HMRC schedules overnight shutdown of Customs Declaration Service on 26 – 27 September
UK government extends CTM travel-management contracts despite £118 million overcharging scandal
Prime Minister warns smugglers are ‘changing tactics’ after record Channel crossings
Latest News
Airlines demand answers and compensation after second NATS outage in two weeks
Following a second technical failure at NATS’ Prestwick centre on 21 September, airlines including easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 have publicly demanded accountability, compensation and faster modernisation of the UK’s air-traffic-control infrastructure. The outcry heightens pressure on regulators and signals continued volatility for business-critical domestic and short-haul flights.
Pressure builds for UK-EU youth mobility visa as summit timetable slips
Ahead of a delayed UK-EU summit, unions, former prime ministers and diaspora groups are lobbying for a reciprocal youth-mobility visa and lower tuition fees for EU students. Business sees the initiative as a route to easier graduate recruitment and smoother short-term secondments, but political trade-offs on fees and wider Brexit frictions could yet derail the plan.
Burnham says Channel smugglers ‘changing tactics’ after record 781 arrivals in a single day
After a record daily arrival of 781 small-boat migrants, Prime Minister Burnham acknowledged that smuggling networks are shifting launch points and boat types. The government has ordered an urgent review and is leaning on its Rwanda plan and new Belgian cooperation to deter crossings—raising the prospect of tighter compliance pressure on legitimate mobility channels.
easyJet adds three new French regional links to Manchester, London and Bristol
easyJet will launch Bastia–Manchester, Ajaccio–Gatwick and Montpellier–Bristol flights next summer, offering UK businesses and assignment managers new point-to-point options that cut connection times and support regional trade links. The move also reflects slot reallocations after recent UK ATC issues.
Germany updates UK travel advisory, reminds Germans to obtain ETA and e-Visa before visiting Britain
Berlin has updated its UK travel advice to highlight that, from 25 September 2026, all German visitors must obtain the UK’s electronic travel authorisation (ETA) and travel on a fully digital e-Visa record. The guidance urges business travellers to apply in advance and keep passport data current, warning that carriers will deny boarding without a valid ETA or other UK immigration permission. Companies should review mobility processes immediately to avoid trip disruption.
Wide-ranging Immigration and Asylum Bill moves into Commons committee stage
The Government’s Immigration and Asylum Bill entered Commons committee stage on 25 September. The Bill would overhaul appeals, asylum categories and enforcement, and extend right-to-work penalties to subcontractors and platform workers from October 2026. Businesses should track amendments closely and prepare for stricter compliance duties.
‘One-in, one-out’ UK–France returns agreement nears 1 October expiry
The UK–France “one-in, one-out” small-boat returns agreement will automatically expire on 1 October unless both governments sign an extension. With renewal still uncertain, removals could be suspended, adding cost to UK detention and intensifying political pressure for tougher legal-migration rules.
Visitor route: legal update clarifies limits on remote work by overseas staff
A 25 September legal briefing from WestBridge Business Immigration confirms that limited remote work for an overseas employer is allowed on a UK Standard Visitor visa – but only as a secondary activity. Extensive day-to-day duties, client work or undefined long stays can amount to illegal working. Multinationals are advised to document business purpose, retain overseas contractual links and obtain the correct work visa where productive tasks are more than incidental.
Immigration Advice Authority overhauls competence assessments for advisers
The IAA has released new practical-skills-focused assessment syllabuses and paused competence testing until November 2026. The changes raise professional standards but will temporarily limit adviser availability, so employers should check that their immigration suppliers have sufficient licensed staff.