The strike is in response to the government’s demands that public sector workers accept longer work hours and personally contribute more to their own pensions.  Four of the UK Home Office’s labour unions will commence a walk-out beginning this evening and ending by 11:59 pm on 30 November.

According to the UKBA website, “robust arrangements” are in place to maintain the security of the border.  They have also assured the public that they have been working with airlines and port operators in recent weeks to “identify potential pressure points” and have trained emergency replacement staff to help alleviate any potential problems caused by the strike action.

Certain air carriers have cancelled flights and many are warning passengers to expect delays. Processing times for visas could also be significantly delayed this week.

Those scheduled to depart for the UK this week should contact their travel agents to confirm their flights and find out about any possible cancellations or delays in departure.

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With more than 15 years’ in the UK immigration market, 1st Contact has learnt a thing or two about the immigration system and all the ins and outs of relocating to the UK. So we  put together the Kickstart Package which, amongst other things, makes it a breeze to get a UK bank account.

Bank Account Assistance

We have relationships formed over many years, with the leading UK banks. Because of this, we are able to introduce our Kickstart clients to the bank, and book a meeting for you at our local branch. As our client, the three months’ credit history is waived, as well as the proof of residential address in London – with us, you are able to open an account on the spot.

Find Employment and Accommodation

The Kickstart package also allows you to find just the right accommodation through our many trusted accommodation providers.  We also work with more than 100 of the UK’s premier recruitment agencies, who can help to find you the right job. And we’ll support you through our Job and CV Assist service.

If you are planning to contract in the UK, our Umbrella Company can get you set up and if you sign up, you’ll also be able to claim back thousands in relocation costs.

Free International Money Transfer

Transfer your money easily and securely before you leave home or send money home once you’ve arrived in the UK and get a better exchange rate at a fraction of the bank’s costs.

Your Kickstart package also includes a new UK SIM card and mobile phone number, a 5-day gym membership and much more. The Kickstart package is just that – a way to kick-start your life in the UK with minimum stress and hassle.

Visit http://www.1stcontactkickstart.com/ for up-to-date information on living and working in the UK, what to do before you leave and what to expect on your arrival.

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Other winners included The Amazon, Halong Bay in Vietnam and the Komodo Island in Indonesia. While re-counting and verification still needs to take place, we are sure Table Mountain will remain as one of the Worlds 7 New Wonders of Nature.

For Capetonians, Table Mountain is a source of immense pride and enjoyment – from Cable Car trips to rock-climbing, amazing fauna and flora to incredible hikes, Table Mountain has it all.

Here are 10 Fun Facts About This Natural Wonder of the World.

1. Table Mountain is the only terrestrial feature in the world which has a constellation named after it. French astronomer Nicolas de Lacaille named the constellation Mensa (meaning table) during his stay in Cape Town in the eighteenth century. It can be seen in the Southern Hemisphere, below Orion, around midnight in July.
2. The floral world is divided into six distinct floral kingdoms, five of them encompassing several countries, and in some cases, several continents. The only exception is South Africa, which has a floral kingdom wholly contained within the country. The Cape Floral Kingdom has 9,600 plant species, 70% of which are not found anywhere else in the world. Table Mountain alone has over 1 500 species of plants, which is more than the entire United Kingdom!
3. According to the ancient Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui, Cape Town is the ultimate Feng Shui city, largely because it has Table Mountain to the rear and the ocean to the front. The city has the shape of an armchair, with protection from Table Mountain to the back and Lion’s Head and Devil’s Peak as the armrests. The city itself sits in an energy-filled “bowl” surrounded on three sides by mountain, while the wealth-creating properties of water are to the front – making for the perfect city!
4. Table Mountain is approximately 260 million years old. Compare this to the Andes – about 250-million years old, the Rockies – about 60-million years old, the Himalayas 40-million and the Alps around 32-million years old.
5. Most of the world’s caves and cave systems occur in limestone. Table Mountain is the unusual exception, with several large cave systems that have developed in sandstone.
6. The original table Mountain Cableway was completed in just two years and cost £60 000. It was officially opened on the 4th of October 1929 by the Mayor of Cape Town, Reverend AJS Lewis.
7. The latest cable cars (in operation since the 1997 upgrade) were imported from Switzerland. The floor of the cable car rotates, giving riders a 360 degree view on the way up and down. There are only 2 other cable cars like it in the world, one in Titlis in the Swiss Alps in Switzerland, and the other in Palm Springs in America.
8. The cables that make up the Cableway weigh 18 tonnes.
9. The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway has a proud track record of being totally accident-free.
10. Many famous people have taken the ride on the cable car to the top of table Mountain. These include Oprah Winfrey, Sting, Steffi Graf, Michael Schumacher, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Margaret Thatcher, Prince Andrew, Brooke Shields, Michael Buble, Jackie Chan, Dolores O’Riordan from The Cranberries, Tina Turner, Skin from Skunk Anansie and legendary DJ Paul Oakenfold.

