UK Immigration Update | January 2025
Published on 6th Jan 2025
What is on the horizon for business immigration in 2025, sponsoring migrant workers, the ETA scheme and more
Immigration was in the news on an almost daily basis in 2024, although the UK general election in July put a pause on any official announcements or new policies earlier this year.
However, nearly six months in to the new government, policies and proposals are underway. This edition looks at what is on the horizon for UK business immigration following the change in government, as well as providing a more detailed look at the widely publicised proposal to link skilled worker visas to the "skills gap" and the training of the domestic workforce.
We also take a detailed look at the new Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme, which anyone coming to the UK for a visit (work or otherwise) will need to know about. We also provide some short updates on the right to work and its check processes and recent changes for those on student or graduate visas looking to switch to work-based visas. Lastly, with a divisive election held in the US, we take a quick look at what this may mean for the UK.
Please do reach out to your usual Osborne Clarke contact if you would like to discuss any of the issues raised.
Reminders
eVisas – Anyone in the UK with a visa should apply for and obtain an eVisa as a matter of priority as all biometric residence permits expire on the 31 December 2024. Due to issues with the roll out, the government has confirmed carriers will be able to accept expired documents until the 31 March 2025.
Podcasts – We have recently released a series of podcasts on key topics for UK businesses. Have a listen to our immigration update podcast series or find on your usual podcast provider.
UK immigration: what's on the horizon?
"No more gimmicks. No more gesture politics. No more irresponsible, undeliverable promises.” These were the words of Sir Keir Starmer at a recent Interpol conference on immigration. The UK prime minister was building on the position he had laid out on immigration at the Labour Party conference in September, in which he said: “It is the policy of this government to reduce both net migration and our economic dependency upon it.”
UK government proposes linking skills and training to sponsoring migrant workers
Sir Keir Starmer, in a Downing Street speech on migration in late November, announced plans to publish a white paper on linking the ability to sponsor migrant workers with training provisions to ensure they are aligned with the needs of the economy and close the "skills gap", while simultaneously reducing legal migration.
Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme for UK visitors now live
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme is for UK visitors who do not need a visa for short stays or who do not already have a UK immigration status prior to travelling. The UK government introduced the ETAs as part of its "transformation and digitisation of the UK border". The Home Office has stated that ETAs "will enable a more efficient customer experience and cement the UK as a world leader in border security."
Quick updates | Changes to right to work and hiring students and graduates continued in 2024
An overview of recent changes that UK businesses should be aware of when hiring overseas workers.
What does Trump's US election victory mean for UK immigration?
The decisive election victory for Donald Trump and the Republicans in the US sent shockwaves around the world in November and has left many governments, including the UK's, contemplating the ramifications of the incoming administration to the White House. Governments aside, businesses should also be looking at the consequences of this election – and, for those in the UK, this could provide an opportunity.
