Working in the UK
Immigration Statistics - April to June 2013 (Working in the UK)
The Home Office has published the latest Immigration Statistics, covering the period of April to June 2013.
These latest figures show that, in the year ending June 2013, there were 2% fewer work-related visas issued (144,554) and 12% fewer permissions to stay permanently (60,959) and a 9% increase in extensions of stay (145,855), compared with the previous 12 months.
However, there was a slight increase in work-related visas issued in the year ending June 2013 (+2% or +2,782) compared with the year ending March 2013 (141,772).
There was a fall in grants (-8,978) of Tier 1 visas for high value individuals in the year ending June 2013, compared with the previous 12 months. This decrease was mainly due to the closure of the Tier 1 General and Tier 1 Post-study categories to new applicants.
There was also a fall (-12,387) in the number of grants of extensions of leave for Tier 1 high value individuals, again mainly attributed by the fewer extensions in the Post-study category.
In the same period, there was an increase in Tier 2 skilled workers visas (+5,193), largely due to an increase (+4,145) in the number of visas issued under Tier 2 Intra Company Transfers.
However, in the year ending June 2013, there were 7% more Tier 2 skilled worker sponsored visa applications (main applicants), increasing to 43,485, of which the majority were in the Information and Communication (18,304), Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities (7,668) and Financial and Insurance Activities (5,551) sectors.
There was a 12% (-8,008) fall in work-related grants to stay permanently to 60,959 in the year ending June 2013.
You van view these latest statistics published by the Home Office here.
New points-based system dependant policy guidance and application forms (Working in the UK)
The Home Office (UKBA) has published new versions of the Points Based System (Dependant) Policy Guidance.
New versions of the following forms have also been published:
- Tier 2 Priority Dependant application form
- Tier 1, 2 or 5 Dependant application form
These forms are for use by applicants who are already in the UK. Applicants should use these forms if they are applying on or after 7 August 2013.
The Home Office (UKBA) will continue to accept applications made on the previous versions of these forms up to and including 28 August 2013.
26% increase in Romanian and Bulgarian workers in the UK
The latest Labour Market statistics published in August 2013 by the Office for National statistics (ONS) shows that 141,000 Romanians and Bulgarians were employed in the UK between April and June.
The number of workers from Romania and Bulgaria has increased by 26% since the previous quarter, and up 35% on the same time last year.
You can view the latest Labour Market statistics here.
Immigration offenders arrested in Home Office operations
Home Office enforcement teams have arrested more than 130 immigration offenders after nationwide operations targeting illegal working and immigration abuse.
The Home Office has confirmed that civil penalties of up to £10,000 will be handed to employers suspected of using illegal labour.
The Home Office is proposing to increase to £20,000 the amount of the civil penalty for those found to be employing illegal workers.
The six-week consultation on the proposals has now concluded.
Education
Immigration Statistics - April to June 2013 (Education)
The Home Office has published the latest Immigration Statistics, covering the period of April to June 2013.
These latest figures show that study-related visas issued, admissions and long-term immigration have all continued to fall, although less quickly than previously.
There was a 5% (-9,750) fall in study visas issued (excluding student visitors) in the year ending June 2013, compared with the previous 12 months. However, there was a 5% increase in student visitor visas issued, to 72,496 for the year ending June 2013.
There was a 2% fall in sponsored visa applications (main applicants) to study for the year ending June 2013 (to 206,871) compared with the previous 12 months (211,690). However, this change was not uniform across the different education sectors. There was a 4% increase for the university sector in contrast to falls of 25%, 16% and 3% respectively for the further education sector, English language schools and independent schools.
There was also an 8% increase in study-related grants of extension in the year ending June 2013 (100,507) compared with year ending June 2012 (93,287).
As of 1 July 2013, there were 1,724 educational institutions on the UK Visas and Immigration register of sponsoring educational institutions. This was 5% lower than on 2 April 2013 (1,820) and 15% lower than 29 June 2012 (2,037). This decrease is consistent with the introduction of new accreditation criteria and conditions for Highly Trusted Sponsor status for educational sponsors.
You can view the latest statistics published by the Home Office here.
New points-based system dependant policy guidance and application forms (Education)
The Home Office (UKBA) has published new versions of the Points Based System (Dependant) Policy Guidance.
New versions of the following forms have also been published:
- Tier 4 (Child) application form
- Tier 4 Dependant application form
These forms are for use by applicants who are already in the UK. Applicants should use these forms if they are applying on or after 7 August 2013.
The Home Office (UKBA) will continue to accept applications made on the previous version of these forms up to and including 28 August 2013.
General Immigration Matters
Change to the Premium Booking Service
From 18 August 2013, most applicants booking a premium appointment at a public enquiry office (PEO) will be asked to pay the full application cost and booking fee upfront, using the Home Office's (UKBA) new online system.
The automated payment system will collect the whole fee upfront. This will include the application fee, the premium fee of £375 and a non-refundable appointment fee of £100. The £100 fee is to confirm the appointment. If an applicant does not attend their appointment or cancel it with 5 or less working days' notice, this £100 fee will not be refunded.
Applicants will be able to manage appointments via their online account.
Further information can be viewed on the Home Office's Premium Service page here.
ASA Investigates Home Office 'go home' van campaign
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has started an inquiry into the Home Office's 'go home or face arrest' vans after it received 60 complaints.
The pilot scheme has faced criticism from various sources.
The Home Office has claimed that the pilot worked but has not said how many people have left the country as a result.
During the week commencing 22nd July, vans were driven around Barnet, Hounslow, Barking and Dagenham, Ealing, Brent and Redbridge as part of this campaign.
Net Migration to UK increases - latest ONS statistics
The latest figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show net migration rose to 176,000, an increase of 153,000 people in the year to September 2012.
The ONS found that this increase was mainly due to a decrease in the number of migrants leaving Britain, which fell from 351,000 to 321,000 in the year to December 2012.
However, the Home Office stated that immigration has fallen significantly: from 497,000 in 2012; and from 566,000 in 2011. Immigration from outside the EU was also at its lowest for 14 years. The Home Office argues that the figures show that their reforms are having the desired effect of tightening the immigration routes where there was abuse but still encouraging the best to come here to study and work.
These figures show that the numbers arriving for study in the UK was now similar to the estimated number of people arriving in the UK for work. Approximately 180,000 arrived in the UK for formal study during this period, compared with 232,000 the previous year.
You can download the latest Migration Statistics Quarterly Report here.
HR Immigration Services
Training for employers
We are increasingly being asked to provide training on Right to Work and/or Tier 2 sponsor duties. If you think your organisation would benefit from training in either or both of these areas, please contact us for a no commitment discussion of your requirements at enquiries@hrimmigration.co.uk.
HTS Health-Check
Following requests from clients, Veristat is pleased to announce a new HTS Health Check service to help education providers prepare for a visit by the Home Office (UKBA) associated with an application to renew HTS.
The Veristat HTS Health Check is an objective, external review covering key areas likely to arise during a UKBA visit together with examples of good practice from over 4 years' experience of conducting compliance audits for schools, colleges and universities.
For further information please contact don@veristat.co.uk
'HR Immigration' is a trading name of Veristat Ltd.