If you’d like to call Cape Town home and have Table Mountain as part of your daily life, why not visit www.1stcontactvisas.com and find out more about immigrating to sunny South Africa?

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Pilot scheme implemented

Home Secretary Theresa May admitted implementing the pilot scheme to relax the checks on EU biometric passports at UK airports and ports over the summer. The “intelligence-led” system of checks was put into place so that UKBA could ultimately target high-risk travellers, including terror suspects and illegal immigrants, while the majority of travellers would be able to pass through the UK easily and without long queues and too much hassle.

But the leaked documents show that checks on non EU passports were also relaxed.

• In one email, a UKBA official complained: ‘We are not allowed to physically see the passengers arriving on private charter flights. It is creating a situation where we are not able to secure the borders as robustly as we would like, for no justifiable reason.’
• In a leaked reply, a manager revealed that this policy was followed at airports around the country.
• Another email reveals that staff members ‘feel uneasy about an instruction that is creating an unnecessary gap in security, which could bring the Agency into disrepute’.

Clark accused of “taking it too far”

According to May, the Home Office had not given approval for individuals on ‘warning lists’ to be able to pass through border controls with reduced scrutiny. May further claimed that UKBA Director Brodie Clark implemented further measures to relax checks without authorisation, in order to manage growing airport queues. Clark resigned following his suspension, and insists that he had been given permission to extend the scheme. Clark also openly attacked May for making him a scapegoat and is lodging a claim for constructive dismissal.

The prime minister offered his support for May, saying: “It is right that the head of the border force was suspended and I back that action completely.”

Consequences for non-EU travellers

At this stage there is speculation that border checks and general immigration controls will once again become more stringent in response to this debacle, as government once again tries to prove its “toughness” with regards to immigration issues. Mrs May was however quoted as saying that recent figures showed “an almost 10 % increase in detection of illegal immigrants and a 48 % increase in detection of forged documents compared to the year before”. This should hopefully be enough reason to keep the original pilot scheme in place, meaning ordinary travellers and immigrant already living in the UK can come and go fairly easily, while illegal immigrants and terror suspects will continue to be heavily targeted at ports and airports.

“UK Immigration law and policy with regards to the allowances for Foreign Nationals to enter the UK for the purposes to live and work remains a consistently volatile issue,” says Robyn Cory or 1st Contact Visa. “The UK Home Office is continuously proposing and implementing changes to accommodate both policy and infrastructure available in the UK. Challenges such as the current issues regarding security will undoubtedly result in additional changes being implemented. Foreign Nationals still eligible under current legislation, should apply as soon as possible!”

For advice or information, or to apply for your UK visa, visit www.1stcontactvisas.com.

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Net immigration last year was close to 240 000, an increase of 20% since 2009. The warning urges the government to take voters’ concerns into consideration and bring this figure down to a maximum of 50 000 a year in order to keep the UK population from hitting 70 million by 2027.

“To its credit the Government is currently consulting on such a change. But with a powerful pro-immigration lobby, it is crucial that ministers are again reminded of the strength of voters’ views. If immigration is allowed to continue at its current level, about 200 homes will need to be built every day of the week for the next 23 years, and that is just to house those coming into this country,” the statement said. .

The MPs also directly attribute the current strains on the education and public health systems to the immigration figures and warn that housing and other resources are also inadequate to cater to the rising population.

Not everyone shares these views however. Some argue that fears of overpopulation are overplayed by politicians looking to score votes, and hide deeper-lying causes of social problems.

A comparison with other nations show the United Kingdom ranked 53rd among 251 sovereign territories. Those who disagree with the anti-immigration viewpoints of conservatives also point out that a well-managed immigration system allows for the importation of critical skills and the development of the UK economy.

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What’s your name?

Karol

Where did you move from?

I moved from Johannesburg (Greenside).

Where did you move to and when?

I moved to London in November 1998.

What was your reason for leaving your home country?

Actually I was only going to do a gap year in London! I matriculated and then did my CA in Johannesburg. Because I never did the travelling thing straight after school, I thought it would be nice to go to London and muck about for a year! My plan was to waitress and have fun and see as much of Europe as possible before coming home to embark on my career in accounting.  As it turned out, I landed an amazing job at an accounting firm within a couple of months. They managed most of the paperwork for me and before I knew it my plan had changed to staying for two years. By the time I was into my second year, I was making great money and great friends! I knew I was going to stay a while, but I never imagined I would still be there, officially a UK citizen 11 years later!

