's £27bn private recruitment industry, also said it was concerned the cap would lead to greater skills shortages and would affect the delivery of social care in some areas.
A spokesman for the Confederation of British Industry said the organisation would wait until an announcement by the home secretary on Monday before making any comment.
A spokesman for the Labour Party said they would wait until Monday to make a full response, but added: "It seems that senior Tories are also doubtful about the proposals.
"The tough Australian-style points system introduced by Labour has already had a big impact on bringing down migrant numbers and closed the door to unskilled workers from outside the EU.
"We remain committed to an approach that will help our economy and which is tough but fair."
During the election campaign David Cameron said he wanted to reduce net annual migration - the number of immigrants minus the number emigrating from the UK - from hundreds of thousands to tens of thousands. The figure currently stands at 163,000.
The Liberal Democrats opposed a cap during the election campaign in May but signed up to the Tory idea as part of the coalition deal.
However they won agreement to end the detention of children in immigration centres.
Alp Mehmet, of MigrationWatchUK, said the introduction of a temporary limit was "a welcome sign that the government is starting as it means to continue".
He said: "We need carefully to consider how net immigration will be brought down to tens of thousands - we believe about 40,000 is a realistic target - rather than the hundreds of thousands of the last 10 years, and is therefore good news for all our people, including immigrants and future immigrants.
"Immigration at the levels of the past decade is in no-one's interest."
Tory MP Peter Bottomley, a member of the cross-party campaign group, Balanced Migration, said the cap was needed.
"Clearly you need to have people you need. If for example, you have Canadian graduates with teaching diplomas, those are the sorts of people we need.
"For many others, we actually have 8% unemployment. It's not the employment thing that matters most to most people, the biggest thing is the effect on environment and on planning."
Tim Finch from the Institute of Public Policy Research, said the measures were just a stopgap and would have a detrimental effect on the higher education sector.
He added: "Do we really want to have restrictions on foreign students at a time when the higher education sector is facing funding cuts and is going to rely on the fees that those students bring in?"
The new government has also axed the national identity card scheme. It was brought in by Labour to tackle fraud, illegal immigration and identity theft but was often criticised for being too expensive and an infringement of civil liberties.
Ministers are also bringing forward to the autumn measures requiring many immigrants marrying UK citizens to prove they have a command of English.
The plans, which Labour had planned to introduce in July 2011, will apply to partners coming to the UK from areas outside the EU, such as South Asia.
What is your reaction to this story? Are you an immigrant from outside the EU? Do you run a business which employs migrant workers? Should the government put a cap on migration?
Office for Budget Responsibility recently predicted that curbs on immigration and costs of an ageing society will slow economy’s growth rate.
Evelie Padadac of Bison UK, which specialises in work and study related visas, said:
"A cap on non-EU migrant workers will do little to help employers who have no other choice but to bring in overseas staff to fill vacant positions.
"Bison UK has just reduced fees for Tier 2 processing and we are extremely busy helping employers become sponsors and worker obtain working visas."
See also:
Demographic shift ‘will cut UK growth’ according to ONS figures
Immigration cap ‘would damage hospitality sector’ say REC
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
Filipino domestic workers struggle for justice say ABS CBN
ABS-CBN's Niña Corpuz, the author of the article, "Filipino Domestic Workers: between justice and survival," won the 2010 edition of the journalistic prize for the best story on labour rights, awarded by the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITC-ILO), the training arm of the ILO.
The article was selected among stories written by professional journalists who attended the training courses on "Communicating Labour Rights," yearly organized by the ITC-ILO.
The courses introduce journalists and media professionals from all over the world, to international labour standards, with the aim of raising public awareness of their relevance to local labour and social issues.
The award ceremony was held in Turin, Italy, on Monday 21st June 2010 at the ITC-ILO.
Niña Corpuz is a broadcast journalist for the Philippine's biggest TV network, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation. She has been a reporter for 9 years, covering labour, education, health and politics. She also anchors a television news program entitled "Balitang Europe" (News from Europe), which tackles the concerns of overseas Filipino workers in
Europe.
Niña also hosts a public service radio program, with Philippine Vice-President Noli de Castro, on ABS-CBN's AM station, DZMM, the No. 1 radio station in the Philippines. The program, "Para sa yo Bayan" (For the Country) discusses national issues affecting the Philippines, including the situation of overseas Filipino workers. She also anchors a radio talk show, "Magandang Gabi Doc" (Good Evening Doctor) which discusses health issues with the Philippines' top doctors. Niña is also a contributor for ABS-CBN's news website, www.abs-cbnews.com. Most recently, she joined the team of reporters who covered the Philippines' 1st nationwide automated Presidential elections. Source: ABS CBN News, Manila.
See also:
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
The article was selected among stories written by professional journalists who attended the training courses on "Communicating Labour Rights," yearly organized by the ITC-ILO.
The courses introduce journalists and media professionals from all over the world, to international labour standards, with the aim of raising public awareness of their relevance to local labour and social issues.
The award ceremony was held in Turin, Italy, on Monday 21st June 2010 at the ITC-ILO.
Niña Corpuz is a broadcast journalist for the Philippine's biggest TV network, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation. She has been a reporter for 9 years, covering labour, education, health and politics. She also anchors a television news program entitled "Balitang Europe" (News from Europe), which tackles the concerns of overseas Filipino workers in
Europe.
Niña also hosts a public service radio program, with Philippine Vice-President Noli de Castro, on ABS-CBN's AM station, DZMM, the No. 1 radio station in the Philippines. The program, "Para sa yo Bayan" (For the Country) discusses national issues affecting the Philippines, including the situation of overseas Filipino workers. She also anchors a radio talk show, "Magandang Gabi Doc" (Good Evening Doctor) which discusses health issues with the Philippines' top doctors. Niña is also a contributor for ABS-CBN's news website, www.abs-cbnews.com. Most recently, she joined the team of reporters who covered the Philippines' 1st nationwide automated Presidential elections. Source: ABS CBN News, Manila.
See also:
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
Why 53% of people surveyed would move to Canada
More than half of people around the world say they would abandon their homelands and emigrate to Canada if they could.
