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The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) recently released a compelling report highlighting the urgent need for a shift in how asylum accommodation is managed in the UK. With annual costs for housing and supporting asylum seekers in the UK now at a staggering £41,000 per person, up from £17,000 in 2019/20, the current system is unsustainable. […]

To employ a non-UK national who is not already with a type of status in the UK, employers need a sponsor licence. There are two types of sponsor licences, depending on the type of work you need covering, the temporary worker licence and the workers licence.  The temporary worker licence covers the following:  The workers […]

Becoming a British citizen can open doors for your child, giving them access to a world of opportunities and the full rights that come with British citizenship. There are several pathways to becoming British, including by birth, descent, or naturalisation. However, if you are not born a British citizen, one of the ways to obtain […]

If you’re planning to visit the UK and you’re from a country that doesn’t require a visa for short stays, there’s an important update you should be aware of; the UK is introducing the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. This new requirement is part of the UK’s effort to improve its border security and will soon apply […]

Immigration continues to be a crucial issue for UK employers impacting the recruitment and retainment of international staff, especially in light of recent changes in immigration policy and a ongoing focus of government on reducing net migration. In addition, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has begun the digital transformation by replacing manual processes with […]

The UK is transitioning to a fully digital immigration system, replacing physical immigration documents with an online record known as an eVisa. This change will affect millions of people, making it crucial to understand how to navigate the new system effectively. In this article we go through what this change means and what steps you can […]

In his previous articles, Seraphus director Christopher Desira has looked at the concept of migration, the dynamic between migrants, the international community and the state, as well as the shortcomings of these entities in protecting the latter. In this article, Christopher presents the legal concept of ‘jus cogens’ and begins to explore how appealing to […]

In this article, Seraphus staff member highlights the work being done to support people seeking asylum and migrants in local communities across the UK. With this, we want to emphasise the many ways in which local initiatives and organisations can make a difference in the hostile environment faced by displaced individuals and migrant communities. In […]

What is a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) Audit? When you as a UK employer, are issued a sponsor licence, it is granted by the Home Office on the condition that you can meet a number of compliance duties at the time of issuance and continue to do so throughout the duration of the licence. […]

A changing landscape 2024 has already seen many immigration measures which impact employers recruiting and retaining international staff. From the 65% increase of the Immigration Health Surcharge fee, to the 47% increase of the minimum salary threshold, we have seen the previous UK government implement steep measures to reduce net migration, which have negative impacts […]

In response to the recent surge in organised racist, Islamophobic and violent riots across the United Kingdom, we, Seraphus, stand in solidarity with those targeted by these despicable acts. The disturbing wave of far-right violence has not only inflicted fear upon racialised communities but has also attacked the institutions dedicated to supporting migrants and asylum seekers. Attacks […]

At Seraphus, we care about improving access to justice. We provide advice services and workshops to charitable organisations and participate in advocacy work to try to address the systemic problems in immigration law. We understand acutely what’s at stake when people cannot access good quality legal advice, and we recognise just how volatile and dangerous the […]

Are you a parent in the UK on the 10-year route to settlement or indefinite leave to remain (ILR)? Find out if you can switch to the five-year route in this article. If you are in the UK as the parent of a child settled in the UK and are on the 10-year route to […]

Although there was a highly publicised increase in fees for immigration applications in October 2023 and to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fees in February 2024, there have been other increases brought in gradually since that time in April and July 2024. Amongst these changes, it is largely underreported that there is scheduled to be […]

The Labour Party’s landslide victory in the recent general election has the potential to mark a turning point for UK immigration policy. With a clear mandate, Keir Starmer’s government is could implement changes to reshape the UK’s approach to asylum, skilled workers, and broader immigration issues. But will they? Or will they instead sell surface […]

In a previous piece we discussed the 4 April 2024 changes to the skilled worker route. In it, we briefly discussed the skilled worker discount for new entrants. In this article, we will delve deeper into this discount, who it can apply to and how you as an employer can take advantage of the discount. 

The term ‘legal aid desert’ refers to areas where there is a significant lack of legal aid services, leaving many individuals without access to the legal assistance they need. In the UK, this issue is particularly acute in asylum and immigration cases, where vulnerable individuals face substantial barriers to justice without adequate legal representation. This article explores […]

Background Through our partnership with St Mungo’s Street Legal project, Seraphus provides vital immigration advice to street homeless individuals. One of our clients, a Jamaican national, arrived in the UK in 1997 on a student visa and extended this visa several times. When the client sought our help, they were street homeless, destitute, and had a […]

This Pride Month, June 2024, Seraphus reflects on the support available to LGBTQI+ refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK. June is recognised as LGBTQI+ Pride Month, a time dedicated to celebrating and commemorating the LGBTQI+ community. While many events claim to be inclusive, LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum often face barriers to participating in […]

