The criminal mastermind behind an £800,000 people trafficking ring which helped more than 100 asylum seekers sneak into Britain could be freed within months, the Daily Mail reveals.

UK courts flooded with extradition requests, report finds

The Telegraph reports that British courts are being flooded with hundreds of trivial cases as a result of Europe’s extradition laws, according to a damning report.

BBC’s ‘Face the Facts’ programme investigates abuse of Care Workers

Tens of thousands of foreign migrants work in the UK care sector, the BBC reports. But many are exploited by the agencies and gangmasters who hire them. John Waite hears from some of these workers, and from the regulator who wants the power to regulate the care home industry – where not only the residents are vulnerable to abuse.

UKBA arrest three in people trafficking seaside brothel

UK Border Agency Immigration staff and Police Officers in Sussex have arrested 2 men and 1 woman on suspicion of running brothels at addresses in Eastbourne on the south coast of England.

UK Border Agency to continue crackdown on illegal working

Two major sources of confusion for employers are overseas students and Romanian and Bulgarian EU citizens. Employers are often unaware that Bulgarians and Romanians do not have the same rights to work in the UK as other Eastern European EU members, although they can set up a business or work and study under a Yellow Card issued by the UK Border Agency.

London Mayor’s new attack on UK Immigration Cap

Despite the crackdowns and rule changes, everybody knows that the vast majority of immigration comes from within the EU. The UK has little control of millions of Eastern Europeans wishing to work in the UK, as well as migrants exercising EEA rights of settlement. In reality the only way the Government can reduce net migration below their target ‘tens of thousands’ is to tear up treaties and effectively pull out of the European Union.

If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Tier 2 Working Visas, Visa, ILR, Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an appeal against a refusal please email: 

info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk

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In the South East region alone during 2010, fines (also known as ‘civil penalties’) for employing illegal workers were issued to:

• 7 businesses in Portsmouth, including the Indian Palace restaurant in Gunwharf Quays (£15,000) and the Urmi Balti House restaurant in Northern Road (£10,000);
• 9 businesses in Canterbury, including Café de China in St Georges Place (£27,500), the Chop Chop restaurant in St Dunstans (£15,000), Super Noodles in Northgate (£10,000) and the Burgate Chom Chom restaurant (£5,000); and
• 17 businesses in Southampton, including the Ghandi’s Chopsticks restaurant in Blenheim Road (£20,000), the Bengal Paradise takeaway in Manor Farm Road (£10,000) and Global Asian Foods in St Mary’s Road (£5,000).

The total value of the civil penalties was £312,500 in just one regional.

In a joint statement, the heads of the UK Border Agency’s local immigration teams for Hampshire and Kent said:

‘We’ve had a lot of success targeting firms who employ illegal workers during 2010, but we are gathering intelligence all the time, and more raids are definitely planned for 2011.

‘It is the legal responsibility of all employers to check that employees have the right to work in the UK. Those who don’t can be hit with big fines – up to £10,000 per person – but if you deliberately employ an illegal worker you could face criminal prosecution.

‘Illegal working undercuts legitimate and law-abiding businesses, and takes jobs from those who are genuinely allowed to work.’

Every year, the UK Border Agency imposes civil penalties on thousands of companies which fail to carry out the necessary right-to-work checks on their staff. A list of employers who have received these civil penalties is available in the Illegal working section of the Home Office website.

Two major sources of confusion for employers are overseas students and Romanian and Bulgarian EU citizens.

For instance an international student may have a student Tier 4 visa, but is not studying or is working beyond their allowable hours, which can also vary according to their visa and when it was issued.

Non-EU Students should also take note that if you are caught working whilst not studying your student visa may be cancelled and you could be banned from returning to the UK for 10 years.

Employers are often unaware that Bulgarian and Romanian migrants do not enjoy the same rights to work in the UK as other Eastern European EU members, although they can set up a business or work and study under a Yellow Card issued by the UK Border Agency.

