IMMIGRATION NEWS WEEKLY ROUNDUP - 18th OCTOBER 2024

This week has seen a flurry of significant developments in UK immigration sphere, with changes to visa issuance procedures and growing concerns over the treatment of asylum seekers taking centre stage. 

In a move towards digitalisation, the government has announced the cessation of Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card issuance from 31 October 2024. This shift will require individuals with permission to stay in the UK to create a UKVI account, through which they can access their eVisa and prove their status digitally.

Another notable change is the upcoming transition in commercial partner services for visa applications made outside the UK. Between September 2024 and January 2025, VFS Global will replace TLS contact in several regions, including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. The government has published guidance to assist applicants and advisors in navigating this transition.

Meanwhile, the welfare of asylum seekers continues to be a pressing issue. A recent inquest into the death of a Colombian man at an immigration detention centre has revealed multiple failings and missed opportunities, highlighting systemic issues within these facilities. The findings have prompted calls for urgent reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Adding to these concerns, the Royal College of Psychiatrists has raised alarm bells about the detrimental impact of the UK's immigration system on asylum seekers' mental health. The organisation has urged the government to review recent immigration laws, emphasising the need to protect the psychological well-being of those seeking sanctuary in the country.

Further scrutiny has fallen on the treatment of young children at a Gatwick airport deportation centre. A watchdog report has described the traumatisation of children and the "callous treatment" of their parents, calling for the closure of the facility. This revelation has reignited debates about the ethics of detaining families in such environments.

Amidst these developments, political figures continue to grapple with past decisions. Conservative leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick faced questions about his controversial order to remove cartoon characters from the walls of a children's asylum-seeker centre, a decision he now appears to view with some regret.

As these events unfold, they emphasise the complex and often contentious nature of immigration policy in the UK, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that addresses both security concerns and the humane treatment of those seeking refuge.

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For the full list of updates on media news, reports and Home Office Guidance and Policy updates, visit our blog here