Immigration news

Until the end of March 2011, there is no limit on the number of Tier 1 (General) visa applications that can be made from within the UK. This is now the only way in which you can apply for a Tier 1 (General) visa. Since 23 December 2010 when the temporary limit had been reached it has not been possible to make Tier 1 (General) highly skilled visa applications from outside the UK. However, it is still possible that there will be another legal challenge to the Tier 1 visa temporary limit soon.

2010 was a momentous year for immigration around the World. Below we include some of the most important immigration stories for 2010:

A new study by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) says that UK net immigration is unlikely to fall much below 200,000 in 2011 -- roughly the average figure it has remained at for the past decade.

This flies in the face of a Government pledge to reduce immigration "from the hundreds of thousands to the tens of thousands".

The UK economy continues to outperform most EU member states; Therefore, according to the report, a main source of continued immigration will likely be from EU citizens.

Australia is worth considering for those from the UK with a successful business career looking to expand overseas. Australia has a booming economy and to a great extent a shared culture with the UK.

The provisional State/Territory Sponsored Business Owner visa (Subclass 163) allows business owners under 55 years of age to emigrate and establish a business in Australia.

In addition, family may accompany you to Australia under this visa, and will have full work and study rights.

Southeast Asia is becoming an increasingly popular destination for both visitors and immigrants. Malaysia in particular is a favoured holiday destination and is considered a good place to a have a second home due to its diverse culture, good standard of living, and geographic location.

The Government of Malaysia encourages people from all over the world to apply for immigration under the Malaysia My Second Home Programme (MM2H). Foreigners who meet certain eligibility criteria can gain a multi-entry MM2H visa that is initially valid for 10 years and is renewable.

The UAE is introducing a new work permit which will allow foreign workers currently in the country to switch jobs after two years without facing a six-month ban for leaving their previous job.

The changes are an attempt to reform the UAE labour market.

"Expatriate workers who have completed two years with their employers can change jobs without serving the ban following the implementation of the new rules," said Humaid Bin Deemas, Acting Director General for the Ministry of Labour.