France ends Channel “One-in, One-out” migrant exchange pilot with UK
Home Secretary reopens UK Resettlement Scheme and promises new community-sponsored refugee routes
Operation Comby nets 49 arrests in Irish border people-smuggling blitz
Latest News
UK tightens firearms-licence checks—impact for expatriates with UK second homes
New Home Office rules oblige firearm licence applicants to reveal every UK and overseas property where guns could be stored and to notify police of household members and medical changes. The tighter regime adds compliance steps for expatriates who keep sporting weapons at a UK address and underscores the government’s wider push for more detailed security data.
UK Border Agencies arrest 48 in week-long people-smuggling blitz on Irish frontier
A joint Home Office, NCA and PSNI taskforce arrested 48 suspects in a three-day sweep at the Irish land border, seizing forged documents and cash. Authorities say people-smugglers are exploiting the Common Travel Area to move migrants from Ireland into Great Britain. The operation signals stricter enforcement ahead of February’s full ETA roll-out and could mean more checks and delays for cross-border travellers and hauliers.
PCS Union Confirms 30 September Strike That Could Disrupt UK Border Force Operations
PCS has confirmed a nationwide strike for 30 September that includes Border Force members. Airports and carriers are preparing for slower arrivals processing and potential flight-flow restrictions, creating knock-on delays for business travellers and assignees. Employers should brief travellers, adjust critical start dates and expect further walk-outs unless the pay dispute is resolved.
Home Office Publishes Updated Register of Worker-Route Sponsors
UKVI has issued its 29 September 2026 update to the licensed-sponsor register, adding 312 new employers and removing 94. Mobility and talent-acquisition teams should use the list to verify host-company compliance, anticipate licence downgrades under stricter 2027 salary rules and build protective clauses into client-site secondment contracts.
Heathrow tops 70 flight cancellations in a week as staffing and weather disruptions bite
Live flight-status data show Heathrow recorded 70 cancellations in the week to 29 September, with 11 scrubs on Monday alone, affecting key US and Asian business routes. Airlines blame crew shortages and ATC flow controls. Companies should brace for continued volatility, ensure staff know their UK261 rights and consider alternative hubs or virtual meeting options.
France Confirms EU Entry-Exit System (EES) Rules in UK Travel Advice Ahead of 2027 Launch
The FCDO’s France travel-advice page, validated on 29 September, highlights upcoming Entry-Exit System border changes and stricter treatment of lost-or-stolen passports. UK firms should start counting Schengen days for staff now and ensure obsolete passports are cancelled, as the EU prepares to automate overstayer detection from 2027.
Opinion: Treasury Faces £7 Billion Hit for Every 100,000 Fewer Migrants, Columnist Warns
A Guardian opinion column claims the Treasury loses £7 billion in tax for every 100,000 reduction in immigration, urging ministers to weigh fiscal costs against political goals. The piece adds momentum to calls from business for a more skills-friendly visa regime ahead of the Autumn Statement.
PCS sets 30 September strike, raising spectre of passport-office and Border Force slow-downs
Civil-service union PCS will stage a strike on 30 September that could reduce staffing at UK passport offices and Border Force checkpoints. While the government promises mitigation, earlier stoppages caused long airport queues and slowed document issuance. Employers should warn travellers and assignees of possible delays at the border and in visa decision times.