In his previous articles, Seraphus director Christopher Desira has looked at the dynamic between the international community, migrants, and the shortcomings of the former in protecting the latter. In this article, Christopher turns his attention to the role of individual states, and how their existence under principles of Westphalian sovereignty leads to the antagonisation of […]

The Home Office had announced that before the start of 2025 the immigration system will be digitalised but it is not without complication. In this article we run you through the basics of the new eVisas and what to do if you are an EU citizen or family member with passport endorsements.  As a part […]

The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act 2024 received royal assent on 25 April 2024, marking a dark moment in British legal history. This Act contradicts the Supreme Court’s judgment in the case of AAA, HTN, RM, AS, SAA, ASM v the SSHD [2023] EWCA Civ 745, asserting Rwanda as a safe country and […]

On 4 April 2024, the immigration rules changed to introduce higher salary requirements for skilled workers. In addition, these changes stopped care workers bringing dependents, and removed jobs from the shortage occupation list (now confusingly named the immigration salary list). This piece will provide an insight into the salary requirement changes, how they may impact […]

Strategic legal charity, Here for Good, is challenging the Home Office in regard to the running of the EU Settlement Scheme. In a judicial review, issued on 12 February 2024, Here for Good argues that applicants to the EU Settlement Scheme should have a right of appeal against any rejections of late applications as invalid. Permission was granted […]

If you are looking to have your foreign partner join you in the UK, but worried that you may face barriers because you have never lived together, there is good news for you in recent changes to the Immigration Rules.  The Home Office recently updated the requirements of the Immigration Rules for unmarried partners of […]

If you are settled in the UK and you have a non-British partner or child, you might wonder what your financial circumstances must be to bring them to the UK or to renew their visa, particularly since the increase in the income thresholds has recently been discussed in the media.   The rules about this are […]

March 2024, marked five years since the full opening of the EU Settlement Scheme which granted millions of European nationals and their family members the right to live in the UK after Brexit came into effect.   The scheme is for EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens who were living in the UK by 31 December 2020 […]

In this article, we delve into the urgent call for fair and compassionate immigration policies, particularly focusing on the need to establish safe routes for Palestinians in Gaza to reunite with their families in the UK. As the geopolitical instability and future, environmental changes persist, it gives rise to consider how this lack of pathways […]

In his first piece, Seraphus director Christopher Desira looked at the evolution of migration, and its ubiquitous nature across civilisation and history. He also considered the evolving rhetoric around migration, and the way in which migrants are often seen as a burden on the state. In this piece, Christopher delves further into the dynamic between […]

If you are currently on the 10-year route to settlement, did you know that it is possible to switch to the shorter five-year route to settlement? The 10-year route to settlement refers to a person being granted leave to remain (permission to stay in the UK) for a period of 2.5 years and then needing […]

The United Kingdom, a racially and ethnically diverse nation, has long grappled with accusations of racism within its immigration system. Recent legislative developments have once again brought this issue to the forefront. In this article, we mark the week of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination by delving into the evolving landscape of […]

This week marks two years since the illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Russia. As many around the world pause to reflect on the conflict, which has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions, it’s important that we continue to provide aid and support to the Ukrainian people. While the war rages on, the […]

Jane Taylor breaks down the latest updates to the Immigration Rules, which allow certain exceptions for those on visitor visas to take part in some work-related activities. If you would like a broad overview of the different types of visitor visas, such as business visitor visas, you can have a look at our UK visitor […]

Today, the UK government announced another statement of changes to the immigration rules, along with a memo explaining their rationale behind the changes. While some changes were anticipated, the statement of changes has implemented an immediate closure of the Ukraine Family Scheme, along with changes to other Ukraine schemes. Closure of Ukraine Family Scheme Effective […]

In this piece, Seraphus director Christopher Desira takes a broad look at the concept of migration- how it relates to human nature, what drives it, and how it fits into an increasingly complex world. Christopher also highlights the problem with restrictive and reactionary policies that fail to prioritise humanity and safety above ideology. Overall, he […]

Who does not have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge? Certain categories remain exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge. The full list can be found here on GOV.UK, and some notable examples are below: Applicants facing financial constraints can request a fee waiver by demonstrating their inability to afford the Immigration Health Surcharge. Applicants facing […]

Will time outside of the UK affect my settled status application? As we reach five years since the EU Settlement Scheme fully opened to the public, more and more pre-settled status holders are becoming eligible to apply for settled status. While this should be straightforward for most, eligibility can be affected by various factors. To […]

Running a half marathon has always been a life ambition of mine. Two years ago, I signed up for a race and sadly had to bow out due to a chronic injury scuppering my training plan. After countless physiotherapy sessions and a lot of strength training, the road to recovery has finally led me here. […]

