Leis e Imigração

{:en}Not only must businesses grapple with the coronavirus pandemic but many will soon have to once again wrestle with the UK’s decision to leave the EU, with difficult decisions having to be made over the sourcing of talent. From Personnel Today * The UK needs to consider changes to asylum laws to deter migrants from crossing the English Channel, Boris Johnson has said. The prime minister said it was currently “very, very difficult” to legally return people who arrive in the UK from France using small boats. From BBC * Boris Johnson is losing the trust of the public to deliver important trade deals with countries after he promised to obtain advantageous post-Brexit agreements. From Express * Refugee rights under threat from Channel boats hysteria – and Brexit. From Free Movement * UK and France working on new plan to shut Channel migrant route. From Reuters

Government to “redesign” controversial visa algorithm. The tool exacerbated the racism inherent in using nationality as an indicator of risk. From Free Movement * Number of UK citizens emigrating to EU has risen by 30% since Brexit vote. Crisis has led to 500% increase in Britons taking up citizenship in an EU state. From The Guardian * The government has threatened to deploy “maritime assets” – reported to include the Royal Navy – to stem the growing number of migrants trying to cross the English Channel. From Sky News * Asylum seekers are set to be deported for the first time since coronavirus took hold in the UK, prompting concerns that the Home Office is “playing politics with public health”. From Independent * A couple have spent most of their marriage on different continents after coronavirus caused devastating visa delays. From Bristol Post

Now travel restrictions are lifting globally you will no longer be able to extend your visa automatically on this basis and you are expected to take all reasonable steps to leave the UK where it is possible to do so or apply to regularise your stay in the UK. From Gov.UK * A lack of translated coronavirus guidance is jeopardising the safety of non-English speakers in the UK, a joint letter to the health secretary claims. The government said it has translated public health information into 25 languages, reaching a “wide audience”. From BBC * Boris Johnson faces Eurotunnel test. The EU wants the UK to drop its opposition to a role for the European court of justice in British affairs to ensure trains keep running between France and the UK after Brexit is implemented on 1 January. From The Guardian * BORIS Johnson’s points-based immigration policy risks opening up Britain to over 600 million people, an alarming report has found. MigrationWatch UK said the lack of a cap on numbers combined with a salary cap of £25,000 – less than the UK average wage – will make it easier for the vast majority of citizens from across the world to come to Britain. From The Sun * A gridlock in the UK’s visa processing system has left people unable to work or travel to see dying relatives during the pandemic despite being legally resident, prompting renewed criticism of the Home Office’s privatised visa service. From Independent Image: FreePik

First virtual citizenship ceremony: As a result of coronavirus restrictions, group citizenship ceremonies have been suspended. However, citizenship ceremonies will now be allowed to take place via video conferencing. The move will allow applicants to complete their unique citizenship journey and become British citizens. From Gov.UK * Priti Patel Promises Culture Change At UK Visa Department. The new measures will include comprehensive training for everyone working in the Home Office to ensure they understand and appreciate the history of migration and race in this country. From NDTV * Family of five forced to pay £2,200 to submit biometrics for their application after the only available appointments, which are normally free, were priced at £440 each. From Independent * A CARE worker on the frontline of the battle against coronavirus has been told to leave the country. From The Argus * Survey reveals betrayal of migrant women during Covid. “We feel that the pandemic has not only exposed the holes in our current safety nets, but given us an opportunity to look deeply at what we must to do in order to build a more equal society”. From Politics * UK Visa Application Centres in Brazil re-opening. From 27 July UK Visas and Immigration is beginning a phased resumption of services and our Visa Application Centres in Rio De Janeiro and Sao Paulo will be open from the same date. From LH4U Image: FreePik

From 27 July UK Visas and Immigration is beginning a phased resumption of services and our Visa Application Centres in Rio De Janeiro and Sao Paulo will be open from the same date. Customers who were unable to attend an earlier appointment, can now log into their account to book a new appointment. Customers who have completed their application on GOV.UK, but didn’t previously book an appointment at the Visa Application Centre, can also do so from today. Your safety is our priority, so customers visiting our Visa Application Centres may be asked to observe physical distancing, undergo temperature checks or be required to wear facemasks, subject to local authority guidelines. Please also be aware, that due to restrictions still in place globally, we are not currently able to offer the following services: Super Priority Visa, Priority Visa Service (visit), Priority Visa for Settlement Service and Walk-in services. Due to the ongoing global impact of Coronavirus, disruptions to local travel and courier routes have increased transit times in some regions. LH4U Customers Our advisers are already working on deadlines for clients who have ongoing processes. All new information will be handled with each candidate who needs services at centers in Brazil. Source: https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/br/en/news/uk-visa-application-centres-in-brazil-re-opening Image: FreePik

The government released more details about the UK points-based system On 13 July 2020, the government set out further details on the UK’s points-based system. These new arrangements will take effect from 1 January 2021, once freedom of movement with the European Union (EU) has ended. It will treat EU and non-EU citizens equally and aims to attract people who can contribute to the UK’s economy. Irish citizens will continue to be able to enter and live in the UK as they do now. Visa application process New immigration routes will open later this year for applications to work, live and study in the UK from 1 January 2021. Skilled workers The points-based system will include a route for skilled workers who have a job offer from an approved employer sponsor. From January 2021, the job you are offered will need to be at a required skill level of RQF3 or above (equivalent to A level). You will also need to be able to speak English and be paid the relevant salary threshold by your sponsor. This will either be the general salary threshold of £25,600 or the going rate for your job, whichever is higher. If you earn less than this – but no less than £20,480 – you may still be able to apply by ‘trading’ points on specific characteristics against your salary. For example, if you have a job offer in a shortage occupation or have a PhD relevant to the job. Global talent scheme The global talent scheme will be opened up to EU, EEA and Swiss citizens. It will allow highly-skilled scientists and researchers to come to the UK without a job offer. International students and graduates Student visa routes will be opened up to EU, EEA and Swiss citizens. A new graduate immigration route will be available to international students who have completed a degree in the UK from summer 2021. You’ll be able to work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to 2 years, or 3 years if you are a PhD graduate. Visiting the UK EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and other non-visa nationals will not require a visa to enter the UK when visiting the UK for up to 6 months. EU citizens living in the UK If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen living in the UK before 31 December 2020, you and your family can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021. From gov.uk Image: FreePik