New guidance tightens rules for UK immigration advisers under revamped IAA regime
UK and EU agree action plan to smooth Entry/Exit System checks ahead of summer getaway
UK engages EU to smooth new Entry/Exit System checks as summer travel peaks
Latest News
UK–EU Treaty on Gibraltar guarantees friction-free border and new air links
A ‘historic’ treaty signed in Brussels folds Gibraltar into Schengen border arrangements, eliminating routine passport checks at the Spain–Gibraltar land border and paving the way for new EU air routes. The agreement promises faster commutes for 15,000 cross-border workers and easier movement of goods, providing major benefits for employers on both sides.
New guidance sets compliance bar for firms registering with Immigration Advice Authority
Fresh Home Office guidance explains how organisations must register with the new Immigration Advice Authority. In-house mobility teams that offer paid or extensive immigration support will need authorisation and a trained compliance officer, or risk penalties.
Legal challenges mount as Home Office accelerates asylum-hotel closures
The Guardian reveals that asylum seekers—including seriously ill children—are being moved at short notice as the Home Office closes hotels, prompting legal challenges over the adequacy of alternative accommodation. Any court-ordered slowdown could impact wider Home Office budgets and timelines for immigration-system reforms important to business.
House of Lords backs tougher passenger-rights rules in Civil Aviation Bill report stage
The Civil Aviation Bill cleared report stage in the House of Lords with new provisions on family seating, disability complaints and compensation for damaged wheelchairs. A review of airport drop-off fees was also mandated. Businesses will gain clearer passenger-rights rules and a one-stop regulatory interface with the Civil Aviation Authority.
Immigration and Asylum Bill faces Commons second reading amid business-mobility concerns
MPs will debate the second reading of the Immigration and Asylum Bill on 13 July. Provisions include quadrupling illegal-working fines, compulsory annual digital right-to-work re-checks and a new health surcharge on some transferees’ dependants. Although passage is likely, HR and mobility teams should start readiness assessments as the compliance landscape looks set to tighten from 2027.
Immigration and Asylum Bill kicks off Commons debate – major overhaul of UK migration law
Parliament has opened debate on the Immigration and Asylum Bill, a 287-page package that tightens settlement rules, reshapes family reunion and embeds the digital eVisa programme. Businesses should brace for higher salary thresholds and new sponsorship duties if the bill passes later this year.
UK-Switzerland services accord guarantees 90-day visa-free business travel and five-year staff transfers
A new UK-Switzerland trade deal will give services professionals reciprocal 90-day visa-free access and permit five-year intracompany transfers without Swiss labour-market tests. The accord, hailed by London as its biggest services breakthrough since Brexit, will ease short-term client work and reduce compliance costs for banks, insurers and consultancies operating in both markets.
Refugee family-reunion freeze leaves 16,000 relatives stranded, Refugee Council warns
The Refugee Council says 16,300 people – mainly women and children – have been unable to join loved ones in the UK since the family-reunion visa route was frozen last September. The delay is pushing some refugees towards dangerous irregular crossings and is already affecting employers that sponsor refugee talent.
EU Entry/Exit System triggers fresh warnings of Dover gridlock ahead of UK school holidays
ITV News says Dover and other Channel gateways could face multi-hour queues this weekend as the EU’s biometric Entry/Exit System hits peak holiday traffic. The UK and France are deploying extra staff and hardware, but travel managers still advise allowing two additional hours and considering alternate routes. Business travellers risk missed meetings and perishable-goods firms face mounting costs if queues persist.
Controversial Immigration and Asylum Bill faces MPs in crucial second reading debate
MPs began debating the government’s flagship Immigration and Asylum Bill on 13 July. The draft law seeks to fast-track removals of irregular arrivals, impose a ‘visa-brake’ on unco-operative countries and formalise digital immigration status. While businesses like the compliance simplifications, NGOs warn of legal challenges ahead.
Home Office updates visa-required country list – 72 nationalities now need UK entry permits
The Home Office has enlarged the list of passport holders who must secure a visa before entering or transiting the UK, bringing the total to 72 nationalities. Carriers must enforce the update from 1 August, raising compliance stakes for corporate travel and short-term assignments.
eVisa privacy row deepens as campaigners seek parliamentary probe into ICO oversight
Campaign groups have asked MPs to investigate the ICO’s handling of data-protection complaints about the UK’s new all-digital eVisa, citing outages and accessibility flaws. Any inquiry could have major implications for employers ahead of mandatory online right-to-work checks in 2027.
UK outlaws support for Iran’s IRGC under new National Security Act – visa bans to follow
Britain has used new national-security powers to criminalise support for Iran’s IRGC, paving the way for immediate visa refusals and cancellations linked to the group. Employers must intensify due-diligence checks on Iranian partners and travellers as bilateral tensions rise.
British Airways delays Doha and Riyadh relaunch as Middle-East flight disruptions persist
A Reuters industry note confirms that British Airways will not resume flights to Doha until 1 August and to Riyadh until 8 August, with wider Middle-East services paused until late October. Reduced capacity will tighten premium inventory for UK business travellers and may inflate regional travel and insurance costs.