In December, the Government announced their 5-point plan with the aim of cutting net migration. This plan included measures to increase the minimum income required to sponsor someone for a partner visa. While this may be causing anxiety to many people affected by this change, this piece will provide some much-needed information and reassurance to […]

Is housing asylum seekers on board the Bibby Stockholm an innovative strategy to reduce costs and maximise on space in asylum accommodation? Or does new asylum accommodation foster exclusion, isolation, and altogether fail individuals seeking protection in the UK? This article highlights the challenges faced by asylum seekers that have been placed in temporary accommodation […]

As 2023 draws to a close, we at Seraphus take pride in sharing our achievements and future vision with our clients and the broader community. This year has marked a period of transformation and progress in our mission and the services we offer. At the heart of Seraphus lies a dedication to redefining the role […]

Have you recently discovered that the permanent residence card you were issued with a while back is not actually valid and it turns out you have been unlawfully in the UK for the last 2 years? If so, you are not alone. We have recently received many enquiries from individuals who thought they were able […]

Most people entering the UK for a finite time are officially classed as ‘visitors’ under immigration law. This means that they can generally only stay for up to 6 months at a time. This includes people from countries of the EU (excluding Ireland), the U.S.A. and other countries whose citizens don’t normally have to apply […]

Does love have borders or a bank balance? Do you have to have a particular nationality or income in order to love? Effectively, according to new legislation changes in the UK, the answer is ‘yes’. Ignoring the advice of the Migration Advisory Committee, Home Secretary James Cleverly has recently announced sweeping changes to UK immigration […]

Many people living in the UK with limited leave to remain are restricted from having “recourse to public funds”. In this blog, we will explain the terminology around public funds and provide some guidance about who can request access to public funds. What are public funds? The term “public funds” seems very broad, and could […]

The UK Supreme Court, in the case of AAA, HTN, RM, AS, SAA, ASM v the SSHD [2023] EWCA Civ 745, reviewed the government’s policy to send certain asylum seekers to Rwanda. This UK Government policy, rooted in a bid to deter ‘illegal immigration’ and streamline asylum processes, faced legal challenges over its adherence, the […]

We are excited to share the news of our S.A.F.E (Strategic Alliance for Europeans) project – a new partnership between Here for Good, Seraphus and Wilson Solicitors LLP to challenge systems that put Europeans and their families at risk. EU citizens and their families not fully protected by the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) and the […]

The Government’s implementation of the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) and the requirement for EU citizens with pre-settled status to make a mandatory second application to acquire settled status has been ruled as unlawful in a judgement by the High Court today. The issues reviewed by the court includes: if pre-settled status can expire, and if […]

The judgement for the Rwanda case in the High Court has been published – the court held that the Government policy to send asylum claimants to Rwanda is generally lawful so long as they properly consider each individual’s circumstances and conclude that that is the right outcome. The Home Office did not properly consider each individual involved in this […]

The Labour Party needs to go further with their right to work proposals for asylum seekers. They are not going far enough and employment will remain inaccessible for most asylum seekers if the jobs are restricted to the shortage occupation list. Generally, asylum seekers are not allowed to work unless they apply for permission. They can ask […]

Statement in Full: “MRN and JCWI believe that no one should be treated degradingly or have their lives put at risk because of where they happened to be born. That’s why we stand firmly against the policies set out in the Prime Minister’s immigration statement. Amongst the many inhumane measures he announced, we are particularly […]

The PM’s announcement yesterday contained no plans for an asylum visa system, no plans to protect the most vulnerable, no plans to save lives. Tragically, the very next day, we’re faced with further loss of life. This was predictable and preventable. No amount of security, pledges, rhetoric, promises, cooperation, hostility, is going to stop people […]

To live and work in the UK, everyone needs a work permit and an employment visa, unless they are a permanent resident, an Irish national or a British national. There are many types of work visas, depending on the length of your stay and the type of work you want to do. Some visas, such […]

The government published its strategy statement on Legal Migration and Border Control, outlining its vision for the British border and legal migration system in the next three years. They plan to implement the strategy through the New Plan for Immigration, which came into force earlier this year and made significant amendments to the immigration system. Some main changes […]

To live and work in the UK, everyone needs a work permit and an employment visa, unless they are a permanent resident, an Irish national or a British national. There are many types of work visas, depending on the length of your stay and the type of work you want to do. Some visas, such […]

As many as 13,000 people are thought to be held in modern slavery in the UK today, with up to 25% believed to be minors. The Modern Slavery Act 2015 sets out the framework for their protection. Under that Act, certain public authorities such as police and local authorities have a duty to notify the Secretary of […]