Why did you choose the country you chose?

It seemed like the most fun place to do my gap year.

What is the best thing about your new country?

I would have to say the friends I’ve made, and the fact that I can travel so freely! I love the parks and the socialising. I love being able to pop into my local pub and see friendly faces, I love all the parks and interesting things to see and do and I really love my job. I’m still with the same firm I started with.

What do you miss the most about your home country?

I don’t miss Johannesburg at all! My mom has since moved to the UK and so has my sister – we all live about 20 km from one another. I think the only thing I really miss is the sunshine, but I get that when I go on holiday and the cold weather here has never really bothered me.

Anything you struggled to get used to in your new country?

No – I must have lived here in a previous life, because London was “familiar” to me the day I stepped off the plane!

Will you ever go back?

Yes! I got married to a Frenchman four years ago and we have a beautiful son aged 2.  We plan to have our next within the next year or so, and then my husband wants to buy a wine farm in the Cape. We visited South Africa just before my son was born and fell in love with the Winelands (which I had never seen when I lived in SA!)

Which country do you identify with most strongly now?

I have to say Britain, then South Africa, and then France. I might even have a slight accent!

Which country’s sports teams do you support?

I love rugby and always support the Lions… unless they’re playing the Springboks, then I can’t help shouting for South Africa. When it comes to cricket, I somehow have to support the English team.

How does the food compare?

Luckily my husband and I both enjoy cooking, so we can’t complain!

Was it what you expected?

I never expected my plans to turn out this way at all. But I think for the most part London was what I expected. I had so many friends who had been to London and heard all the stories, so I think I knew what to expect, more or less.

How has your life changed?

I would never have been in the financial situation I’m in now if I had pursued my career back in South Africa. I would never have met my hubby. And I would never have been able to see so much of the world!

What advice would you give to others wanting to do the same?

I would advise you visit London first and see if it’s your kind of place. I know many South Africans who have hated it, and just as many who absolutely love their lives here.  I do believe that nowadays it’s not nearly as easy to get in. So I would say – Do research and prepare for a lot of paperwork. If you can confirm a job first, all the better.

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• 15 staff members were working in breach of their immigration conditions
• 4 had overstayed their visas
• 6 had entered the UK illegally

The supermarket owner received a penalty notice, and could face hefty fines of up to £10 000 per illegal employee, unless he is able to prove that he took the necessary steps and performed all the correct right-to-work checks before offering them employment.

According to Jennifer Money, head of the UKBA Ealing team, businesses have a legal responsibility to make sure that all their employees have the right to work in the UK.

Money also sent out a stern warning that more such raids are planned and that civil penalties will be issued to business owners not complying with immigration law.

The UKBA website offers advice for employers on the preventing illegal working section of their website and through their employers helpline on 0300 123 4699.

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Up until now, New Zealanders working in the UK have been able to apply for “settlement” after five years, allowing them to confidently settle into careers, marry and have children.

Consultation on Proposals Closed

This reality seems highly likely to change, as the British government has just closed consultation on proposals to end automatic settlement and tighten the laws.

More than 12 000 submissions were received from, amongst others, UK business groups concerned about training and investing in foreign talent if the workers can’t stay for long periods, as well as from New Zealand expats who fear having to uproot their families and move back to New Zealand.

“It’s really hard to see how this change of regulations is going to really benefit the UK economy,” said Stephen Dee, the UK regional manager of KEA, a New Zealand expatriate network.

April Visa Cap

Changes in April saw the worldwide cap on non-EU immigrants set at 20 700 a year, and introduced a point system, with criteria including age, qualifications and earnings.

Exceptions were made for high earners (over 150,000), those who fill a skills gap, intra-company transfers and those with “exceptional talent”.

“Explore all Possible Routes”

“The changes currently under review would still allow New Zealanders into Britain on two-year working holidays, or via the ancestry route,” says Robyn Cory of 1st Contact Visas.  “Outside those categories, a work visa would be hard to come by and most “Tier 2″ visa holders would have to return home after five years.”

“But it shouldn’t stop people from trying – they should explore all possible routes,” says Cory. “Some people are unaware that they qualify for an ancestry visa – in some cases, people can be British citizens and not know it! I would suggest speaking to a knowledgeable visa consultant to ascertain the best route. If you are a Kiwi already in the UK on a working visa and wondering how the changes might affect you, speak to a consultant who understand all the new rules and can best advise you.”