Given the choice, 53 per cent of adults in the world's 24 leading economies said they would emigrate to Canada, according to an international survey commissioned by the Historica-Dominion Institute in partnership with the Munk School of Global Affairs and the Aurea Foundation.
It's a startling finding, one that is reinforced by respondents' overwhelmingly positive attitudes about Canada's welcoming and tolerant treatment of newcomers. The results bode well for Canada's efforts to attract highly educated immigrants as the global search for talent heats up in coming years.
“Canada is considered desirable for people all around the world. The shining city on the hill, as America was, and remains, for many people,” said Andrew Cohen, president of the Historica-Dominion Institute.
“Largely, it's because we welcome immigrants. We do not have anti-immigration parties in Canada. Almost every European country has one. We do not have a skinhead movement in Canada. So that speaks well of Canada and may point to our greatest success of the last 25 years, which is the manner in which we have continued to welcome immigrants.”
The tilt toward Canada is most pronounced in the emerging economies of the G20. More than three-quarters of those surveyed in China said they would prefer to live in Canada, followed by Mexico and India at close to 70 per cent. Slightly more than half of Britons, Italians and Russians said the same, while about four in 10 French and Germans would also choose Canada. Citizens of Japan and Sweden, followed by the United States and Australia, were the least interested in moving to Canada, with only one in five Swedes saying they would make the move.
Janice Stein, director of the Munk School at the University of Toronto, said the survey suggests Canada can thrive in the looming global talent wars.
“In terms of our economic future, our social future, our capacity to innovate, on all these dimensions that intelligent Canadians think about all the time, these are enormously encouraging data,” Prof. Stein said. “The developed world is getting old very quickly. … We are going to have to recruit globally as everybody else does.”
The reasons for Canada's relative attractiveness are clear: 86 per cent of respondents around the globe said Canada is a country where rights and freedoms are respected; 72 per cent said Canada is welcoming to immigrants; 79 per cent said Canadians are tolerant of people from different racial and cultural backgrounds; and 79 per cent said Canadians have one of the best qualities of life.
On most questions Canadians feel more strongly about their openness and tolerance than non-Canadians. Ninety-four per cent of Canadians say Canada is welcoming to immigrants, more than in any other country, but China and India, which have the largest diasporas in Canada, are not far behind.
“Of course we think we are [generous, open and tolerant,] Prof. Stein said. “Are we more vain than other publics? I doubt it.”
Canada's reputation in some areas is even stronger than Canadian vanity. Citizens of five countries, South Africa, Australia, France, Indonesia and South Korea are all more likely than Canadians to describe Canada as a country where rights and freedoms are respected.
Citizens of 10 countries, including China, South Africa, France and Russia, are more likely than Canadians to say Canada is tolerant of people from different racial and cultural backgrounds. Source: Joe Friesen, Globe and Mail, Canada.
For more information on how you can migrate to Canada - CLICK HERE
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!
Given the choice, 53 per cent of adults in the world's 24 leading economies said they would emigrate to Canada, according to an international survey commissioned by the Historica-Dominion Institute in partnership with the Munk School of Global Affairs and the Aurea Foundation.
It's a startling finding, one that is reinforced by respondents' overwhelmingly positive attitudes about Canada's welcoming and tolerant treatment of newcomers. The results bode well for Canada's efforts to attract highly educated immigrants as the global search for talent heats up in coming years.
“Canada is considered desirable for people all around the world. The shining city on the hill, as America was, and remains, for many people,” said Andrew Cohen, president of the Historica-Dominion Institute.
“Largely, it's because we welcome immigrants. We do not have anti-immigration parties in Canada. Almost every European country has one. We do not have a skinhead movement in Canada. So that speaks well of Canada and may point to our greatest success of the last 25 years, which is the manner in which we have continued to welcome immigrants.”
The tilt toward Canada is most pronounced in the emerging economies of the G20. More than three-quarters of those surveyed in China said they would prefer to live in Canada, followed by Mexico and India at close to 70 per cent. Slightly more than half of Britons, Italians and Russians said the same, while about four in 10 French and Germans would also choose Canada. Citizens of Japan and Sweden, followed by the United States and Australia, were the least interested in moving to Canada, with only one in five Swedes saying they would make the move.
Janice Stein, director of the Munk School at the University of Toronto, said the survey suggests Canada can thrive in the looming global talent wars.
“In terms of our economic future, our social future, our capacity to innovate, on all these dimensions that intelligent Canadians think about all the time, these are enormously encouraging data,” Prof. Stein said. “The developed world is getting old very quickly. … We are going to have to recruit globally as everybody else does.”
The reasons for Canada's relative attractiveness are clear: 86 per cent of respondents around the globe said Canada is a country where rights and freedoms are respected; 72 per cent said Canada is welcoming to immigrants; 79 per cent said Canadians are tolerant of people from different racial and cultural backgrounds; and 79 per cent said Canadians have one of the best qualities of life.
On most questions Canadians feel more strongly about their openness and tolerance than non-Canadians. Ninety-four per cent of Canadians say Canada is welcoming to immigrants, more than in any other country, but China and India, which have the largest diasporas in Canada, are not far behind.
“Of course we think we are [generous, open and tolerant,] Prof. Stein said. “Are we more vain than other publics? I doubt it.”
Canada's reputation in some areas is even stronger than Canadian vanity. Citizens of five countries, South Africa, Australia, France, Indonesia and South Korea are all more likely than Canadians to describe Canada as a country where rights and freedoms are respected.
Citizens of 10 countries, including China, South Africa, France and Russia, are more likely than Canadians to say Canada is tolerant of people from different racial and cultural backgrounds. Source: Joe Friesen, Globe and Mail, Canada.
For more information on how you can migrate to Canada - CLICK HERE
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!
Friday, June 25, 2010
UK Border Agency bust sham marriage – six arrests
The UK Border Agency reports that a bride and groom together with four wedding guests were arrested as part of an investigation into a suspected sham marriage.
Acting on intelligence, officers from the UK Border Agency's north west immigration crime team targeted Manchester Register Office at around midday, as the service was about to start.
