Immigration newsletter 29 Jan 2015

Are you an UK employer wishing to employ nationals from outside the EU? workpermit.com can help you obtain a Tier 2 sponsorship licence and help with compliance issues for new and existing Tier 2 sponsors. Call the London Office on 0344 991 9222 for further details.

Former UK immigration chief inspector John Vine criticises Home Office

The former UK Chief Inspector for borders and immigration, John Vine, has criticised the current government policy on UK immigration.

This is the first time Mr Vine has spoken publicly since quitting his post at the end of last year. He had the following to say.

"There is still much more room for improvement in getting the basics right; ensuring that staff know their powers under the law."

Only limited US Immigration Reform likely in 2015

Both Democrats and Republicans agree that the current US immigration system is broken and would like an overhaul of the system. However some observers have warned that President Barack Obama’s recent ‘executive action’ on immigration may have done more harm than good to the long-term goal of implementing a new system that both parties can agree on.

US elections will take place in 2016, and since he has already served two terms, Barack Obama will be on his way out as President. If a Republican candidate is elected then it may be several years before we see any further US immigration reforms. It is feared that a Republican president may even repeal some of the changes introduced via Obama’s ‘executive action.’

Serco wins 5-year Australian immigration contract

The company that runs Australia’s immigration detention centres has been awarded a further five-year contract, despite concerns about its conduct at centres it currently manages.

Serco, which has been operating the 12 migrant detention centres in Australia since 2009, has been criticised over the running of the Christmas Island centre. Serco was heavily criticised by a welfare inspector official who was concerned about the unhygienic conditions at the centre, and the high level of self-harm among detainees. It was reported that self-harm at the detention centres increased six-fold in six months.

UK Tier 2 Sponsorship

Do you have a professional level contract in the UK paying at least £180 per day? If so, we can help you find a sponsor who can apply for a UK Tier 2 (General) skilled worker visa. Contact the London office for further details.

New countries to join US H-2A and H-2B visa schemes

The US have announced that eleven countries will be added to the list of those eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B visa programs in 2015.

The H-2A and H-2B visa programs allows US employers to bring foreign workers to the US to fill jobs where there is a proven shortage. Only nationals on a specified list of countries may come under the schemes.

The countries to be added are Barbados, Belize, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Madagascar, Portugal and Sweden.

Court ruling in favour of non-EU family members of EU Citizens

Last month Judges in the European Court of Justice (ECJ) decided that Britain can no longer require visas for non-EU family members of EU Citizens wishing entry to the UK, provided they are settled in another EU country.

The case was referred to the European court of Justice by the High Court in the UK after legal proceedings in the UK by Sean McCarthy, a dual British/Irish national living in Spain with his wife. The European Court of Justice examined the EU law regarding freedom of movement rules, and decided in the McCarthy’s favour. It is hoped that the ruling will make entry to the UK easier for dependents and spouses of EU citizens who are resident in another EU country.