UK Immigration Reforms: An Overview of Recent Policy Changes

The UK Prime Minister and the Home Secretary announced on Monday, December 4, 2023, their plans to reduce net migration and stop immigration abuse. According to GOV.UK, these measures, along with a package to limit student dependents, are expected to prevent about 300,000 people from entering the UK who were previously eligible to do so…

Australia announces plans to tighten visa regulations for international students and low-skilled workers

Australia announced on Monday its intention to tighten visa regulations for international students and low-skilled workers, potentially reducing its migrant intake by half over the next two years. The government aims to revamp what it perceives as a “broken” migration system. The proposed changes involve higher English test scores for international students and increased scrutiny…

Canada announces new visa requirements; increases proof of funds from $10,000 to $20,000

Canada stands out as a preferred destination for global students due to its esteemed educational institutions, inclusive and diverse society, and the potential for post-graduation work or permanent immigration. While international students have positively impacted campuses and innovation in the country, they have faced challenges like securing adequate housing during their studies in Canada. The…

UK Government announces Five-Point plan to reduce immigration

The UK government has unveiled a fresh strategy to reduce immigration, outlining a five-point plan. This initiative involves prohibiting care workers from relocating with their families and increasing the minimum salary required for a skilled worker visa. James Cleverly, who assumed the role of home secretary three weeks ago, has faced mounting pressure to demonstrate…

Sunak under pressure as net migration to the UK hits 745,000

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is under increasing political pressure to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign workers, following a record net immigration of 745,000 last year, despite years of Conservative promises to lower these numbers. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed on Thursday that the net immigration figure for 2022 was 139,000 higher…

Update on Upcoming Immigration Health Surcharge Increase

Earlier this year, we informed you about the government’s plans to raise visa and nationality fees, which came into effect on October 4, 2023. These fee hikes included application fees, except for a significant increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which was anticipated to be implemented ‘later in the autumn.’ Recently, more details about…

UK Migration Advisory Committee Recommends Overhaul of Shortage Occupation List Amid Exploitation Concerns

The UK government’s migration advisers have recommended the elimination of a key pathway for employers to recruit overseas workers in industries struggling with severe staff shortages. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), responsible for reviewing the “shortage occupation list” (SOL), which relaxes visa conditions, stated that the current system could lead to lower wages and exploitation…

Exam Scandal: Nigerian Nurses and Midwives Under Scrutiny in the UK for Suspected Fraudulent Qualifications

Approximately 50 nurses and midwives from overseas currently working in the UK are under investigation for suspected fraudulent qualification, according to MailOnline’s recent findings. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has officially acknowledged that 48 professionals from Nigeria are suspected of having paid someone to take a computer-based exam assessing medical knowledge, which is a…