05.03.2026 - Home Office released a highly significant new statement of changes to the Immigration Rules
The Home Office has today released a highly significant new statement of changes to the Immigration Rules, the first of the year. The changes cover a range of areas, including visa restrictions, the duration of refugee protection, procedures for failed asylum seekers, alongside updates to English language requirements for settlement. Extending Ukraine Permission Extension leave by a further 24 months.
The changes take effect on various dates, from 3pm 5 March 2026 through to 26 March 2027.
The new paragraph 339QAA, which introduces the 30-month permission to stay for most refugees and those gr...
04.03.2026 - Student and work visa bans imposed to prevent asylum claims
The Home Office has announced it will cease issuing study visas to nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan and work visas for Afghans. The purpose is to prevent those entering on such visas from claiming asylum.
The change will be introduced by new immigration rules on 5 March 2026 and comes into force on 26 March 2026.
Last year saw the second highest ever number of asylum claims made in the UK: 100,625. According to the immigration statistics released last week, the percentage of claims made by people holding a visa – for example as a visitor, student or worker – was 39%.
That ...
23.02.2026 - Will the UK really ban dual nationals who don’t have a British passport?
From 25 February the UK will begin enforcing pre-departure checks which require carriers to confirm that passengers have permission to travel. This has raised concerns that dual British nationals who only hold a foreign passport will be denied boarding or refused entry to the UK.
The headlines are frantic:
“New passport rules set to affect more than one million Brits – who risk being banned from flights” (The Sun, 13 February)
“‘Scandalous and unacceptable’: readers on the new UK entry rules for dual nationals …” (“Some say they may stop visiting or even renounce their British citiz...
02.02.2026 - What to do if you are stopped and refused entry at the UK border
Being refused entry at the UK border can be an upsetting, frustrating and confusing experience. Border force officials have the authority to deny travellers entry to the UK if they are not satisfied that the immigration rules are met, even where individuals hold a valid electronic travel authorisation, a valid visa, or have British citizenship.
This practical guide helps to explain why individuals can be denied entry to the UK, what their rights are and the steps that they should take immediately. We also summarise some useful cases.
Part Suitability of the immigration rules details the instan...
26.01.2026 - Electronic Travel Authorisation From 25 February 2026
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From 25 February 2026, eligible nationals travelling to the UK as visitors must have a valid ETA unless they already hold a valid UK immigration permission. Carriers will deny boarding to anyone who requires an ETA but does not hold one.
British dual nationals
British citizens, including those holding another nationality, are not eligible for an ETA. They may only evidence their right of abode with a valid British passport or other passport endorsed with a certificate of entitlement (CoE). From 25 February 2026, anyone unable to... |
11.12.2025 - Will I need Electronic Travel Authorisation to enter the UK?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme was first announced in the March 2023. The first stage of the scheme launched in October 2023 and it was then gradually rolled out in phases.
So far the scheme has not been fully enforced to allow for a transitional period. However, on 25 February 2026 this transitional period is ending and the scheme will be fully enforced. This will mean that passengers who are required to have an electronic travel authorisation will need to obtain one prior to travelling or risk being refused boarding to their transport to the UK.
What is the Electronic Trav...
03.12.2025 - EU Formally Lists Russia as a High-Risk Country for Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing
The European Commission 3rd of December 2025 has completed the process of designating Russia as a high-risk jurisdiction for money laundering and terrorist financing. What began as internal discussions and draft regulatory planning has now resulted in the European Commission formally adding Russia to the EU’s list of high-risk third countries with strategic AML/CFT deficiencies.
This decision requires all EU-regulated financial institutions to apply enhanced due diligence to any transaction connected to Russian individuals or legal entities. Banks will need to strengthen monitoring systems, ve...
28.11.2025 - Key provisions. Budget Statement 26 November 2025
The Chancellor’s latest Budget arrived after an unusually turbulent build-up. In the hours leading to the speech, numerous supposed “leaks” circulated—many of which ultimately proved inaccurate. This chaotic pre-Budget period left advisers and taxpayers attempting to interpret potential policy shifts that never materialised. One silver lining: several of the most concerning proposals did not go ahead. In particular:
- No restrictions will be placed on lifetime gifting for inheritance tax (IHT) planning.
- Partners in LLPs avoided the predicted National Insurance (NI) hike.
- Pensions, a...
26.11.2025 - Budget 2025: What Rachel Reeves’ First Budget Means for You
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered one of the most consequential budgets in over a decade — a tax-heavy package designed to stabilise the nation’s finances while promising renewed investment in public services. Presented against a backdrop of sluggish productivity and pressure on household incomes, the Budget sets out a clear message: the government is opting for higher taxes rather than deep spending cuts.
Here are the major announcements and what they mean for households, businesses and the wider economy.
The government expects to raise about £26 billion annually through the new tax and ...
20.11.2025 - To settle in this country forever is not a right, but a privilege. And it must be earned
The consultation on extending the period people in certain immigration routes will need to wait before being able to apply for settlement (also referred to as indefinite leave to remain) has been opened.
The consultation document is called “A Fairer Pathway to Settlement: A statement and accompanying consultation on earned settlement”. The consultation is open until 11.59pm on 12 February 2026.
People unaffected by the proposals
1. This includes parents, spouses and dependants of British citizens and those in the Hong Kong (BNO) route:
Separately, and not subject to consultation, se...
