UK extends validity of expired BRPs & BRCs as digital e-Visa roll-out hits delays
EU launches Channel anti-smuggling action plan in coordination with the UK
Home Office publishes 17 June update to Register of Licensed Sponsors
Latest News
Palma Airport mobility-assistance staff begin indefinite strike on 17 June, threatening summer flights from UK
Mallorca’s PRM-assistance workforce began an open-ended strike on 17 June after talks collapsed, raising the prospect of prolonged delays for thousands of British holiday-makers and business travellers. The action overlaps with EU EES border tests, compounding the risk of missed connections and schedule disruption.
UK commits extra £8 m to Pakistan partnership targeting visa fraud and people-smuggling
The UK has earmarked an extra £8 million to help Pakistan crack down on visa fraud and people-smuggling networks that feed illegal migration to Britain. Enhanced airport screening and data-sharing will follow, meaning more rigorous document checks for genuine visa applicants from Pakistan. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-deepens-joint-migration-efforts-and-marks-pakistans-role-in-brokering-us-iran-peace-deal-on-two-day-ministerial-visit))
EU-UK summit confirmed for 22 July amid push for youth mobility deal
London and Brussels have set 22 July for their long-awaited post-Brexit summit after resolving scheduling deadlock over a youth mobility scheme. If concluded, the programme would give under-30s visa-free work and study rights, easing corporate secondments and graduate recruitment. Trade and SPS deals are also on the agenda. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/16/eu-uk-announce-summit-reset-post-brexit-relations))
Tougher UKVI compliance rules for student-sponsor licences take effect—visa refusal threshold cut to 5 %
UKVI’s revised Basic Compliance Assessment standards—effective 1 June—halve the permissible visa-refusal rate for international students and raise enrolment/completion thresholds. Sponsors that miss the mark risk public ‘red-flag’ ratings and potential licence suspension, making immediate process reviews essential.
Home Office extends acceptance of expired BRPs as switch to eVisas gathers pace
The Home Office will continue to recognise expired Biometric Residence Permits for most online immigration services until 31 December 2026, averting a looming cliff-edge in the rollout of eVisas. Employers still cannot rely on the old cards for right-to-work checks, so compliance processes must differentiate carefully. ([m.economictimes.com](https://m.economictimes.com/nri/migrate/uk-extends-deadline-for-migrants-to-replace-physical-immigration-documents-with-e-visas/amp_articleshow/131762715.cms))
UK commits £8 million to Pakistan to curb visa abuse and illegal migration
The UK has promised an extra £8 million to help Pakistan tighten exit controls, verify student-visa applicants and speed up returns of overstayers. Faster document checks should reduce abuse of the UK student and visit routes, but could also mean quicker removals for staff whose status lapses—raising the stakes for HR compliance. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-deepens-joint-migration-efforts-and-marks-pakistans-role-in-brokering-us-iran-peace-deal-on-two-day-ministerial-visit))
New ‘operating or trading’ test tightens Skilled Worker sponsor licence rules
Home Office guidance now formally defines what it means to be ‘operating or trading’ and gives UKVI power to refuse or revoke licences where a company’s main purpose is immigration facilitation. Start-ups can still qualify, but must produce stronger commercial evidence; shell or circular-trading entities face higher refusal risk. ([capitallaw.co.uk](https://www.capitallaw.co.uk/news/operating-or-trading-what-the-new-sponsor-guidance-means-for-skilled-worker-sponsors/))
UK launches concierge support and targeted visa scheme to fast-track scale-ups
London has created a new concierge unit and scale-up visa package to keep high-growth firms – and the global talent they need – in the UK. Qualifying companies get named officials to solve regulatory hurdles and priority immigration processing, plus grants to reimburse visa fees. Mobility teams should act quickly because funding is limited and awards will be made on a first-come basis. ([greaterbirminghamchambers.com](https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/resource/new-concierge-service-and-visa-scheme-unveiled-to-help-britain-s-fastest-growing-firms-scale-and-attract-talent.html))
Aviapartner ground-handling strike resumes at Brussels Airport, posing transit risk for UK flights
After mediation failed, parts of Aviapartner’s workforce at Brussels Airport walked out again on 16 June. Airlines serving the UK face renewed risk of delays and misconnections, prompting travel-risk teams to activate diversion plans as the busy summer period accelerates.
UK pledges £8 m to Pakistan to target visa fraud and people-smuggling networks
During a visit to Islamabad, the UK announced £8 million to boost Pakistan’s capacity to combat visa fraud and people-smuggling, including airport document checks and community-level prevention programmes. The deal points to tougher pre-departure scrutiny for Pakistani nationals seeking UK visas and signals London’s broader strategy of outsourcing border controls.
Deadline to replace physical BRP/BRC cards with e-Visas pushed back
The Home Office has extended the validity of expired BRP and BRC cards for most e-Visa services to 31 December 2026 (BRP) and 2030 (BRC for EUSS holders). The move eases pressure as the UK completes its switch to digital immigration status, but right-to-work checks still require the online system. Employers should use the extra time to finish onboarding staff to e-Visas. ([m.economictimes.com](https://m.economictimes.com/nri/migrate/uk-extends-deadline-for-migrants-to-replace-physical-immigration-documents-with-e-visas/amp_articleshow/131762715.cms))
Digital ATA Carnet goes live, simplifying temporary exports from the UK
UK businesses can now obtain fully digital ATA Carnets for temporary export of goods, aligning with the EU and key EEA partners. The app-based document speeds up customs clearance and reduces administrative risk, although paper carnets remain valid during a transition period. ([strongandherd.co.uk](https://www.strongandherd.co.uk/the-uk-eu-norway-and-switzerland-launch-the-digital-ata-carnet-on-1st-june-2026))
Stricter Home Office metrics raise the bar for UK student-sponsor institutions
Universities and colleges must now meet tougher visa-refusal, enrolment and completion thresholds or risk losing their student-sponsor status. A new Red-Amber-Green rating will be published from 2027, intensifying pressure to tighten compliance and potentially shrinking the pipeline of international graduates available to UK employers. ([thorntons-law.co.uk](https://www.thorntons-law.co.uk/knowledge/student-sponsor-licence-compliance-new-ukvi-rules))
Airlines add 18 % more seats on India–UK routes as travellers pivot from Asia
Seat capacity on India–UK routes has jumped nearly 19 % for June, as European airlines redeploy aircraft away from conflict-affected Asian markets. The extra inventory should ease peak-season pricing for business and leisure travellers but could fluctuate if airspace restrictions change. ([business-standard.com](https://www.business-standard.com/industry/aviation/uk-europe-holiday-travel-picks-up-as-airlines-slash-seats-to-asia-126061501086_1.html))
UK data watchdog to issue code of practice on AI and biometrics used in border and travel systems
The ICO will publish a binding code of practice covering AI and biometric decision-making, directly affecting e-Gates, ETA processing and airline identity-management systems. Travel providers and employers moving staff through UK borders must prepare for stricter transparency and accountability requirements. ([biometricupdate.com](https://www.biometricupdate.com/202606/uk-ico-plans-guidance-to-build-public-confidence-in-ai-biometrics-deployments))