IMMIGRATION WEEKLY NEWS - 27th DECEMBER 2024

The Home Office's operational momentum did not diminish during the festive season, as new developments continued to unfold.

The eVisa registration system has experienced significant technical difficulties as UK residents scramble to meet deadlines, with the surge in applications overwhelming the digital infrastructure.

Despite a 31 December deadline, approximately 1 million UK residents requiring eVisas to prove their right to live and work in the UK have yet to register for the new digital system, which replaces physical residence permits. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed that while 3.1 million of the 4 million eligible people have switched to eVisas, concerns persist about the programme's rollout, including benefits termination issues and international travel complications, though a grace period extends until March 2024 alongside provisions for late applications.

The joy of Christmas celebrations has been overshadowed for countless families caught in the wake of stringent family visa regulations. The increased financial requirements have created an insurmountable barrier, forcing many visa-holding residents to spend the festive period apart from their loved ones, challenging the very essence of family unity during this traditional season of togetherness.

An analysis of research conducted by Reunite Families UK and Coram reveals the significant impact of the UK's minimum income requirement (MIR) for spouse visas, currently set at ￡29,000, on family separation. The study of affected families demonstrates that 67% of children see their overseas parent less than annually, with 85% identifying the MIR as the primary obstacle to reunification.

While the previously planned increase to ￡38,700 is under review by the Migration Advisory Committee, the current threshold continues to create documented adverse effects on children's wellbeing, including financial hardship, mental health challenges, and emotional distress, leading charities to criticise the UK's approach to family reunion policies.? If the planned increase does go ahead, it would be set to roll out in the first quarter of 2025.

An important caution for all businesses holding sponsor licence. Immigration Enforcement is maintaining vigorous compliance operations throughout the festive period, with licensed sponsors—particularly small businesses—facing heightened scrutiny as part of the government's intensified campaign against illegal employment practices.

Immigration Enforcement have conducted nationwide operations targeting illegal working, with nearly 1,000 enforcement visits in London alone resulting in 770 arrests. The crackdown, part of the government's Plan for Change, saw significant increases in enforcement activity across all regions, with businesses facing potential fines of up to ￡60,000 per illegal worker.

The government’s taking full focus on dismantling criminal gangs and preventing immigration system abuse, whilst operations particularly targeted car washes, nail bars, supermarkets and construction sites suspected of exploiting vulnerable workers.

The recent surge in enforcement visits across various sectors serves as a stark reminder that maintaining sponsor duties is not merely a regulatory requirement but a critical business imperative that demands constant vigilance and proactive management.

The Guidance on Right to work checks has been updated on 23rd December 2024. Business Immigration advisors must thoroughly review these amendments to ensure their corporate clients' sponsor licences align with the latest regulatory framework, as non-compliance could jeopardise their sponsorship status.

With all the developments in consideration, it is safe to anticipate that as we approach 2025 the UK immigration arena stands poised for significant transformation to its policy reforms, Rules and regulatory changes in Q1 of 2025. As such, staying prepared to deal with the challenges is more crucial than ever for immigration advisors. HJT has you covered for success in 2025 with its Mastering Immigration Law (MIL) subscription. MIL will continue to provide advisors with timely, authoritative analysis and practical guidance through every immigration update, ensuring you navigate complex immigration challenges with confidence.

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