UK-France ‘One-In, One-Out’ Channel Returns Pilot Extended Until October
Home Office Confirms 2026 Visa Fees: Skilled Worker Now £769, Visitor £135
People-Smuggling Arrests Jump 55 % as NCA Ramps Up Organised-Crime Blitz
Latest News
Tourist Survival Guide Issued Ahead of 19–22 May London Tube Strikes
A 17 May guide warns tourists and business travellers that RMT Tube strikes from 19–22 May will coincide with the Chelsea Flower Show, disrupting Heathrow connections and central London commutes. Employers should prepare for crowded Elizabeth line trains, consider remote meeting options and factor higher taxi costs into relocation budgets.
UK and France extend controversial ‘one-in, one-out’ Channel returns pilot until October
The UK and France have agreed to keep their ‘one-in, one-out’ Channel returns deal running until 1 October 2026, extending a scheme designed to deter small-boat crossings. So far 605 arrivals have been sent back to France and 581 transferred legally to the UK, but critics say the policy endangers refugees and creates legal uncertainty for employers relocating staff. Businesses moving talent between the two countries should tighten travel-history checks and plan for potential border refusals.
King’s Speech unveils sweeping asylum bill – but experts doubt delivery
The government has confirmed that a landmark asylum Bill – trailed in the King’s Speech on 16 May – will consolidate protection routes, create a new appeal body and give ministers powers to sanction countries that obstruct deportations. The reforms could reshape recruitment pipelines and add new compliance costs for UK sponsors if certain nationalities become visa-restricted.
Home Office pulls ETAs for 7 foreign speakers ahead of ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rally
Using new ETA powers, the Home Office barred seven far-right figures from entering the UK for a 16 May rally, underscoring that electronic travel authorisations can be revoked at short notice when security intelligence shifts. The case highlights reputational and operational risks for UK event organisers and employers hosting foreign guests.
Eight- and nine-year-olds to use UK airport e-gates from July in family-friendly border upgrade
From 8 July 2026, children aged eight and nine – provided they are at least 120 cm tall – will be able to use the UK’s automated e-gates, reducing summer-holiday queues and supporting the Home Office’s push for a fully digital border. The change dovetails with the new ETA system and should ease pressure on Border Force desks at Heathrow, Gatwick and other major hubs.