KNOWLEDGE

CENTRE

Inspection finds backlog in marriage applications

The Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration has recently published a report examining the efficiency and effectiveness of the Agency’s handling of marriage and civil partnership applications, with a particular...

Changes to the Immigration Rules

A number of changes to the Immigration Rules came into effect on 13th December 2012. These changes affect non-European Economic Area nationals applying to enter or remain in the UK. The changes include: Non substantive...

EU must do more to protect unaccompanied children

In a new report on the situation of unaccompanied minors in the EU, the European Commission has called for improved efforts at both national and European level to respond effectively and in full respect of the...

The new financial requirement for spouses, partners and fiancé(e)s

From 9th July 2012, anyone applying for the first time as a spouse, civil partner, unmarried or same sex partner, fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner will have to show a higher amount of income and/or savings than previously.

Funding cuts place refugee and migrant children at risk

A new report by the Coram Children’s Legal Centre has found that young refugees and migrants on their own in the UK are not being provided with the advice and representation they need, with significant consequences...

Support for victims of domestic violence extended

Help for migrants forced to flee their relationships as a result of domestic violence has been made permanently available from 1st April 2012.

Report reveals destitution among migrant children

A new report by The Children’s Society has revealed alarming levels of destitution among refugee, asylum-seeking and migrant children and young people.

Calls for improvements in the EU Family Reunification Directive

The Migration Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has approved a position paper on reform of the EU Family Reunification Directive.

Family life is a right for migrants too

The European Commission has launched a public debate on the right to family reunification of third-country nationals living in the EU. Depending on the outcome of the consultation,...

New policy guidance on the marriage visa age

The UK Border Agency has issued new policy guidance following the judgment of the Supreme Court in the case of Quila and Bibi v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2011] UKSC 45.

Concerns over immigration detention of children

A children's charity has raised concerns over the numbers of children being held in immigration detention. According to The Children's Society, 697 children were held at all Greater London...

Forced marriage rules unlawful, says Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has issued a landmark ruling, confirming that the ban on the entry into the UK for settlement of foreign spouses or civil partners, unless both parties are aged 21 or over, is unlawful.