Immigration News

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]