The would be bride, a Nigerian national, and her groom, a Czech male were both arrested for conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration. Two marriage witnesses, both Nigerian were also arrested along with two other Nigerian wedding guests on suspicion of assisting illegal immigration. All six are now being questioned by police and immigration officers.
In a follow up operation the UK Border Agency crime team conducted searches at four addresses in Manchester and one in Liverpool.
Dave Magrath, Head of the UK Border Agency immigration crime team in the north-west, said:
'We are committed to tackling sham marriages and take action against those who try to falsify marriages in order to gain entry to the UK.
'We have specialist teams of immigration officers and police working o investigate cases just like this and ensuring people are not able to benefit from breaking the UK's immigration laws.' Source: UK Border Agency
See also:
UK Border Agency foils sham marriage
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
Acting on intelligence, officers from the UK Border Agency's north west immigration crime team targeted Manchester Register Office at around midday, as the service was about to start.
The would be bride, a Nigerian national, and her groom, a Czech male were both arrested for conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration. Two marriage witnesses, both Nigerian were also arrested along with two other Nigerian wedding guests on suspicion of assisting illegal immigration. All six are now being questioned by police and immigration officers.
In a follow up operation the UK Border Agency crime team conducted searches at four addresses in Manchester and one in Liverpool.
Dave Magrath, Head of the UK Border Agency immigration crime team in the north-west, said:
'We are committed to tackling sham marriages and take action against those who try to falsify marriages in order to gain entry to the UK.
'We have specialist teams of immigration officers and police working o investigate cases just like this and ensuring people are not able to benefit from breaking the UK's immigration laws.' Source: UK Border Agency
See also:
UK Border Agency foils sham marriage
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
UKBA immigration officials are failing victims of domestic violence says leading Barrister
An article by leading immigration Barrister Colin Yeo for the Guardian.
The stated intention of the domestic violence immigration rule is to prevent a woman from being trapped in an abusive relationship in order to get status in the UK. Normally, she must remain in the relationship in order to get permanent leave to remain in the UK. This rule provides an escape route. It is a noble and well-intentioned rule but the unlawful, restrictive and plain ignorant approach of officials makes it virtually impossible for many genuine victims of domestic violence to succeed. And yet, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) routinely refuses immigration applications from women who are victims.
Cases where there is no court conviction of the man in question, or alternatively without evidence from an "independent and objective" source, are rejected out of hand without any proper consideration of the evidence that is available. Even police and domestic violence shelter letters of support are considered inadequate evidence if they are deemed to rely on the word of the victim rather than direct witnessing of the violence in question.
This approach may seem reasonable at first blush. Cases must be supported by evidence, after all, and it would be wrong to assume without evidence that the men in question are indeed perpetrators of domestic violence. In truth, though, the approach followed by officials is perverse and withholds protection from those who most need it. Domestic violence belongs to the private sphere: it is part of its pernicious nature. There are normally no direct witnesses and there are very few convictions, despite its prevalence. The requirement for "independent and objective" evidence of a private act would therefore make Kafka, well, blush.
I recently represented a woman who submitted two police reports, letters of support from various domestic violence help organisations, reams of abusive, threatening and violent text messages and emails and witness statements from many friends and family members who had witnessed her partner's abusive and erratic behaviour. Most of this evidence dated to well before the marriage had broken down, and before the woman could conceivably have been interested in preparing for an immigration application based on domestic violence. Still, this was not enough, and the case was initially rejected on the grounds that much of the evidence could be forged (not that it had been, only that it could be) and the rest was from people who had not themselves directly witnessed actual violence.
Essentially, the official was suggesting, without ever saying so, that from the day she entered the UK the woman had lied to the police, lied to her friends and family, and had herself sat down and written tens of pages of text messages and email exchanges. There was, of course, no evidence to support this bizarre theory and there was nothing in the paperwork or evidence itself to suggest that it was false or forged. The official seemed to be ignorant of basic information on domestic violence. For example, the fact that 44% of victims experience it repeatedly, that on average 35 assaults occur before the police are called, and that only between 23% and 35% of incidents are reported to authorities.
This is certainly not the only example I have come across recently, and other lawyers and organisations report similar experiences.
Other departments of the previous government recognised that the private nature of domestic violence makes victims peculiarly vulnerable, but at UKBA some officials prefer to turn a blind eye. The courts and UKBA's own policy on this type of application clearly state that all relevant evidence must be considered, although UKBA policy says that reports from those who have not directly witnessed the abuse should be "treated with caution".
The problem lies not so much in the policy or the law. It is in the culture of disbelief so prevalent amongst officials at UKBA and in their sheer ignorance of the complexities of the cases they have to decide. Instead of engaging with the available evidence and making a judgment on whether the woman is telling the truth, artificial and arbitrary evidential requirements are imposed.
Officials need to get out from behind their filing cabinets. They need to meet the people whose lives they hold in their hands. It is only if they have some understanding and empathy that officials can make decent and high quality decisions. Source: Colin Yeo for guardian.co.uk
See also:
Early day motion by MP’s in support of doomed RMJ
JCWI call for demo against Refugee and Migrant Justice closure
Justice Secretary defends government over Refugee and Migrant Justice collapse
Weekly Immigration News Round up 20 June 2010
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
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
The stated intention of the domestic violence immigration rule is to prevent a woman from being trapped in an abusive relationship in order to get status in the UK. Normally, she must remain in the relationship in order to get permanent leave to remain in the UK. This rule provides an escape route. It is a noble and well-intentioned rule but the unlawful, restrictive and plain ignorant approach of officials makes it virtually impossible for many genuine victims of domestic violence to succeed. And yet, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) routinely refuses immigration applications from women who are victims.
Cases where there is no court conviction of the man in question, or alternatively without evidence from an "independent and objective" source, are rejected out of hand without any proper consideration of the evidence that is available. Even police and domestic violence shelter letters of support are considered inadequate evidence if they are deemed to rely on the word of the victim rather than direct witnessing of the violence in question.