The controversial Nationality and Borders Act, which has been criticised by everyone ranging from the UNHCR to faith groups to NGO’s in the field, became law on 28 April 2022. We look at the major changes in law, and what they mean for the UK immigration system.The Act makes significant changes to Nationality law as […]

The controversial Nationality and Borders Act, which had been criticised by everyone ranging from the UNHCR to faith groups to NGO’s in the field, became law on 28 April 2022. We look at the major changes in law, and what it means for the UK immigration system more broadly. The Act makes significant changes to […]

On Monday, the Home Office announced the launch of a new visa that is meant to fix the (huge) labour gap caused by the compounded upheavals of Brexit and COVID: the much-anticipated High Potential Individual visa. As part of the New Plan for Migration, Home Secretary Priti Patel has long boasted that the UK will […]

The 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees form the basic framework of international refugee law today, setting out who qualifies for refugee protection and who does not. But where does this framework for protection come from? In its most basic form, the regime […]

Since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, the UK Home Office has announced numerous policy changes to deal with the stream of refugees fleeing Ukraine towards Europe. This stream of ever-changing information can be confusing and overwhelming. We try to sum up the different policy proposals in this post, with the caveat that they […]

For EU/EEA citizens and their family members living in the UK, 30 June 2021 was an ever-important date: it was the cut-off date to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme, the program that allows those who resided in the UK before BREXIT to obtain legal status and remain in the UK. All EU/EEA citizens living […]

According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, over 1 million people have fled Ukraine since President Vladimir Putin ordered his troops to invade the country on 24 February 2022. Where are they going, and what is the UK doing for them? Ukraine has a total population of about 44 million people. The vast majority […]

When the Home Office announced that they were closing the Investor Visa route over “security concerns,” that decision raised many questions. Here is our attempt at answering the most frequently asked ones: What are “Golden Visas”? Very simply put, Golden Visas or Golden Passports allow applicants to buy residency or nationality, respectively, in a country based on […]

In order to live, work in the UK as a foreign national, you need a visa or other form of legal status to remain in the country legally. There are many routes to such a status; some visas are granted based on job offers, others based on family ties. Ultimately, if the visa holders stay […]

If you’re a foreign national wanting to visit the UK, you might have to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa depending on your nationality. What follows is a quick guide on who needs to apply and how to go about it. Who does not have to apply for a Visitor Visa? People who are British citizens or […]

In a statement to the House of Commons this week, the government confirmed that they will not lift the ban that prevents asylum seekers from working whilst they await their application outcome in the UK. Since October 2018, over 250 charities, businesses, faith groups, think thanks and trade unions came together to campaign against the UK Government’s […]

What happened? Over the summer, thousands of migrants (estimates range from 5000 to 10000) arrived at the external borders of the EU through Belarus, near the Latvian, Polish and Lithuanian borders. They originated mostly from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Yemen. In recent weeks, the amount of people appearing at the Polish-Belarusian border significantly increased. International […]

A Syrian family has brought legal action against Frontex, the European Union (EU) organisation charged with management and control of the Union’s external borders, for beach of their fundamental human rights. This is the first time that such a claim is brought to the Court of Justice of the European Union. The family, which includes […]

The Home Office’s published its latest Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 617) on 10 September 2021. The Statement makes changes to several visa routes, which we summarise in this post. For EU citizens, a number of things have changed. Two announcements particularly stand out. The first concerns COVID-19 concessions for those EU citizens with […]

“Yes, there will be a period of adjustment, but that is, I think, what we need to see in this country,” said Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the Andrew Marr Show regarding the supply chain interruptions that have struck the UK since Brexit came into effect in January 2021, and have been compounded by COVID-induced delays. What […]

The UK Nationality and Borders Bill puts Afghans fleeing the Taliban at risk of being criminalized, warned UN representative for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) Rossella Pagliuchi-Lor. Ms Pagliuchi-Lor said: “There is something ironic in the way we are so concerned about them [the Afghan refugees] while they are there, but we are ready not to […]

Whether you are an EU citizen or another non-UK national (except for Irish), the same rules now apply for everyone who wants to come work in the UK from abroad. The main route for those wanting to work in the UK is the Skilled Worker Visa, which is open to individuals of all nationalities holding […]

According to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, a refugee is defined as a person who “owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and unable or, owing to such fear, […]

On 6 August 2021, the Home Office announced that EU citizens and their family members who apply late to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) will have their rights protected whilst their application is being considered. This is a change in position from the initial government policy, which stated that those who applied late would not be able […]

As the UK government rushes to pass its new Nationality and Borders Bill (which includes measures to penalise certain entry routes to the UK in breach of the 1951 Refugee Convention), refugees and asylum seekers are pushed further to the margins of British society. By keeping migrants and asylum seekers physically as far removed from the public as […]