UK Archives - Laborsphere

Restoring Control over the Immigration System — UK Government White Paper

On 12 May 2025, the UK Government published a major policy document outlining the Government’s plan to reduce legal migration, increase employer compliance obligations, and reshape the immigration system around domestic skills and integration. The proposals signal a shift away from using immigration to meet workforce demand, particularly in lower-paid sectors, and marks a continuation of efforts to reduce net migration to “sustainable levels”. We summarise the key proposed measures.

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UK Immigration — Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, March 2025; and Home Office and Nationality Fee Changes

On 12 March 2025, the UK Home Office laid before Parliament the latest Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules. This outlines several significant amendments aimed at refining and updating the United Kingdom’s immigration system, and we summarise key changes.

The Home Office has also announced changes to immigration and nationality fees, which will come into effect on 9 April 2025. These fee adjustments apply to various visa categories, and we give a breakdown of some of the revised fees.

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What Should Be Done If an Application for UK Electronic Travel Authorisation Is Refused?

While an ETA refusal may seem like a significant setback, it does not necessarily prevent a person from travelling to the UK. Individuals who face an ETA refusal should not assume they are barred from visiting the UK. Rather, they may simply need to navigate a more detailed application process to be granted permission to travel. For those who have had an ETA refused, acting promptly and ensuring that a Visitor visa application is well-prepared will be critical to achieving a successful outcome.

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UK Introduces Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme for Visa-Exempt Travellers

The ETA will apply to visitors from visa-exempt countries, requiring them to obtain permission to travel to the UK for short-term stays (up to six months). Individuals who are planning to travel to the UK must confirm whether they need an ETA based on their travel purpose and immigration status, and if needed, apply for and have approved an ETA application before they travel, to ensure compliance with UK entry requirements.

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

UK Immigration: Statement of Changes to Immigration Rules of 26 November 2024

On 26 November, the UK government released its Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules. We summarise the key changes relevant to Colombian and Ukrainian nationals.

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UK Government Plans to Introduce the ‘Right to Switch Off’

The UK government has recently indicated that it intends to introduce the “right to switch off” for workers. This follows a global trend of similar legislation in other jurisdictions. As outlined in our earlier post on LaborSphere, a similar right has recently taken effect in Australia and is already standard in many European countries.

In its “Plan to Make Work Pay,” the government states that it intends to follow models such as those that are already in place in Ireland and Belgium, “giving workers and employers the opportunity to have constructive conversations and work together on bespoke workplace policies or contractual terms that benefit both parties.”

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