As members of the European Union, Bulgarians have visa-free access to the UK, however, like Romanians, they do not have the same treaty rights to work as the earlier A8 Eastern European EU accession countries such as Poland and Latvia.

Employers cannot, therefore, employ a Romanian or Bulgarian worker in the same way they can a Polish or other A8 accession country citizen.

Many Romanians and Bulgarians register as self employed and start businesses, which is allowed, or work and study on a Yellow Card Visa. Romanian and Bulgarian Students taking vocational or sandwich courses, such as NVQ in Health and Social Care, are allowed to work full time, as stated on their Yellow Cards – a special category of student visa for Romanian and Bulgarian EU workers who can enter the UK freely but do not enjoy the same rights to work here as other European citizens.

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers should take legal advice or visit the Preventing illegal working section or phone the employer helpline on 0300 123 4699.

If you suspect that illegal workers are being employed at a business, phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit the Crimestoppers website. Anonymity can be assured say the agency. Source: UK Border Agency.

See article:

UK Border Agency launch new website

The newly revised UK Border Agency website has a better look and feel and navigation seems faster, but previously published links to specific pages of the site may no longer exist.

For instance, the link for European Workers is now:

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/eucitizens/bulgaria-romania/work-permits/applying/

The link for ‘Bulgarian and Romanian nationals‘ is:

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/eucitizens/bulgaria-romania/work-permits/

The UK Border Agency and Home Office website contains a vast amount of information which can be difficult to wade your way through the guidance and Immigration Rules.

The navigation section for European workers from Bulgaria and Romania also appears to have been simplified although finding specific information is still a challenge.

Confusion remains over the need for Bulgarians and Romanians applying for BR1 Yellow Cards as students to take out Comprehensive Sickness Insurance cover. 

The BR1 Form in Section 9 states:

‘If sections 4 (Students) and 5 (Self-sufficient) have been completed: evidence of ‘Comprehensive Sickness Insurance’ cover in the UK and funds to show you are economically self-sufficient, e.g. a bank statement.’

In other words, the paragraph means you need comprehensive sickness insurance only if you are applying under both ‘student’ and ‘self sufficient’ sections.

Nevertheless, student applicants are being asked to take out private medical insurance policies and are being refused if they fail to supply the correct cover.

What is the correct insurance cover?

One insurance company manager told Immigration Matters that he has been trying to get clarification on the exact requirements from the UK Border Agency for several weeks.

Active Quote offers an easy to use online quotation and application system, but also has telephone support from advisers who are on hand to answer questions.

To obtain a quotation for Comprehensive Sickness Insurance visit the Active Quote website.  

See article:

UK Border Agency launch new website

The newly revised UK Border Agency website has a better look and feel and navigation seems faster, but previously published links to specific pages of the site may no longer exist.

For instance, the link for European Workers is now:

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/eucitizens/bulgaria-romania/work-permits/applying/

The link for ‘Bulgarian and Romanian nationals‘ is:

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/eucitizens/bulgaria-romania/work-permits/

The UK Border Agency and Home Office website contains a vast amount of information which can be difficult to wade your way through the guidance and Immigration Rules.

The navigation section for European workers from Bulgaria and Romania also appears to have been simplified although finding specific information is still a challenge.

Confusion remains over the need for Bulgarians and Romanians applying for BR1 Yellow Cards as students to take out Comprehensive Sickness Insurance cover. 

The BR1 Form in Section 9 states:

‘If sections 4 (Students) and 5 (Self-sufficient) have been completed: evidence of ‘Comprehensive Sickness Insurance’ cover in the UK and funds to show you are economically self-sufficient, e.g. a bank statement.’

In other words, the paragraph means you need comprehensive sickness insurance only if you are applying under both ‘student’ and ‘self sufficient’ sections.

Nevertheless, student applicants are being asked to take out private medical insurance policies and are being refused if they fail to supply the correct cover.

What is the correct insurance cover?

