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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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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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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The proposed changes will affect domestic workers coming into the UK from countries like Indonesia, Morocco, Nigeria and the Philippines and include chauffeurs, gardeners, cooks and au pairs.

Current rules allow these workers to change jobs and move to different households once in the UK, without losing their immigration status. This is especially important for those who move over with their employers and are subject to abuse and/or exploitation. They are able to remove themselves from dangerous or exploitative situations and find more suitable work that allows them to build a life in the UK. Currently, they are also able to apply for settlement after 5 years in the UK and may bring dependants with them.

Drastic Changes Proposed

But the government has vowed to cut migration substantially by 2015 and say these proposed changes are simply part of that plan. They are considering scrapping the visa completely, encouraging people to hire domestic help from within the UK or at least from within the EU.

Should the visa not be scrapped, the government is considering the following changes:

• Strengthening pre-entry requirements
• Restricting entry to six or 12 months (if accompanying a Tier 1 or 2 migrant)
• Removing the possibility of extension entirely
• Removing the right to change employer while on the visa
• Removing right to sponsor dependents
• Removing the right to settlement

Justice 4 Domestic Workers says that the proposed plans will leave domestic workers open to abuse and exploitation and that the current visa provided a safeguard for some of the most vulnerable and isolated domestic workers. Their argument is that these workers could come to the UK with their employers expecting a better life, only to be treated like slaves. In such situations their only choices would be to stay and be a slave or go back to a life of poverty in their home country.

What do you think?

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Because of anomalies in UK Nationality laws dating between 1914 and 1983, many people mistakenly think they do not qualify for UK citizenship and then go through arduous visa application processes unnecessarily.

The reason for the anomalies relate amongst many other things, to two different factors. Firstly, recent gender anti-discrimination legislation has been introduced that retrospectively allows British women to pass on their nationality to their children (subject to certain conditions). And secondly, instances where a Commonwealth citizen has a UK-born grandparent can often lead to British Nationality claims through Double Descent legislation. Applicants who were disadvantaged by the gender discrimination of the previous laws can bring claims forward for their own children, provided that certain other criterion is met. Such applications fall to Home Office discretion and have to be lodged before the 18^th birthday of the child concerned.

The UK Ancestry Visa is, strictly speaking, an employment visa. It is available to any Commonwealth citizen (which includes South Africa, Zimbabwe, Australia, New Zealand and Canada) who has a grandparent born in the UK (including Ireland before 1922). A successful applicant must be over the age of 17, and while there is no stipulated upper age limit, any applicants over 60 will have to demonstrate further abilities to generate income and to be economically active whilst in the UK. Age should in theory be no bar to the acquisition of this status. And although an applicant past retirement age can expect to encounter difficulties, cases have been won on anti-age discrimination precedents.

1st Contact Visas offer a free online assessment of your nationality status. Alternatively, speak to an experienced and knowledgeable 1st Contact Visas consultant, who will be able to advise you and assist with any British nationality applications.

Visit www.1stcontactvisas.com or call 0808 141 1664 (in the UK) 0800 003 163 (in South Africa) and 1800 039 300 (in Australia).

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While the Tier 1 General routes remain closed, the new Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) category will open on the 9th of August 2011 and will have a limit of 1000 places in the first year, with 500 places available between the 9th of August and the 30th of November and a further 500 from the 1st of December to the 31st of March 2012.

“The UK is a global leader in science, humanities and engineering and we are a cultural centre for the arts,” Immigration Minister Damian Green said. “We will continue to welcome those who have the most to offer and contribute to our society and economy. Our new exceptional talent route, available for up to 1,000 applicants, will ensure that we continue to attract the brightest into the UK and keep the UK a global leader. This comes at a time of major reform of the immigration system to bring net migration back down to the tens of thousands, tackle abuses and make sure that the immigration system meets the needs of the country.”

• Those wishing to enter the UK under the Tier 1 (exceptional Talent) route must have a valid entry clearance for entry under this route.
• Those seeking entry to the new route will not need to be sponsored by an employer, but will need to be recommended by one of the competent bodies.
• This category will be open to those already recognised in their field, and those with the potential to be recognised as leaders in their respective fields.
• The route will be overseen by world-renowned ‘competent bodies’, which will advise UKBA to ensure that they are the brightest and best in their field:
  • The Royal Society will be invited to nominate up to 300 places;
  • Arts Council England will also be invited to nominate up to 300 places;
  • The Royal Academy of Engineering will be invited to nominate up to 200 places;
  • The British Academy – the national academy for the humanities and social sciences – will be able to nominate up to 200 places.
  • These bodies will be open to transfer additional places to those with more demand if this becomes necessary.
• The number of places will be reviewed at the end of March 2012.

To find out more about the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Route, visit www.1stcontactvisas.com or call 0808 141 5508.

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