This approach may seem reasonable at first blush. Cases must be supported by evidence, after all, and it would be wrong to assume without evidence that the men in question are indeed perpetrators of domestic violence. In truth, though, the approach followed by officials is perverse and withholds protection from those who most need it. Domestic violence belongs to the private sphere: it is part of its pernicious nature. There are normally no direct witnesses and there are very few convictions, despite its prevalence. The requirement for "independent and objective" evidence of a private act would therefore make Kafka, well, blush.
I recently represented a woman who submitted two police reports, letters of support from various domestic violence help organisations, reams of abusive, threatening and violent text messages and emails and witness statements from many friends and family members who had witnessed her partner's abusive and erratic behaviour. Most of this evidence dated to well before the marriage had broken down, and before the woman could conceivably have been interested in preparing for an immigration application based on domestic violence. Still, this was not enough, and the case was initially rejected on the grounds that much of the evidence could be forged (not that it had been, only that it could be) and the rest was from people who had not themselves directly witnessed actual violence.
Essentially, the official was suggesting, without ever saying so, that from the day she entered the UK the woman had lied to the police, lied to her friends and family, and had herself sat down and written tens of pages of text messages and email exchanges. There was, of course, no evidence to support this bizarre theory and there was nothing in the paperwork or evidence itself to suggest that it was false or forged. The official seemed to be ignorant of basic information on domestic violence. For example, the fact that 44% of victims experience it repeatedly, that on average 35 assaults occur before the police are called, and that only between 23% and 35% of incidents are reported to authorities.
This is certainly not the only example I have come across recently, and other lawyers and organisations report similar experiences.
Other departments of the previous government recognised that the private nature of domestic violence makes victims peculiarly vulnerable, but at UKBA some officials prefer to turn a blind eye. The courts and UKBA's own policy on this type of application clearly state that all relevant evidence must be considered, although UKBA policy says that reports from those who have not directly witnessed the abuse should be "treated with caution".
The problem lies not so much in the policy or the law. It is in the culture of disbelief so prevalent amongst officials at UKBA and in their sheer ignorance of the complexities of the cases they have to decide. Instead of engaging with the available evidence and making a judgment on whether the woman is telling the truth, artificial and arbitrary evidential requirements are imposed.
Officials need to get out from behind their filing cabinets. They need to meet the people whose lives they hold in their hands. It is only if they have some understanding and empathy that officials can make decent and high quality decisions. Source: Colin Yeo for guardian.co.uk
See also:
Early day motion by MP’s in support of doomed RMJ
JCWI call for demo against Refugee and Migrant Justice closure
Justice Secretary defends government over Refugee and Migrant Justice collapse
Weekly Immigration News Round up 20 June 2010
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
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
American Immigration - what impact of increased processing fees?
The following article by analyzes the rising costs of US Immigration petitions and applications and how these increased fees may impact those who wish to bring a foreign loved one to the United States of America.
Recently enacted rules by the American State Department have resulted in increased fees for those applying for K-1 and K-3 visas, and their derivative counterparts, abroad. In the recent past, the application fee for K category visas was $131 per applicant. Under the recently promulgated rules, K visa applicants must pay 350 USD when applying for a K1, K2, K3, or K4 visa at a Consulate abroad. The apparent reason for the fee increase is due to the fact that the State Department seems to feel that more resources are necessary to effectively process certain non-immigrant visa applications. Many are of the opinion that increased fees will also be used to assist in the Department of State's ongoing efforts to uncover fraud in the American Immigration process.
Even though the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security (the agency which has jurisdiction over the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service commonly referred to by the acronym USCIS) are two separate government agencies they both usually have a role in the American Immigration process. For instance, in K-1 fiance visa cases, USCIS is tasked with the adjudication of the initial K1 visa petition. After USCIS approval, the K-1 visa petition is sent to the National Visa Center (under the jurisdiction of the American State Department) where the case is forwarded to the Embassy or Consulate with proper jurisdiction. After the arrival of the K1 case file at an American Consulate overseas, the proposed beneficiary of the K-1 visa must submit a K-1 visa application and be subjected to a K-1 visa interview. Should the application receive approval, the K-1 visa holder must then travel to the United States within 180 days and request admission at the Customs and Border Protection Service (USCBP, also under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security) at an American port of entry.
Upon arrival in the United States and after marriage to the petitioner, the K-1 visa holder will have Ninety (90) days in which to apply for adjustment of status to lawful permanent residence.
The K1 visa process is complicated and rather time consuming. There are some who hope that an increase in petition and application fees will result in a faster and more efficient process. However, each American Immigration case is different and it is difficult to foresee all possibilities in each and every Immigration petition and/or application.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will raise fees an average 10% to help close a projected $200-million budget deficit. The cost of citizenship applications will not increase.
The cost of obtaining a green card, business visa and other US immigration benefits will increase an average 10% under a proposal announced Wednesday by federal immigration officials.
But in a move hailed by immigrant advocates, officials decided not to propose fee hikes for US citizenship applications, one of the largest and most politically popular categories of immigration benefits.
Citizenship fees were increased by nearly 70% to $675 in 2007, which immigrant advocates say contributed to a sharp drop in the number of citizenship applications over the last two years.
See also:
US Green cards face fee hikes
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
US Citizenship And Immigration | Ciudadania Americana E Inmigracion.
Immigration Is A Hot Market. Benefit From 100% Unique Content Based On Personal Events. This Is Not Legal Advice. | La Inmigracion Es Un Mercado Muy Cotizado. Aproveche El Unico Contenido 100% Basado En Eventos Personales. Esto No Es Un Consejo Legal.
For more information on US immigration Click Here!
Ultimate Guide to Job Interview Answers
"How To Answer Any Question An Interviewer Could Possibly Throw At You! ... " Click Here!
Recently enacted rules by the American State Department have resulted in increased fees for those applying for K-1 and K-3 visas, and their derivative counterparts, abroad. In the recent past, the application fee for K category visas was $131 per applicant. Under the recently promulgated rules, K visa applicants must pay 350 USD when applying for a K1, K2, K3, or K4 visa at a Consulate abroad. The apparent reason for the fee increase is due to the fact that the State Department seems to feel that more resources are necessary to effectively process certain non-immigrant visa applications. Many are of the opinion that increased fees will also be used to assist in the Department of State's ongoing efforts to uncover fraud in the American Immigration process.