One insurance company manager told Immigration Matters that he has been trying to get clarification on the exact requirements from the UK Border Agency for several weeks.

Active Quote offers an easy to use online quotation and application system, but also has telephone support from advisers who are on hand to answer questions.

To obtain a quotation for Comprehensive Sickness Insurance visit the Active Quote website. 

Related articles:

London Mayor’s new attack on UK Immigration Cap

UK Border Agency taking tough line on illegal working but employers are still confused

Special work permit application forms and guidance for Bulgarian and Romanian nationals published

UK immigration fall unlikely in 2011 say leading think tank

New Tier 2 Working Visa limit set following Judicial Review

 UK Border Agency’s response to Judicial review loss on interim immigration cap

Interim Immigration Cap unlawful High Court Judges Rule

New rules for Extended Student Visitor Visa for migrants studying English language courses

British MPs voice ‘profound concern’ over Home Office plans to bar foreign students

Government lays down plans to reform UK student visa system and launch public consultation 

If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Tier 2 Working Visas, Visa, ILR, Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an appeal against a refusal please email: 

info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk

Many now find themselves doing menial jobs far beneath their qualifications as they are classed as illegal migrants.

Their fate is in part the result of a quirk of Britain’s colonial past. When Britain’s colony of Malaya gained independence in 1957, the ethnic Chinese residents of Penang and Malacca feared discrimination by the country’s Muslim Malay majority.

They sought assurances from London and were granted the status of British Overseas Citizens (BOC). Hundreds of Malaysians took up the offer and moved to the UK in the 1980s and 1990s where they could register as British citizens after residing for five years.

But the immigration laws were toughened in 2002, denying the Malaysian BOCs any further opportunity to register as citizens.

Yet confusion over implementation meant many continued to apply and some cases have been left unresolved for years.

Letters sent by the UK immigration authorities told applicants they could not proceed unless they had renounced their Malaysian citizenship. Many filled in forms at the Malaysian High Commission in London, cut up their passports and renounced their citizenship.

But then an asylum and immigration tribunal ruling in July 2008 decided any Malaysian BOC who held, or had held Malaysian citizenship, had no right to reside in Britain.

It also decided that a Malaysian BOCs did not forfeit their Malaysian citizenship simply by renouncing it, though the Malaysian government disputes this.

Ben Scaro, an Australian lawyer representing the applicants, said: “We are looking at nearly 1,000 Malaysians who have given up their citizenship, are now BOCs, but have no right to stay in the UK.”

Among them is a 34-year-old man who wanted to be known as Dee, from Penang, who trained as an architect but can only get work as a dishwasher in a Chinese restaurant in London.

“I’m an illegal immigrant,” he said. “What makes it worse is the British Government saying it’s very hard to renounce Malaysian citizenship and declaring we’re still Malaysian. The Malaysian government says we’re not Malaysian any more, but British. It’s crazy.” Source: Daily Telegraph

The UK Border Agency has announced transitional arrangements for migrants who will be on the ‘journey to British citizenship’ when ‘earned citizenship’ is introduced.

The Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act, which received Royal Assent on 21 July 2009, will radically change the way citizenship is granted to non-EU migrants.

If you qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), apply now while it’s still available.

Related articles:

Transitional arrangements for earned citizenship announced by Border Agency

Earning the right to stay – a points test for citizenship public consultation

If you need any immigration advice or help with Studying in the UK, Settlement, Citizenship, Sponsorship, extending Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:

info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk

A leaked secret memo reveals Home Office officials changed guidelines in order to grant indefinite leave to remain to 40,000 people because it is going to be too difficult to remove them, the Daily Telegraph reports.

They are among the backlog of 450,000 historic ‘legacy’ asylum cases which ministers have pledged to clear by 2011, even though many of the individuals would have eventually been removed.

It is alleged that some of the claimants have been in the country for as little as four years and will be allowed to stay because of the delays in processing claims.

