Immigration news

In a new study released this week by the UK National Audit Office it was found that up to 50,000 bogus students may have been improperly issued UK Tier 4 visas. These student admissions took place after the new points-based visa system was introduced in 2008.

Under new rules, immigrants convicted in New Zealand of minor offences such as various traffic violations may not be granted further visas to remain in the country. From 26 March 2012, Immigration New Zealand said their immigration officers will now be able to decline subsequent visas for those that commit minor offences.Rob Stevens, a spokesman for Immigration New Zealand, said it would also apply to offences such as burglary, shoplifting, drink-driving, disorderly behaviour and possessing or cultivating cannabis.

New UK visa rules have been introduced for travellers from Libya, Egypt and Syria transiting through UK airports. From 3 April 2012, nationals from these countries will need to apply for a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV).The DATV is an additional visa requirement which allows certain nationals to travel via the UK on their way to another country. It is important to note that those travelling to the UK on a DATV are not allowed to pass through UK Immigration Control or collect any luggage on a journey through the UK.

Changes to the Australian visa application process for asylum seekers will combine two separate visa processes into one and come into effect 24 March 2012. Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Chris Bowen stated that the new Protection Visa process would combine separate processes for boat and air arrivals into a single system for all asylum seekers.

From 6 April 2012, migrants from outside the EU earning less than £35,000 will not be allowed to settle in the UK. Critics have accused ministers of risking patient health in favour of a "crude" immigration policy after government documents revealed that almost half of the migrant nurses will be forced to leave the UK under the new immigration rules.A new UK government impact assessment reveals the change will cut the number of NHS nurses by "hundreds or low thousands" and cost the economy up to £433 million over the next 10 years as people leave.

According to a leaked cabinet letter, UK Home Secretary Theresa May is planning an immigration crackdown on tens of thousands of people who fraudulently use family visas to settle in the UK.The letter from May to Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg proposes a much higher minimum income of £25,700 a year for anyone seeking to bring a spouse, partner or dependant to the UK from outside the EU from June 2012. This is almost double the current threshold of £13,700. If the application includes more than two children, the threshold would rise to £62,600.