
Mastering Immigration Law Subscription Updates January 2024
The dawn of the new year ushered in a wave of significant changes to the UK’s immigration landscape, as the Home Office unveiled a series of updates that promise to reshape the rules and regulations governing various visa routes. These revisions, which took effect in January 2024, have far-reaching implications for individuals, families, and businesses seeking to navigate the intricate web of immigration laws.
The Home Office is introducing significant changes to the definition of an unmarried partner under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, effective from January 31, 2024. The new definition will require the couple to have been in a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years, eliminating the previous central requirement of cohabitation for the same duration. This modification aims to align Appendix FM with the more flexible definition already applicable to other visa categories and could potentially broaden the range of eligible applicants.
Concurrently, the income requirement for such applications will undergo incremental increases, starting at £29,000 per year from Spring 2024 and eventually reaching £38,700 by Spring 2025. However, a positive change is the removal of separate or enhanced salary requirements for additional dependents, bringing the rules for dependents in Appendix FM in line with other categories like Skilled Workers.
We would be addressing how to meet these newly set challenges in our live online course Winning Private & Family Life Cases & The Minimum Income Threshold on Wednesday, 19th June 2024 with experts Mark Symes and Adam Pipe. (more information here)
In the realm of business immigration, the demand for and issuance of sponsor licenses witnessed a steady rise, accompanied by heightened scrutiny from the Home Office. The government’s crackdown was particularly stringent on certain industries, including hospitality, small IT sectors, and notably, the care home industry.
The care home sector, heavily dependent on foreign labour, found itself under intense scrutiny amid concerns over potential exploitation of the immigration system’s sponsor license regime. Alarming reports surfaced, exposing unsettling practices that cast doubt on the Home Office’s vetting processes and oversight mechanisms within this critical industry.
However, with regards to the sponsor licence revocations, the case of Supporting Care Ltd [2024] EWHC 68 (Admin) highlighted the importance of considering the potential impact on migrant workers, their families, vulnerable individuals under their care, and the adverse effects on the sponsor’s services and the wider industry. A bare reference to such considerations may not constitute an adequately reasoned global assessment.
In accordance with the statutory duty under the Illegal Migration Act 2023, the Secretary of State for the Home Department will make regulations capping the number of asylum seekers who can come to the UK via safe and legal routes, after consulting with local authorities. The Report on Safe and Legal Routes, published in January 2024, outlines the currently operational regimes, including the UK Resettlement Scheme, Community Sponsorship Scheme, and Mandate Resettlement Scheme, as well as family reunion provisions and special schemes for citizens of specific countries.
However, the government maintains the principle that those in need of protection should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach, as it may be in their best interests to stay close to the region where they can be supported by international organizations.
The immigration landscape is undergoing seismic shifts, with the developments mentioned above representing merely the tip of the iceberg. As trusted advisors, it is our professional duty to remain proactive and stay ahead of the curve. By mastering these ever-evolving laws and policies, we will be well-equipped to guide our clients through the intricate immigration maze with precision and empathy.
At HJT Training, our unwavering commitment lies in fostering a united front within the immigration community, fortified by knowledge, vigilance, and a deep-rooted dedication to the individuals we serve. Together, we shall navigate these challenges, upholding the highest standards of professionalism and compassion.
Do remember to log in to your MIL account everyday whilst seeking reliable references for your immigration casework.
We sincerely appreciate your continued subscription and support. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or feedback. We aim to continuously improve the platform and serve the professional development needs of immigration lawyers like yourself.
Let’s unfold the new season to 2024 with success!
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These and many more are now included in Mastering Immigration Law. A comprehensive list of all the updates are listed for our subscribers reference under the Updates & Documentation module. Please log in to access. Index also updated.
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