UK IMMIGRATION NEWS

Britain Proposes Strict Rules for Short Term UK Visas

Thursday, 3 July 2008

UK Home Office has announced a number of proposed changes to Britain's short-term visa system.

The tough new rules are just one of a number of proposed changes to Britain's short-term visa system which will sit alongside the new points based system for people who wish to live and work in the UK. The other changes include:

• introducing two new business visas for sportspeople and entertainers
• setting the maximum leave for visitors at six months
• introducing an appeal system for those coming in under the family route
• a new short-term, low-cost group travel visa to promote British tourism
• a visa for people coming to the UK for one-off cultural events

The Home Office announced plans for two new visitor routes for sportspeople and entertainers, recognising the important contribution these individuals make to British cultural life. Under these new routes the following sportspeople and entertainers will now be able to enter the UK for up to six months:

• sportspeople and support staff coming for specific events;
• amateur sportspeople joining UK amateur teams;
• professional entertainers coming to the UK to take part in music competitions;
amateur entertainers travelling to the UK for a specific engagement;
• professional entertainers coming to take part in a charity show or where they will receive no fee; and
• professional and amateur entertainers taking part in a 'permit-free festival'.

Under this system, those Britons who sponsor a family member would face jail sentence of to 14 years or a 5,000 pounds fine, if the relative stays for too long. This plan would take into account immediate family members to come to the UK as well as grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles and first cousins.

Under the new scheme, British relatives will need to be licensed to sponsor family members, and will have a duty to guarantee their visitors leave the country before the visa expires.

The measures are part of a shake-up of the immigration system which has included the introduction of a Australian-style points based system, in which potential immigrants are granted entry or turned away based on their skills and education.

Border and Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said: “The changes will help create a fairer Britain with fair treatment for those who play by the rules, but tough action against those who break the law. We want the UK to stay open and attractive for both business and visitors. But at the same time we are determined to deliver a system of border security which is among the most secure in the world.”

If you are interested in UK Visas, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to the UK.