IMMIGRATION NEWS WEEKLY ROUNDUP - 25th OCTOBER 2024

In a week marked by landmark decisions and procedural updates, the UK's immigration arena continues to evolve.          

The Home Office's Sponsor Licence register has reached unprecedented numbers, reflecting a surge in business engagement with the sponsorship system. However, this expansion comes with heightened scrutiny, as demonstrated by a notable increase in licence revocations.

A significant High Court ruling this week in the Tendercare Management case has reinforced the gravity of sponsor compliance obligations. The judgment leaves no room for ambiguity regarding the deployment of sponsored workers to third parties. The Court's stance on open-ended labour supply arrangements serves as a stark reminder that such practices constitute grounds for mandatory licence revocation. This decision particularly impacts care sector employers, who must now carefully review their operational structures.

In another pivotal development, the Supreme Court has delivered clarity on the application of section 55 guidance in the CAO case. The judgment emphasises substance over form in considering children's welfare in immigration decisions. While the Home Office isn't required to explicitly reference their guidance in decision letters, the underlying principle of safeguarding children's interests remains paramount. This pragmatic approach resolves previous jurisdictional discrepancies across the UK.

On the operational front, significant changes are approaching for entry clearance visa application services. VFS Globalis set to replace TLScontact across various regions between September 2024 and January 2025, affecting applications in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Immigration advisers should prepare their clients for this transition to ensure smooth application processes.

The introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system marks another crucial development. Currently mandatory for nationals of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the compulsory application process requires careful attention from practitioners. The universal requirement, applying to all travellers including infants, signals a new era in UK border control.

In a heartwarming conclusion to the week's developments, Paddington Bear, Britain's most famous refugee from Peru, has officially received his British passport. For countless refugees navigating their own journeys, this charming gesture carries deep significance. Paddington's story - from arriving at a London station with nothing but a suitcase and a love for marmalade, to becoming a cherished part of British culture and now a fully-fledged British citizen - offers a powerful message of hope and belonging for those seeking safety and a new beginning in the UK.

As witnessed through the weekly updates, the UK's immigration sector continues to evolve, presenting ongoing challenges and debates for policymakers, legal professionals, and those navigating the system.

 In such a fast paced and dynamic environment, staying informed and up-to-date is more crucial than ever for legal professionals working in immigration law. This is where a subscription to Mastering Immigration Law proves invaluable.  By providing the most current information and detailed explanations of rules, it adds significant value to everyday casework. Moreover, subscribers gain access to generous discounts on live online courses, ensuring continuous professional development (CPD) in this ever-evolving field.

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The rapid pace of change in immigration law, as evidenced by this week's developments, demands firm commitment to professional development. With increased regulatory scrutiny of immigration representatives, there's simply no room for knowledge gaps in delivering the highest quality of care and advice to clients.

As we steer these changes, HJT Training stands ready to support practitioners with a comprehensive suite of educational offerings. Our upcoming live online Self-Sponsorship scheme course addresses the complexities highlighted in recent sponsor licence cases. To round off 2024, our Judicial Review Conference offers timely insights into cases like CAO, whilst the Birmingham Immigration Law Conference 2025 promises to equip advisers with the tools needed to tackle whatever challenges the new year may bring.

These learning opportunities, led by industry experts, offer more than just CPD– they provide practical insights into managing complex cases like those we've seen this week. Whether you're grappling with sponsor compliance, children's rights, or the new ETA system, ongoing professional development remains the cornerstone of effective immigration practice.

 Spaces are limited for these sessions, so do not forget to book your spot in advance.

 For more information on our courses, visit here

For enquiries, contact us enquiries@hjt-training.co.uk or call 075441 64692.

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