The UK government has launched an international action plan to encourage ‘circular migration’ and prevent illegal immigration. Through a points-based system, skilled temporary residents may be able to ‘pause’ their journey to UK citizenship, returning home to contribute their expertise. Continue Reading

The deadline to apply for the NI (National Insurance) Rebate is the 5th April 2010 so don’t miss out on this opportunity to take control of your finances.

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When Jaco Voges and his wife Madeleine step off the plane at Heathrow Airport, it will be spring. And even if it’s raining, in a sense, the sun will be shining for this young couple because not only are they both newly qualified chartered accountants, but they are also in possession of something highly sought after by prospective migrants: a Tier 1 Visa which allows them to live and work in the UK for three years! Continue Reading

Working as a contractor in the UK can be the most lucrative decision you ever make… But is it worth the hassle? Despite a dip in the general UK job market, skilled specialists are still highly sought after and can command impressive salaries. Working as a contractor in the UK is often a fast-track to financial independence. Continue Reading

According to expert immigration group 1^st Contact, recent changes to Australia’s immigration policy presents good news to both current domestic workers as well as to hopeful migrants seeking to relocate to Australian shores. Continue Reading

Expert Tax, Migration and Financial Services group 1^st Contact claims that most individuals in the UK are not aware that they are eligible for a Tax Refund. As such 1^st Contact has offered 3 key tips that are set to enable individuals to claim the maximum amount of tax back in a minimal amount of time:
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Leading immigration company 1^st Contact says it will keep costs low, despite the sharp rise.

Walking the path to British Citizenship or simply applying for a visa such as the Tier 1 Visa is set to become a costly exercise after the UK government signaled its intention to increase UK visa fees as of April this year. Continue Reading

The HMRC’s admission to over calculating taxes has resulted in tax rebates being due to thousands of UK tax payers.

You may be set for a tax refund, without even knowing it. According the Chartered Institute of Taxation, HM Revenue & Customs has sent the wrong tax codes to a number of people throughout the UK due to a fault within their IT systems. Continue Reading

International immigration group, 1^st Contact has its offices ready for the large number of enquiries already coming through from eligible individuals in an attempt to obtain British Citizenship. A new development in the UK immigration law, which came into effect on 13 January 2010, has made it possible for individuals with British born mothers to gain UK citizenship through registration. Individuals who qualify for this right, under section 4C of the British Nationality Act of 1948, no longer need to apply via the standard ancestral visa route in order to become British citizens. Continue Reading

According to various news reports, it is alleged that various UK based Tax refunds agents are engaging in exploitative practices in the form of excessive commission charges on tax refunds claims managed for their customers. Numerous UK firms have been identified for taking anything between 19% and 40% of tax payer’s refunds.One of the most experienced and established Continue Reading

The UK may well be advised to relax its Tier 1 educational requirement from a Masters qualification to a Bachelors degree, following recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). The suggestion is good news for applicants currently falling behind in points for the Tier 1 visa. Continue Reading

Foreign nationals heading to the UK for work will soon have to carry special identity cards, as part of a major crackdown on illegal immigration. Skilled workers, student visa holders and those with UK marriage visas will also now need  to apply for an ID card when they renew their UK visas. Continue Reading

Two conmen, Rong Yang and Steven Lee were found sitting in their vehicle outside a test centre in Wimbledon, have been heavily fined after being convicted of using high-tech spy equipment to transmit answers to applicants writing the Life in the UK Test in 2008. Continue Reading

As many applicants bemoan increased tightening by UK immigration authorities, 1st Contact says options are not as few and far between as many perceive. In light of the recent increased stringency in the changes to the Tier 1 Visa, the Tier 2 is becoming a preferable option for many highly skilled professionals. “The Tier 2 visa option is proving to be a popular choice”explains 1st Contact’s South African Visa Manager, Robyn Cory. “Tier 2 allows individuals to enter the UK and expand their career horizons through international exposure and a variety of opportunities.” Continue Reading

Following the economic uncertainties and challenges brought upon by 2009, various market updates and news reports have indicated more favourable market conditions for UK based contractors and small business owners, within more specialised fields. According to 1st Contact, the contractor job market is generally the first to increase when the market heads towards an upturn.

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Snake charmers, delicious gastronomic concoctions and hidden treasures await you in the markets of North Africa and India. 1st Contact takes you through some of the largest and oldest travel destinations in the world, where to go and how to get the best bargain this festive season!