Migrants on working visas must wait five years before being granted indefinite leave or residency. They also face stringent checks and must pass a Life in the UK test.

Many Senior Carers have been refused ILR because they have a gap in their work history – a gap caused by the UK Border Agency’s change in policy on Senior Carer Work Permits and subsequent transitional arrangements, which eventually led to a further change in the rules allowing the workers to renew their permits and visas. Thousands were caught out by earlier changes in the qualification period required for ILR from 4 to 5 years. 

Thousands of working migrants will be affected by the new rules on ‘Earned Citizenship’ and the transitional arrangements announced this year, which will result in many waiting up to eight years to earn the right to stay permanently in the UK.

Home Office announcement on Pakistan visa service

The Home Office has made an announcement following the Home Secretary’s visit to Pakistan.

Government has “no idea of flow of immigrants” says CBI

CBI director general Richard Lambert said that when he was a member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee, which sets UK interest rates, “we had no idea about the flow of immigrants into our country and what was happening to inflation as a result. Not a clue”.

Tories will keep points system but cap numbers

The BBC reports that if a Conservative Government were elected, as is widely expected, they would launch a drive to get more highly qualified migrants to come to the UK, but keep the points system.

£50 to jump immigration queue for Brits and EU Nationals

Well heeled passengers will soon be able to pay up to £50 to jump the immigration queue under a new fast-track system.

American Preacher refused entry into UK

American Christian preacher Benny Hinn has been refused entry into Britain, leaving thousands of people stranded at an evangelical rally in London at the weekend.

Phase 3 of Tier 4 Sponsorship Management System (SMS) implemented today

The UK Border Agency has today successfully implemented Phase 3 of Tier 4 of the Points Based System.

Rotary Shelter Box responds to Typhoon Ondoy, Earthquake and Tsunami

Rotary International has immediately responded to natural disasters through its ShelterBox deployments in South East Asia and Pacific areas.

If you need any immigration advice or help with Studying in the UK, Settlement, Citizenship, Sponsorship, extending Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:

info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk

Benny Hinn, from Texas, who draws large crowds to his Pentecostal revival rallies, was turned back at Stansted airport under new rules on visiting ministers of religion.

Many thousands of Pentecostal Christians travelled from across Britain and Europe and booked long weekend breaks in the capital’s hotels for his mission at the ExCeL exhibition centre in Docklands, East London, which had been due to begin on Thursday night.

They were left disappointed after Border Agency officials turned him back when he landed with his private jet because he had failed to obtain a “letter of sponsorship” from a church.

Mr Hinn then flew on to Paris and tried to enter Britain at Luton airport but was again turned back. He was on his way back to France last night.

Jill Masefield, who lives in Bristol, said that she and thousands of other followers had been left waiting for Mr Hinn to appear at the free preaching event, not knowing why he had not appeared. Instead, another pastor preached and requested donations of up to £1,000.

“He’s been coming here for years and years,” she said. “I think it is very unfair that they have blocked him now. It has cost me a fortune in hotel bills and I feel we have been led up the garden path. It is extremely unfair.”

The Benny Hinn “fire conference and miracle service” was scheduled to last three days. Among the “miracles” the Texan preacher performs are those in which he instructs participants to “let the bodies hit the floor”. The routine is featured on YouTube videos that show the devout falling down backwards, “slain in the spirit”.

Mr Hinn has visited before without any problem but the Home Office has changed the rules for ministers of religion. He fell foul of tier five of the new points-based system for all visitors to Britain, which came into effect last November. One of the aims of the new rules was to combat extremism and prevent teachers of religious hate entering the country.

A Border Agency spokesman said:

“Under the UK’s tough new points-based system, religious workers must obtain a valid certificate of sponsorship prior to arriving in the UK. These rules are designed to make sure that a legitimate sponsor is linked to each application to enter the UK for work purposes.

“These rules are applied objectively and clearly set out for travellers. People who arrive without the required documentation can be refused entry to the UK.”