Even though the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security (the agency which has jurisdiction over the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service commonly referred to by the acronym USCIS) are two separate government agencies they both usually have a role in the American Immigration process. For instance, in K-1 fiance visa cases, USCIS is tasked with the adjudication of the initial K1 visa petition. After USCIS approval, the K-1 visa petition is sent to the National Visa Center (under the jurisdiction of the American State Department) where the case is forwarded to the Embassy or Consulate with proper jurisdiction. After the arrival of the K1 case file at an American Consulate overseas, the proposed beneficiary of the K-1 visa must submit a K-1 visa application and be subjected to a K-1 visa interview. Should the application receive approval, the K-1 visa holder must then travel to the United States within 180 days and request admission at the Customs and Border Protection Service (USCBP, also under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security) at an American port of entry.
Upon arrival in the United States and after marriage to the petitioner, the K-1 visa holder will have Ninety (90) days in which to apply for adjustment of status to lawful permanent residence.
The K1 visa process is complicated and rather time consuming. There are some who hope that an increase in petition and application fees will result in a faster and more efficient process. However, each American Immigration case is different and it is difficult to foresee all possibilities in each and every Immigration petition and/or application.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will raise fees an average 10% to help close a projected $200-million budget deficit. The cost of citizenship applications will not increase.
The cost of obtaining a green card, business visa and other US immigration benefits will increase an average 10% under a proposal announced Wednesday by federal immigration officials.
But in a move hailed by immigrant advocates, officials decided not to propose fee hikes for US citizenship applications, one of the largest and most politically popular categories of immigration benefits.
Citizenship fees were increased by nearly 70% to $675 in 2007, which immigrant advocates say contributed to a sharp drop in the number of citizenship applications over the last two years.
See also:
US Green cards face fee hikes
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
US Citizenship And Immigration | Ciudadania Americana E Inmigracion.
Immigration Is A Hot Market. Benefit From 100% Unique Content Based On Personal Events. This Is Not Legal Advice. | La Inmigracion Es Un Mercado Muy Cotizado. Aproveche El Unico Contenido 100% Basado En Eventos Personales. Esto No Es Un Consejo Legal.
For more information on US immigration Click Here!
Ultimate Guide to Job Interview Answers
"How To Answer Any Question An Interviewer Could Possibly Throw At You! ... " Click Here!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Points Based System appeal case succeeds
The 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 Court does not strike down the entire PBS system but holds that the only binding and effective part of the PBS rules and guidance are those set out in the Immigration Rules themselves. This is because these are the only provisions that have been properly laid before Parliament in accordance with section 3(2) of the Immigration Act 1971.
In the context of these appeals, which concerned the maintenance aspect of Tier 1 Post Study Work visas, the only requirement was that the applicant held £800 at the time of application, as specified in Appendix C of the Immigration Rules. All the other requirements set out in the guidance, for example on the form of evidence to be presented and the length of time for which the funds had to be held, were merely guidance and do not have the strict force of law ascribe to them by the tribunal in the case of NA and Others [2009] UKAIT 00025.
The Court also held that that tribunal was correct regarding the effect of section 85(4) of the 2002 Act, in that the relevant date is the date of application, not the date of appeal. Source: Free Movement.
The question now is where this leaves the Home Office/UK Border Agency on the many Judicial Review cases it is defending against international colleges and English UK.
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.
See also:
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
Early day motion by MP’s in support of doomed RMJ
JCWI call for demo against Refugee and Migrant Justice closure
Justice Secretary defends government over Refugee and Migrant Justice collapse
Weekly Immigration News Round up 20 June 2010
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
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
The Court does not strike down the entire PBS system but holds that the only binding and effective part of the PBS rules and guidance are those set out in the Immigration Rules themselves. This is because these are the only provisions that have been properly laid before Parliament in accordance with section 3(2) of the Immigration Act 1971.
In the context of these appeals, which concerned the maintenance aspect of Tier 1 Post Study Work visas, the only requirement was that the applicant held £800 at the time of application, as specified in Appendix C of the Immigration Rules. All the other requirements set out in the guidance, for example on the form of evidence to be presented and the length of time for which the funds had to be held, were merely guidance and do not have the strict force of law ascribe to them by the tribunal in the case of NA and Others [2009] UKAIT 00025.
The Court also held that that tribunal was correct regarding the effect of section 85(4) of the 2002 Act, in that the relevant date is the date of application, not the date of appeal. Source: Free Movement.
The question now is where this leaves the Home Office/UK Border Agency on the many Judicial Review cases it is defending against international colleges and English UK.
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.
See also:
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
Early day motion by MP’s in support of doomed RMJ
JCWI call for demo against Refugee and Migrant Justice closure
Justice Secretary defends government over Refugee and Migrant Justice collapse
Weekly Immigration News Round up 20 June 2010
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
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
Ban on immigration 'will cut UK growth' according to ONS figures
Office for Budget Responsibility predicts curbs on immigration and costs of an ageing society will slow economy's growth rate, the Guardian reports.
A carer with residents in an old people's home in East Twickenham. An ageing population and fewer immigrants will hamper growth, says the OBR. Photograph: Frank Baron for the Guardian
The long-term consequences of an effective ban on immigration and an ageing society will begin to catch up with the UK economy in 2014, causing a slowdown in growth.
This was the message from the Office for Budget Responsibility, which argued that changing demographics will have a profound effect on the UK economy's ability to grow.
Since net immigration peaked in 2007 at 233,000, it has fallen sharply and is expected to bottom out at 50,000 within the next couple of years. The OBR, which uses figures from the Office for National Statistics for its analysis, argues that a weak pound and a slowing economy will discourage migrants. With little prospect of a job and a devalued currency, the lure of coming to the UK and sending money home to family members is much diminished.
The report also suggests that the swelling ranks of retired baby-boomers will eat into growth and increase the budget deficit. While many women will stay in the labour market as the age for qualifying for the state pension increases to 65, the overall effect of an ageing society "points to a decline in labour market activity of around 0.15% a year," it said.
Aside from the additional costs of providing a state pension and occupational pensions to public servants, which adds to the burden on the public finances, an increase in over 65s to nearly 13 million will deny the labour market much-needed workers.
"We estimate that trend output will grow at just over 2.25% over the next three years, slowing to just over 2% from 2014 as demographic changes reduce the growth of the potential labour supply. Taken together with the judgement that the output gap was around -4% at the end of 2009, the projected level of trend output at the start of 2015 is around 3.75% below that implied by the assumption used for the March budget economic forecast," the report said. Source: Phillip Inman guardian.co.uk.
Immigrants’ contribution to entrepreneurialism revealed
Immigration cap ‘would damage hospitality sector’ say REC
British Department of Health recruiting Indian doctors
UKBA publish updated Tier 2 policy guidance for skilled workers
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
A carer with residents in an old people's home in East Twickenham. An ageing population and fewer immigrants will hamper growth, says the OBR. Photograph: Frank Baron for the Guardian
The long-term consequences of an effective ban on immigration and an ageing society will begin to catch up with the UK economy in 2014, causing a slowdown in growth.
This was the message from the Office for Budget Responsibility, which argued that changing demographics will have a profound effect on the UK economy's ability to grow.
Since net immigration peaked in 2007 at 233,000, it has fallen sharply and is expected to bottom out at 50,000 within the next couple of years. The OBR, which uses figures from the Office for National Statistics for its analysis, argues that a weak pound and a slowing economy will discourage migrants. With little prospect of a job and a devalued currency, the lure of coming to the UK and sending money home to family members is much diminished.
The report also suggests that the swelling ranks of retired baby-boomers will eat into growth and increase the budget deficit. While many women will stay in the labour market as the age for qualifying for the state pension increases to 65, the overall effect of an ageing society "points to a decline in labour market activity of around 0.15% a year," it said.
Aside from the additional costs of providing a state pension and occupational pensions to public servants, which adds to the burden on the public finances, an increase in over 65s to nearly 13 million will deny the labour market much-needed workers.
"We estimate that trend output will grow at just over 2.25% over the next three years, slowing to just over 2% from 2014 as demographic changes reduce the growth of the potential labour supply. Taken together with the judgement that the output gap was around -4% at the end of 2009, the projected level of trend output at the start of 2015 is around 3.75% below that implied by the assumption used for the March budget economic forecast," the report said. Source: Phillip Inman guardian.co.uk.
Immigrants’ contribution to entrepreneurialism revealed
Immigration cap ‘would damage hospitality sector’ say REC
British Department of Health recruiting Indian doctors
UKBA publish updated Tier 2 policy guidance for skilled workers
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
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Canada takes on rogue immigration consultants
People seeking help to emigrate to Canada are set to be better protected after the Canadian government announced new legislation to deal with fraudulent immigration consultants.
Britons are among thousands exploited by the so-called crooked consultants, who are paid “extortionate amounts of money” by potential immigrants duped into believing they can guarantee them visas, for example, reduce the wait time for applications or claim to have connections in the Canadian immigration department who will expedite the process.
The national police force, the RCMP, and the Canada Border Services Agency are reportedly dealing with hundreds of current investigations into allegations against unscrupulous consultants across Canada. Around a quarter of a million people worldwide emigrate to Canada every year, while the number of immigrants settling from the UK has doubled in the past decade from approximately 4,500 in 1999 to 9,500 last year.
The Canadian government’s ‘Cracking Down on Crooked Consultants Act’ aims to close a loophole in the current legislation, which does not regulate any consultants’ involvement in the pre-application period. If passed, it would require all paid-for advice or representation be provided by an authorised immigration consultant, lawyer or notary only. It would also give the government power over the body governing immigration consultants “in order to ensure the integrity of the process”.
Jason Kenney, Canada’s minister of citizenship, immigration and multiculturalism, said at an earlier conference that, while most immigration consultants working in Canada were professional and ethical, “the unfortunate reality is that many consultants are acting dishonestly or even illegally to profit from people’s dream of coming here.” He cited one case of an exorbitant fee of $90,000 (around £60,000) paid to a crooked consultant by an immigrating family. “These prospective immigrants often find out too late that they’ve been deceived,” Kenney added
While the legislation of course covers Canada only, the minister will be also encouraging foreign governments to tackle the problem of crooked consultants dealing with immigrants to Canada. Jason Kenney is in London next week to talk about these and other immigration issues with Home Secretary Theresa May and Immigration Minister Damian Green as part of the Five Country Conference, comprising the UK, Canada, the US, Australia and New Zealand.
If anyone is defrauded by an immigration consultant in the UK, they are advised to file a complaint with the local police and inform the Canadian Embassy, said Kelli Fraser, media relations adviser for Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
She pointed out that immigration fraud happens, of course, around the world not just in Canada, but added that it threatens the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. “It also raises security concerns, wastes tax dollars, adds to the processing time for legitimate applications, and it is unfair to those who do follow the rules,” she said.
For more information on immigration protection and potentially choosing an immigration consultant, log on to www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/protection/index.asp
Canada is a growing country which needs skilled workers in a wide range of areas for instance from Care, Nursing and medical staff to catering and other trades. Unlike the UK, Canada is also open to immigrants who want to migrate there with a view to settle. Applicants must qualify under the Canadian points system.
UK based immigration consultants are regulated by the OISC, which has strict rules designed to protect migrants from exploitation. However, the rules do not extend to visa consultants operating abroad where the worst atrocities take place. Migrants coming to the UK have long been charged extortionate fees by unscrupulous unlicensed operators in their own country.
For more information on how you can migrate to Canada - CLICK HERE
See also:
American town bans renting property to illegal immigrants
US Green cards face fee hikes
The cost of obtaining a green card, business visa and other US immigration benefits will increase an average 10% under a proposal announced Wednesday by federal immigration officials.
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!
Britons are among thousands exploited by the so-called crooked consultants, who are paid “extortionate amounts of money” by potential immigrants duped into believing they can guarantee them visas, for example, reduce the wait time for applications or claim to have connections in the Canadian immigration department who will expedite the process.
The national police force, the RCMP, and the Canada Border Services Agency are reportedly dealing with hundreds of current investigations into allegations against unscrupulous consultants across Canada. Around a quarter of a million people worldwide emigrate to Canada every year, while the number of immigrants settling from the UK has doubled in the past decade from approximately 4,500 in 1999 to 9,500 last year.
The Canadian government’s ‘Cracking Down on Crooked Consultants Act’ aims to close a loophole in the current legislation, which does not regulate any consultants’ involvement in the pre-application period. If passed, it would require all paid-for advice or representation be provided by an authorised immigration consultant, lawyer or notary only. It would also give the government power over the body governing immigration consultants “in order to ensure the integrity of the process”.
Jason Kenney, Canada’s minister of citizenship, immigration and multiculturalism, said at an earlier conference that, while most immigration consultants working in Canada were professional and ethical, “the unfortunate reality is that many consultants are acting dishonestly or even illegally to profit from people’s dream of coming here.” He cited one case of an exorbitant fee of $90,000 (around £60,000) paid to a crooked consultant by an immigrating family. “These prospective immigrants often find out too late that they’ve been deceived,” Kenney added
While the legislation of course covers Canada only, the minister will be also encouraging foreign governments to tackle the problem of crooked consultants dealing with immigrants to Canada. Jason Kenney is in London next week to talk about these and other immigration issues with Home Secretary Theresa May and Immigration Minister Damian Green as part of the Five Country Conference, comprising the UK, Canada, the US, Australia and New Zealand.
If anyone is defrauded by an immigration consultant in the UK, they are advised to file a complaint with the local police and inform the Canadian Embassy, said Kelli Fraser, media relations adviser for Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
She pointed out that immigration fraud happens, of course, around the world not just in Canada, but added that it threatens the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. “It also raises security concerns, wastes tax dollars, adds to the processing time for legitimate applications, and it is unfair to those who do follow the rules,” she said.
For more information on immigration protection and potentially choosing an immigration consultant, log on to www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/protection/index.asp
Canada is a growing country which needs skilled workers in a wide range of areas for instance from Care, Nursing and medical staff to catering and other trades. Unlike the UK, Canada is also open to immigrants who want to migrate there with a view to settle. Applicants must qualify under the Canadian points system.
UK based immigration consultants are regulated by the OISC, which has strict rules designed to protect migrants from exploitation. However, the rules do not extend to visa consultants operating abroad where the worst atrocities take place. Migrants coming to the UK have long been charged extortionate fees by unscrupulous unlicensed operators in their own country.
For more information on how you can migrate to Canada - CLICK HERE
See also:
American town bans renting property to illegal immigrants
US Green cards face fee hikes
The cost of obtaining a green card, business visa and other US immigration benefits will increase an average 10% under a proposal announced Wednesday by federal immigration officials.
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!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre expansion plans scrapped
Plans to double the size of Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre in north Bedfordshire have been scrapped.
The news was revealed to North East Beds MP Alistair Burt in a letter from Home Office minister Damian Green.
Mr Burt said "I welcome this letter from the Home Office confirming that construction will now not go ahead on the Centre as it is currently unaffordable.
"Although the decision to delay construction will be unsettling for constituents I will continue to work with colleagues in the Home Office to ensure that any other options proposed by the UK Border Agency are right for the detention centre and for my constituents in Bedfordshire."
The full story will appear in this week's Times & Citizen. Source: BedfordToday.
See also:
Early day motion by MP’s in support of doomed RMJ
JCWI call for demo against Refugee and Migrant Justice closure
Justice Secretary defends government over Refugee and Migrant Justice collapse
Weekly Immigration News Round up 20 June 2010
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
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
The news was revealed to North East Beds MP Alistair Burt in a letter from Home Office minister Damian Green.
Mr Burt said "I welcome this letter from the Home Office confirming that construction will now not go ahead on the Centre as it is currently unaffordable.
"Although the decision to delay construction will be unsettling for constituents I will continue to work with colleagues in the Home Office to ensure that any other options proposed by the UK Border Agency are right for the detention centre and for my constituents in Bedfordshire."
The full story will appear in this week's Times & Citizen. Source: BedfordToday.
See also:
Early day motion by MP’s in support of doomed RMJ
JCWI call for demo against Refugee and Migrant Justice closure
Justice Secretary defends government over Refugee and Migrant Justice collapse
Weekly Immigration News Round up 20 June 2010
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
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!
Robert Kiyosaki meets Charles Kelly at 2010 National Achievers Congress London
Robert and Kim Kiyosaki headlined the 2010 National Achievers Congress in London last week.
The couple, pictured with Charles Kelly, told their story of how they started with nothing and went on to live the American dream owning several multi-million dollar corporations and 2500 apartment units.
The ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ author addressed the 3000 plus audience at London’s EXCEL centre.
Robert is the internationally best-selling author of 18 books with sales of over 26 million. His books (one co-authored with Donald Trump) have spent six years on the New York Times best seller list. He even appeared as a sole guest with Oprah Winfrey, not to mention Larry King Live, CNN and others.
'BP is toast'
Discussing the BP oil spill, he advised delegates that there was ‘not enough money in the world’ to clean up the mess in the Gulf and that the company was ‘toast’
Other speakers included: Kevin Green, Channel 4's The Secret Millionaire, on Property Investing and Ewen Chia the “World's #1 Super Affiliate”.
‘Only the government can save them now’ he continued.
See also:
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
For more information on US Naturalisation and immigration Click Here!
US Citizenship And Immigration | Ciudadania Americana E Inmigracion.
Immigration Is A Hot Market. Benefit From 100% Unique Content Based On Personal Events. This Is Not Legal Advice. | La Inmigracion Es Un Mercado Muy Cotizado. Aproveche El Unico Contenido 100% Basado En Eventos Personales. Esto No Es Un Consejo Legal.
For more information on US immigration Click Here!
UK Border Agency stops sham marriage
A bogus groom has been jailed at Leeds Crown Court last week for 12 months after plotting to stage a sham marriage, the UK Border Agency said.
Days before the planned wedding, 23-year-old Shola Bansi Yaya - a Nigerian illegal immigrant - and his fake bride Adejumoke Ariyeye, 24, were arrested as they arrived at church for a meeting with the vicar. The marriage was stopped after an investigation by the UK Border Agency immigration crime team revealed that fake documents were being used in the marriage plans.
Yaya and Ariyeye, together with 20-year-old Portuguese accomplice Maria Da Grava Correia Tavares Da Silva, were sentenced today for arranging the fake marriage that would have enabled Yaya to apply to take up permanent residence in the UK. Yaya and Da Silva had already pleaded guilty, while Ariyeye, a Nigerian who was in the country legally, was found guilty at court last month.
Yaya was jailed for 12 months. Da Silva and Ariyeye both received suspended 12-month sentences.
The court heard how Yaya, who entered the UK illegally in 2003, approached the vicar at St Peter's Church, Morley, Leeds in October last year to make arrangements to marry Da Silva. However, his marriage application aroused the suspicion of the Registrar to the Bishop and Diocese of Wakefield, who reported the marriage request to the UK Border Agency.
Officers from our immigration crime team launched an investigation into the planned marriage and discovered that many of the details and documents supplied by Yaya were falsified, including his UK address and immigration status. The court also heard that the woman Yaya had taken to meet the vicar was not Da Silva, but was Ariyeye who was fraudulently using Da Silva's Portuguese passport.
A wedding date was set for Saturday 12 December 2009, but on Tuesday 8 December a staged meeting with the vicar was arranged by the UK Border Agency. When Yaya and Ariyeye (claiming to be Da Silva) arrived at the church, they were arrested by officers from the immigration crime team. Further investigations by the team enabled them to trace Da Silva to an address in London, where she was arrested on 20 January this year. She admitted becoming involved in the scam after she had been offered £500 in exchange for her identity documents.
In interview, Yaya claimed he was introduced to Da Silva in London and then paid £3,000 to arrange a sham marriage to the Portuguese woman. He claimed that Da Silva had subsequently refused to take part in the marriage unless she was given more money, at which point it was arranged for Ariyeye to act as a stand-in.
Jeremy Oppenheim, regional director for the UK Border Agency, said:
'The UK Border Agency successfully thwarted this attempt to gain illegal residency in the UK by means of a sham marriage. The case demonstrates our determination to take action against those who try to falsify marriages in order to gain entry to the UK.
'We have specialist teams of immigration officers and police working side by side to investigate and prosecute cases just like this and ensuring people are not able to benefit from breaking the UK's immigration laws.'
Detective Inspector Don Newlove of the UK Border Agency immigration crime team said:
'This is one of a number of successful prosecutions into sham marriages carried out by the UK Border Agency North East, Yorkshire and Humberside immigration crime team.
'This clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of police and immigration officers working together to tackle immigration crime.' Source: UK Border Agency.
See also:
UKBA announce that migrants marrying UK citizens must now learn English
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
Days before the planned wedding, 23-year-old Shola Bansi Yaya - a Nigerian illegal immigrant - and his fake bride Adejumoke Ariyeye, 24, were arrested as they arrived at church for a meeting with the vicar. The marriage was stopped after an investigation by the UK Border Agency immigration crime team revealed that fake documents were being used in the marriage plans.
Yaya and Ariyeye, together with 20-year-old Portuguese accomplice Maria Da Grava Correia Tavares Da Silva, were sentenced today for arranging the fake marriage that would have enabled Yaya to apply to take up permanent residence in the UK. Yaya and Da Silva had already pleaded guilty, while Ariyeye, a Nigerian who was in the country legally, was found guilty at court last month.
Yaya was jailed for 12 months. Da Silva and Ariyeye both received suspended 12-month sentences.
The court heard how Yaya, who entered the UK illegally in 2003, approached the vicar at St Peter's Church, Morley, Leeds in October last year to make arrangements to marry Da Silva. However, his marriage application aroused the suspicion of the Registrar to the Bishop and Diocese of Wakefield, who reported the marriage request to the UK Border Agency.
Officers from our immigration crime team launched an investigation into the planned marriage and discovered that many of the details and documents supplied by Yaya were falsified, including his UK address and immigration status. The court also heard that the woman Yaya had taken to meet the vicar was not Da Silva, but was Ariyeye who was fraudulently using Da Silva's Portuguese passport.
A wedding date was set for Saturday 12 December 2009, but on Tuesday 8 December a staged meeting with the vicar was arranged by the UK Border Agency. When Yaya and Ariyeye (claiming to be Da Silva) arrived at the church, they were arrested by officers from the immigration crime team. Further investigations by the team enabled them to trace Da Silva to an address in London, where she was arrested on 20 January this year. She admitted becoming involved in the scam after she had been offered £500 in exchange for her identity documents.
In interview, Yaya claimed he was introduced to Da Silva in London and then paid £3,000 to arrange a sham marriage to the Portuguese woman. He claimed that Da Silva had subsequently refused to take part in the marriage unless she was given more money, at which point it was arranged for Ariyeye to act as a stand-in.
Jeremy Oppenheim, regional director for the UK Border Agency, said:
'The UK Border Agency successfully thwarted this attempt to gain illegal residency in the UK by means of a sham marriage. The case demonstrates our determination to take action against those who try to falsify marriages in order to gain entry to the UK.
'We have specialist teams of immigration officers and police working side by side to investigate and prosecute cases just like this and ensuring people are not able to benefit from breaking the UK's immigration laws.'
Detective Inspector Don Newlove of the UK Border Agency immigration crime team said:
'This is one of a number of successful prosecutions into sham marriages carried out by the UK Border Agency North East, Yorkshire and Humberside immigration crime team.
'This clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of police and immigration officers working together to tackle immigration crime.' Source: UK Border Agency.
See also:
UKBA announce that migrants marrying UK citizens must now learn English
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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