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New laws in Australia have granted legal recognition to the union of same-sex couples. The country now joins a host of countries around the world which allow the benefits of relationships once the preserve of heterosexual couples.

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1st Contact is warning contractors, residing in the UK, who are seeking tax administration services, of a real threat in the industry. This announcement rides on the back of ‘fly by night’ Umbrella companies posing to the UK contracting market with dubious and unfounded services and credentials that do not meet basic legal and preferred practice standards.

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1st Contact’s new 3D secure debit card system has just hit and is set to take the safety of online money transfers to new heights.

1st Contact Forex, the pioneers of this secure 3D platform in the remittance market, have introduced this innovation as an addition to its existing Forex service offering, at rates below those of banks, with zero receiving fees and every fifth transfer free.

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1st Contact shares some shipping secrets to help you on your way! According to 1st Contact, it is crucial to understand the small print governing the shipping process of all your goods and possessions, so as to safeguard against disappointment and unexpected occurrences.

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According to expert tax, financial and migration group 1st Contact, the 2009 deadline set for 20 November 2009 is fast approaching. 1st Contact affirm that many South African property owners living and working abroad are unaware of their obligation to register for income tax, making them eligible for the submission of an annual tax return. The failure of 2009 tax return submissions will be regarded as a criminal offense by the South African Revenue Service, which will result in penalties being charged, where the severity of these penalties is on the increase. 1st Contact upholds the importance of tax submissions from a long-term perspective in order for individuals to be able to access several benefits further down the line. Besides this it is important to consider that property transfers cannot happen without having an up to date tax file.

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The processes for individuals wishing to extend their stay in the UK and continue living and working in Britain will be affected, where expert immigration and financial services group 1st Contact has provided a series of solutions. Continue Reading

There is good news on the horizon for children born and raised outside the UK who are direct descendants of British mothers. Amendments to the British Nationality Act 1981, recently introduced by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) will have a considerable impact for newly eligible individuals across the globe. Continue Reading

Umbrella Payroll and accounting advice focuses on optimal tax benefits for individual Contractors. As the impact of the global crunch continues to have its effect felt, an increasing number of individuals are taking charge of their careers by forging their own paths. Continue Reading

Since the world at large is facing unprecedented economic challenges on a macro scale, the personal financial positions of most individuals are being tried during these uncertain times. According to tax experts 1st Contact Accounting, individuals should maximise the tax benefits available to them to improve their cash flow. Continue Reading

1st Contact Accounting calls on all individuals who are required to submit their personal tax returns to contact us now. According to 1st Contact Accounting the UK Self Assessment Personal Tax Return (SA100) will need to be filed with the HMRC by individuals who meet the following criteria: Continue Reading

1st Contact urges individuals to not be fooled by fraudsters who claim to be HMRC officials. In order to safe guard against this, 1st Contact advises you to view the example below of a typical fraudulent e-mail, in an attempt to get the banking details of unsuspecting individuals. In addition to this, it is crucial to note of the following in order to avoid being made a victim of Tax Fraud: Continue Reading

Celebrate the launch of our new Shipping site and get a 10% discount on your confirmed shipping booking with 1st Contact Shipping. Continue Reading

Check out 1st Contact’s new online Travel Search Engine - save money and time planning your next holiday!

Search for over 350 travel destinations, hotels and flights world-wide now!

Since UK immigration policy dictates migrants must complete and pass ‘The Life in the UK Test’ in order to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain or British Citizenship – 1st Contact have innovated the way to make this application process an easy and successful one for potential applicants. This can be achieved through engaging 1st Contact’s sample simulated tests free of charge! Continue Reading

Thinking of a weekend break in romantic Paris or just a laze in sunny Spain? 1st Contact has partnered with Prince Visas, who specialise in tourist and business visa applications for UK travelers. If you require a business or tourist visa – look no further than Prince Visas and 1st Contact to make this process hassle free. Continue Reading

A recently released report by the Office for National Statistics has revealed that the number of foreign workers, seeking employment in the UK, has dropped by 6%. Although this downward trend can mainly be attributed to a waning economy and lack of employment opportunities in the UK, the CIPD has firmly reported that most UK employers tend to choose highly skilled migrant workers over UK born professionals. Further to this, it has been reported by the CIPD that 8% of UK employers will recruit foreign job applicants this quarter.

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In an attempt to reduce the economic pitfalls experienced in the UK, brought upon by the recession, the UK Home Office have yet again announced another potential regime aimed at tightening British Citizenship law. It has been stated that foreigners residing in the UK may no longer be entitled to gain British passports as a consequence of staying in the UK for up to 5 years, but may be subject to a new points based system. The Home Office (UKBA) has opened a consultation for a points based system that has not been implemented as of yet. Following the results of this consultation process, and if the UK government approves the new points based system, the proposed implementation date has been set for summer 2011. Continue Reading

According to expert Forex consultancy, 1st Contact, a multitude of foreign exchange and money transfer companies are guilty of making false claims that lure unsuspecting consumers into misleading territory. These misleading claims have been seen in the advertisements of various Forex companies that promise ‘inter bank’ exchange rates to individuals that are simply impossible to secure. This has resulted in grave disappointment when the actual funds that clear into the individual’s bank account are less or different to what they had originally anticipated. Continue Reading

The disappointment hovering over South African travelers, following the UK’s announcement that South Africans will need to incur an average minimum cost of R 938 to attain a 6 month visitor visas, and up to R7000 to receive a 10 Year Visitor Visa in order to gain entry into the UK, has just been some what alleviated. Continue Reading

New Zealand (NZ) graduates based in the UK may unknowingly be accruing thousands in additional interest charges each year by failing to service their outstanding NZ student loans. Under the current repayment policy NZ graduates based overseas (away from New Zealand for 184 or more consecutive days) are eligible for a repayment holiday of up to three years. While graduates do not have to make any compulsory repayments over this time their overall debt is increasing by 6.8% thanks to interest rate changes imposed by the NZ government. Continue Reading

Changes announced to the Foreign Income rules, in the 2009 Australian Federal Budget, have led to much speculation and concern throughout the Australian expat community. The biggest concern was that all Australians living abroad would be subject to Australian tax on their overseas earnings. Continue Reading

In a recent report, it is alleged that the Australian government declared the Australian tax holiday as having reached an end. This was announced during the hand down of the 2009-2010 federal budget, some weeks ago, and is set to affect thousands of UK based Australians. In his recent announcement, treasurer Wayne Swan confirmed that new laws will be coming into effect from 1 July 2009, that will ultimately disadvantage Australian citizens, who are living and working in the UK, as far as their Australian tax obligations are concerned. Continue Reading

Immigration services firm 1st Contact is raising concerns over the legality of current practice by the UK Border Agency following numerous reports of lengthy waiting periods for family members of EEA nationals awaiting the outcomes of their applications to live and work in the UK. Continue Reading

Though its been said there are only two things guaranteed in life – death, and taxes – those in for a rebate following their work periods in the UK are often pleasantly surprised that some extra money in the bank may be a third guarantee. Continue Reading

Overseas South Africans voted on Wednesday 15 March 2009, a week ahead of the national elections for residents at home. The turn-out in London by far surpassed turnout in any other city, with every individual South African who registered to vote in London doing so. The government reports that 7 427 voters in total made their mark at South Africa House in the British capital’s Trafalgar Square. Continue Reading

Highly skilled professionals planning to work in the UK for the first time have been advised by 1st Contact to prepare for changes in the points system. Following the UK Border Agency’s revised policy on Tier 1 (Generaland Tier 1 (Post Study Work) applications, all new applicants who submit their documentation on or after 31 March 2009 will be subject to the new measures. Those already residing in UK who plan to switch to Tier 1 from another category are also subject to the new changes.

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When it comes to understanding contractors’ needs, there is none better that 1st Contact. Specialists when it comes to local business, we realise that our current economic climate represents a challenge to everyone. Current issues which affect our clients are often not reported by the news, so we are running a series of news stories to reflect that. Continue Reading

Today, a news article published in South African based publication The Times, has revealed that South African expats who are registered now have the right to vote in the upcoming April elections in South Africa. In order to vote, individuals will need to apply for a special vote. Continue Reading

The UK Border Agency has once again announced a further clamming of immigration law, set to adversely affect young aspiring professionals wishing to spread their wings and pursue a career abroad. A new addition to the radical UK immigration regime, issued by the UK Border Agency (UKBA), has imposed a new criterion on Tier 1 Visa applications, where any highly skilled foreign national must possess a master’s degree (rather than a bachelors degree) and earn an annual salary of R 93 375 (£ 20 000) to gain permission to work in the UK. According to expert immigration firm 1st Contact, the new legislation is set to protect the interests of British nationals in the face of the economic slump. Continue Reading

The time for South Africans temporarily living abroad to notify the IEC of their intent to cast a “special vote” has already past. The deadline for that was the 27th of February. Voting for these individuals is set to take place on April 15, seven days before the official election day of April 22. Continue Reading

Expert financial services group 1st Contact urges individuals to not miss the 5 April 2009 deadline to submit their National Insurance (NI) Rebate submissions as failure to meet the deadline could result in a significant back peddle to attaining cumulative financial security. Continue Reading

As has been well documented in the press over the last few months the global economy has been experiencing a sharp downturn recently, a situation that looks likely to continue for some time still. All around London and the UK companies are cutting costs and implementing hiring freezes in an effort to stay afloat in times of great uncertainty. Continue Reading

Expert financial services and immigration group 1st Contact reveal a new security measure that has recently been implemented by her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). This new development requires the issuance of National Insurance (NI) numbers in order for 1st Contact to be able to follow up telephonically on tax refund submissions for our clients. As such 1st Contact urges our customers to apply for an NI number as soon as possible in order to prevent delays at HMRC when claiming you Tax Refund. Continue Reading

Following biggest clamp down in UK Immigration law, over the past 4 decades, with the announced issuance of Visas for South African citizens to enter the UK, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) have recently announced their proposed fee increases for 2009 and 2010. Continue Reading

South Africans living abroad wishing to vote, must notify the IEC before midnight of the 27th of February, where they already need to be registered. Voting for people abroad is set to take place on April 15, seven days before the official election day of April 22. Continue Reading

The deadline to apply for the NI (National Insurance) Rebate is the 5th April 2009 so don’t miss out on this opportunity to take control of your finances. Continue Reading

In the run up to the 2009 South African elections, much debate has surrounded the issue of whether South Africans living abroad should be given voting rights. 1st Contact has sourced some informative and topical articles and debates relating to this issue, which are placed below. Continue Reading

Many people are unaware that you can claim back National Insurance Contributions while working in the UK. This is different from a tax rebate which you can only do when arriving and leaving the UK. An NI (National Insurance) Rebate can be claimed at anytime and only needs to be done once (from thereon it is automatically done for you each year). Continue Reading

In a recent article released by the BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7816450.stm), the run up to the 31 January deadline for self assessed tax returns, has seen the most “sophisticated and prolific” tax fraud scam in the UK to date. Having flooded the UK media, numerous reports affirm that fraudsters are allegedly targeting consumers under the false pretence of being HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) officials and thereby requesting banking details of victims to supposedly pay them their tax refunds. Individuals who have revealed these details may face the devastating threat of their bank accounts being cleaned up. Continue Reading

According to leading immigration and financial services group 1st Contact, applying sound and innovative tax advice to your personal financial affairs is set to create a magnificent start to 2009, a year full of opportunity. Continue Reading

According to expert immigration and financial services group 1st Contact, the 2009 deadline set for 5 February is fast approaching. 1st Contact affirm that many South African property owners living and working abroad are unaware of their obligation to register for income tax, making them eligible for the submission of an annual tax return. Continue Reading

The current economic turbulence that has hit the UK is set to affect the job market as a whole, and there is speculation that this may have a ripple effect on individual contractors. It is during these trying times that expert immigration and financial services group 1st Contact urges contract workers across all industries to wise up in order to continue harnessing the inherent benefits that contracting can bring. Continue Reading

The Minister of State for borders and immigration recently announced that the official replacement of the UK’s current work permit scheme, with what is termed as Tier 2, will come into full effect on 27 November 2008. Continue Reading

1st Contact Forex Reveals all the Hidden Facts Governing International Money Transfers

Unbeknown to most people, one of the most expensive ways of transferring money to international destinations is through banks, where many individuals are bearing the brunt of various additional costs. Continue Reading

The current economic peril that has flooded the UK’s financial markets has come as a some what startling surprise, catching the entire world off guard. According to expert financial services and migration company 1st Contact, the unpredictability of the UK economy and world financial markets at large has created an era of volatility and increased risk. In view of this, 1st Contact strongly advises travellers, young professionals and consumers to take their financial affairs into their own hands, so as to be smart, nimble and quick in responding to market fluctuations in order to safe guard themselves from incurring unnecessary additional financial strain during this trying time. Continue Reading