If you need any immigration advice or help with Studying in the UK, Settlement, Citizenship, Sponsorship, extending Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:

info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk

Reprieve for migrants with Indefinite Leave to Remain. The UK Border Agency has announced transitional arrangements for migrants who will be on the ‘journey to British citizenship’ when earned citizenship is introduced.

Philippine Embassy announce ‘Retirement in the Philippines’ show

We are often asked about migrating to other countries such as the Philippines, particularly from Brits looking to join the millions who live and retire abroad. A new exhibition has just been announced which could provide some of the answers to your questions.

Scottish Leader Alex Salmond criticises UK immigration laws

Alex Salmond, the First Minister of Scotland has again criticised United Kingdom immigration laws which he said do not reflect the “values” of Scotland.

NVQ Student talks about NVQ course and arriving in UK without X-Rays

Filipina student talks about her NVQ in Health and Social Care and what happened when she arrive in London’s Heathrow airport without her X-Ray’s.

Earning the right to stay – a points test for citizenship public consultation

Following major reforms to the immigration system to control migration by way of the points based system, the Government will now reform settlement in the UK by introducing the principle of ‘earned citizenship’

UKBA announce faster roll-out of foreign national identity cards

Home Secretary Alan Johnson announced last week that skilled migrants renewing their visas to stay in the United Kingdom will be issued with an identity card from the new year, three months ahead of schedule.

Yes, even the Attorney General makes mistakes on domestic worker’s visa

If you are a migrant, it is your responsibility to ensure you have the right to remain in the UK. The employer may be fined, but you are the one who will be deported.

If you need any immigration advice or help with Studying in the UK, Settlement, Citizenship, Sponsorship, extending Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:

info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk

A new exhibition has just been announced which could provide some of the answers to your questions. 

The Philippine Embassy, the Philippine Trade & Investment Centre-London,
the Philippine Torusim Office-London, the Philippine Retirement Authority,
and i-Remit, are running a Philippine Retirement Roadshow – London 2009 

Find out about: 

• Assisted Living and Care Facilities
• Business Opportunities
• Retirement Visa

Conference Rooms 1 & 2 of Olympia Conference Centre, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, London W14 8UX.

Wednesday, 7 October 2009, 7.00 pm

For further information call 07770680889/07787045209, email iremit.uk@myiremitfo.com or visit The Philippine Embassy website www.philembassy-uk.org

During an address to more than 300 delegates from ethnic minority organisations, he described his anger at “crazy” decisions made in Westminster.

He also took a swipe at Baroness Scotland – the Attorney General accused of breaking her own rules on employing immigrants.

Source: Press Association

Scottish Ministers from the SNP have been critical over recent Home Office immigration decisions and policy, which they feel are unfair and not serving the interests of Scotland.

Scotland needs more immigration to boost population and growth.

Related articles:

Unfair visa rules split families say SNP

Canadian Wife leaves UK under threat of deportation

Baroness Scotland ‘didn’t see cleaner’s passport’ say Mail on Sunday

£5000 fine for Baroness Scotland over illegal employee

Government Minister ‘employed illegal worker’ 

If you need any immigration advice or help with Studying in the UK, Settlement, Citizenship, Sponsorship, extending Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:

info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk

Filipina student talks about her NVQ in Health and Social Care and what happened when she arrived in London’s Heathrow airport without her X-Ray’s.

Students arriving without their medical reports are usually checked before being ‘landed’ or allowed into the UK, which will cause delays.

www.majesticcollege.org

Production by Sarah Kelly

If you need any immigration advice or help with Studying in the UK, Settlement, Citizenship, Sponsorship, extending Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:

info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk

Filipina student talks about the process of applying for her student visa to study for an NVQ in Health and Social Care.

www.majesticcollege.org

Production by Sarah Kelly

If you need any immigration advice or help with Studying in the UK, Settlement, Citizenship, Sponsorship, extending Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:

info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk