IMMIGRATION NEWS WEEKLY ROUNDUP - 27th SEPTEMBER 2024

The highlight of this week has been Sir Keir Starmer's robust stance on immigration at the Labour Party conference. This has set the tone for what promises to be a transformative period in UK policy.

In his Labour Party conference speech, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer outlined plans to tighten UK immigration policies. He announced that businesses violating work visa rules would be barred from hiring foreign workers. The government aims to align visa policies with skills and market needs, reducing reliance on foreign labour and encouraging investment in training for young Britons. Starmer promised to "get tough" on migration, emphasising the need to decrease net migration and economic dependency on it. The Migration Advisory Committee will be tasked with identifying sectors where labour market failures have led to increased overseas recruitment and will provide annual assessments to ministers. These measures are part of Starmer's broader vision to create "a Britain built to last", balancing short-term challenges with long-term national renewal.

In recent weeks, the UK government has intensified its efforts to address the issue of illegal immigration, with a particular focus on channel crossings and overstayers. The number of migrants arriving in the UK via small boats crossing has prompted renewed pledges from officials to 'smash the gangs' responsible for facilitating these dangerous journeys.

The Home Office has responded with a series of coordinated operations across the country. In Northern Ireland, a three-day operation targeting organised crime groups exploiting the Common Travel Area resulted in fourteen arrests at Belfast's airports and docks.

Simultaneously, new measures have been announced to reduce historically high levels of net migration. The Home Secretary's approach aims to address the root causes of the UK's long-term reliance on international recruitment. Sectors heavily dependent on overseas workers will be targeted to encourage investment in domestic skills and reduce the need for foreign labour.

?While the government maintains a strict stance on illegal migration, recent events have highlighted the complexities of individual cases. For e.g., a Polish man who lived in the UK since childhood, faced deportation despite having completed his education in Britain and being employed in a UK company. His last-minute reprieve came after providing extensive documentation of his long-term residency, illustrating the challenges faced by some long-term residents in proving their right to remain.

?It's worth noting that while flights to Rwanda have been halted, the removal of migrants to their countries of origin continues. Deportations and removals are on the rise and are expected to increase further as the government maintains its hardline approach to illegal immigration.

These developments underscore the need for immigration advisors to be more vigilant and prepared than ever. The evolving landscape of UK immigration policy, coupled with intensified enforcement actions, requires a thorough understanding of current regulations and a proactive approach to assisting clients in navigating these complex waters.

As witnessed through the weekly updates, the UK's immigration sector continues to evolve, presenting ongoing challenges and debates for policymakers, legal professionals, and those navigating the system.

In such a fast paced and dynamic environment, staying informed and up-to-date is more crucial than ever for legal professionals working in immigration law. This is where a subscription to Mastering Immigration Law proves invaluable.? By providing the most current information and detailed explanations of rules, it adds significant value to everyday casework. Moreover, subscribers gain access to generous discounts on live online courses, ensuring continuous professional development (CPD) in this ever-evolving field.

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The Post Office scandal in the UK has sparked a profound reassessment of how electronic signatures and digital evidence are viewed in legal proceedings. This affair has exposed the potential fallibility of electronic records, prompting legal practitioners to exercise greater caution when relying on such evidence. Solicitors and barristers are now expected to be more thorough in verifying and authenticating electronic signatures and digital evidence, particularly if challenged in court.

Moreover, there's a growing recognition that the judiciary may apply more rigorous scrutiny to computer-generated evidence, rather than presuming its reliability as was often the case previously.

HJT Training is proud to offer a timely and essential in-person course on Computer Evidence in Court (Post Office Scandal) . This exclusive training addresses the pressing need for legal practitioners to adapt to the changing landscape of electronic evidence scrutiny. With the judiciary likely to apply more rigorous examination to computer-generated evidence, it's crucial for solicitors and barristers to stay ahead of the curve.

Led by renowned experts including Stephen Mason, David Bridge, and Jonathan Bridge, provides critical updates on evidence law and equips you with the tools to effectively present and challenge digital evidence. We're also honoured to feature guest speaker Lee Castleton, a victim of the Post Office scandal, who brings a powerful, first-hand perspective to the proceedings.

Whether you practice in immigration law or other legal fields, this course is invaluable in enhancing your skills in handling digital evidence. Don't miss this opportunity to safeguard your practice and excel in the modern legal landscape. Book your place now – spaces are limited for this vital training event.

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For the full list of updates on media news, reports and Home Office Guidance and Policy updates, visit our blog here