If you might be affected by recent and proposed changes to UK visa rules, visit www.1stcontactvisas.com or call 0808 141 2290 to speak to a friendly and experienced visa consultant.

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What’s your name?

Carina

Where did you move from?

From Port Elizabeth South Africa.

Where did you move to and when?

To Brisbane, Australia, in August 2008.

What was your reason for leaving your home country?

With four young boys, life was becoming a bit difficult financially and we heard there were great opportunities in Australia in my husband’s field. The more we looked into it, the more we liked the idea… The safety was also a huge driving factor for us, living in a country where we could feel safe from day to day become more and more appealing.

Why did you choose the country you chose?

Mainly… work opportunities and security. We also had old family friends who had been living in Brisbane for a few years already, and another friend in Cairns, so I was lucky enough to go on a scouting holiday with our oldest son… Having three weeks there allowed me to feel secure in the knowledge that this was where we needed to be. Once we had decided, it took a long time for everything to happen, but it was worth it in the end.

What is the best thing about your new country?

The friendliness of the people, the lifestyle, quality of life, the feeling of freedom and safety. The vastness of the country also means that like in SA, there’s so much to see if you travel around.

What do you miss the most about your home country?

I miss my family, I miss the Eastern Cape beaches. Mostly I just miss the different types of people in SA.

Anything you struggled to get used to in your new country?

Initially, the cost of things.  Otherwise it was an overall adjustment, but we kept focused on the positive and kept ourselves busy from the start.  We’ve been camping all over and it gets hot, dusty and in some places there are a LOT of insects!!

Will you ever go back?

Oooh, that’s a tricky one. I am loving life here, but Africa is in your blood, so I can’t say I will never go back – we might go back if the corrupt government changes and SA becomes a safer place to raise children.

Which country do you identify with most strongly now?

Still SA!

Which country’s sports teams do you support?

SA – definitely!  We are developing a fondness for some of the Aussie players and teams, but our hearts are with South Africa’s teams.

How does the food compare?

Not bad at all. It’s the same, but different. We can’t find really GOOD biltong like we’re used to. We have loved braaing for our Australian friends!

Was it what you expected?

It’s even better than I expected. Somehow I think I thought the people would be rude, but they are quite friendly and straightforward, which I like.

How has your life changed?

We have as a family become more relaxed. My husband is much happier and we are far more active, doing things we never even considered in South Africa. Maybe because in the beginning we felt like we were on holiday in a way, so we were more adventurous than normal. Now it’s become a part of our lifestyles and my husband and 4 sons are always looking for the next thrill!!!

What advice would you give to others wanting to do the same?

If you can, go and spend time in the city you’re considering moving to first. Get a feel for the place and the people. There is a LOT of red tape, so I would give the advice to be very patient and organised.  If possible, use a REPUTABLE immigration agency who can help you with all the paperwork!! Don’t expect it to be perfect because no country can be perfect. South Africans have a good reputation for being hard workers. If you are motivated and not lazy, you should emphasise that on your CV.  There is so much to see and do in Australia, but choose your city wisely, as the main cities and places are very different!

To find out how 1st Contact Visas can help you with your relocation plans, visit www.1stcontactvisas.com or call 0808 141 1664 (in the UK), 0800 003 163 (in South Africa) or 1800 039 300 (in Australia).

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The consultation sets out the government’s proposals for breaking the link between temporary and permanent migration.

Under the proposals, migrants coming to the UK to work on temporary visas will no longer be able to apply for settlement.

The key proposals include:

• re-branding Tier 2 (the skilled worker route) as temporary, ending the assumption that settlement will be available for those who enter on this route;
• allowing certain categories of Tier 2 migrant, such as those earning over £150,000 or occupations of a specific economic or social value to the UK, to retain an automatic route to settlement;
• creating a new category into which, after 3 years in the UK, the most exceptional Tier 2 migrants may switch and go on to apply for settlement;
• allowing Tier 2 migrants who do not switch into a settlement route to stay for a maximum of 5 years, with the expectation that they and any dependants will leave at the end of that time;
• introducing an English language requirement for adult dependants of Tier 2 migrants applying to switch into a route to settlement;
• restricting the maximum period of leave for Tier 5 temporary workers to 12 months; and
• closing or reforming routes for overseas domestic workers.

To date, nearly 10,000 responses have been received.

(Source: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2011/september/01-settlement-consultation)

For any advice, or up-to-date information on UK visas, visit www.1stcontactvisas.com or call 0808 141 1664.

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