Abilio Jaribu, Author at Laborsphere

UK Immigration: 2025 Summary

At a Glance

The minimum skill level for the Skilled Worker visa route was raised from Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 3 (A-level equivalent) to RQF Level 6 (graduate level).

The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme reached full implementation in 2025.

The EU Entry/Exit System was introduced in 2025, requiring biometric checks for UK (and other non-EU) travellers entering the Schengen area.

The Home Office has significantly intensified enforcement in 2025. This is a reminder that sponsor licence compliance is an ongoing compliance commitment, failure of which could result in serious consequences.

With further regulatory reform and continued compliance action from the Home Office anticipated into 2026, sponsors must ensure their internal processes and record-keeping systems remain robust and compliant.

To view the full alert, visit the Faegre Drinker website.

Earned Settlement — Reshaping the UK’s Settlement System

At a Glance

To further highlight the extent to which the government is determined to control the pathways to settlement, subject to the consultation and a transitional arrangement, the new rules will apply to those who are already in the UK. This has been a major point of discussion amongst immigration law practitioners and other stakeholders.

The Home Office has opened consultation for the proposed changes until 12 February 2026. The Home Secretary confirmed the government’s intention for implementing these changes from April 2026.

Once the new settlement rules are in place, the government will focus on updating citizenship requirements under the British Nationality Act 1981, aligning them with the settlement reforms and rewarding those who have made greater contributions.

These measures aim to strike the balance of managing net migration and settlement in the UK while ensuring a competitive workforce by addressing both controls and strong rules for settlement, and supporting a strong economy by incentivising talented individuals through reduction of barriers to settlement.

Continue reading “Earned Settlement — Reshaping the UK’s Settlement System”

Schengen Visas: European Commission Tightens Rules on Multiple-Entry Visas for Russian Nationals

At a Glance

On 7 November 2025, the European Commission announced stricter rules for Russian nationals to obtain multiple-entry Schengen visas, citing increased “migratory and security risk” amidst Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

As a result, unless they fall under one of the limited exceptions, Russian nationals will typically only receive single-entry visas, and therefore need to apply for a new visa each time they plan to travel to the Schengen area.

Continue reading “Schengen Visas: European Commission Tightens Rules on Multiple-Entry Visas for Russian Nationals”

14 Oct. 2025 Statement of Changes — Updates to the UK Immigration Rules and Implementing White Paper Proposals

The High Potential Individual route is being expanded to include graduates from the top 100 international universities with a cap of 8,000 applications per year. This is expected to double the number of people using this route from 2,000 to 4,000 with the aim of encouraging promising graduates to base their careers in the UK.

Part 9 of the Immigration Rules, which set out grounds for refusal across immigration routes, is being replaced by a new “Part Suitability”, effective from 11 November 2025. This accords with terminology used in simplified immigration routes whereby applicants are assessed against “suitability requirements”, not “grounds for refusal”.

Further legislative changes are expected later in 2025, and the government’s direction is clear: a more restrictive, compliance-driven immigration system focused on domestic skills and integration.

Continue reading “14 Oct. 2025 Statement of Changes — Updates to the UK Immigration Rules and Implementing White Paper Proposals”

EU Entry/Exit System (EES): Implications for Non-EU Travellers

From 12 October 2025, the European Union will begin the phased rollout of the Entry/Exit System, a digital border management tool replacing passport stamping for non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area. UK and U.S. travellers, along with other non-EU nationals, will be required to register their entry into and exit out of the Schengen Area by providing biometric data. They will also need to comply strictly with the 90-day short-day limit in any 180-day rolling period.

Continue reading “EU Entry/Exit System (EES): Implications for Non-EU Travellers”

UK’s 1 July 2025 Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules

On 1 July 2025, the Home Office published the latest Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules. This update delivers two major policy reforms: significant changes to the Skilled Worker route and the immediate closure of the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy to new principal applicants. We summarise the key developments.

To view the full alert, visit the Faegre Drinker website.