In its latest Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 217), published on 10 September 2024, the UK government has announced the immediate reintroduction of a visa requirement for Jordanian nationals, in response to a significant rise in misuse of travel authorisations by visitors and transit passengers from Jordan. The newly reinstated visa regime is aimed at ensuring the integrity of the UK’s immigration system and addressing growing concerns about the inappropriate use of visit and transit permissions.
2. Why Is the Visa Requirement Being Reinstated for Jordanian Citizens?
The decision to reapply a visa requirement comes after a substantial increase in Jordanian nationals travelling to the UK for purposes not permitted under the visit and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) provisions. Specifically, many have attempted to live, work, or claim asylum in the UK without proper authorisation. Official statistics show a sharp rise in entry refusals, from just 10 in 2023 to 463 between April and June 2024. Similarly, asylum claims by Jordanian nationals have surged, with 261 claims in the most recent quarter, compared to just 17 in the last quarter of 2023.
This misuse of travel permissions has extended beyond the UK, with a notable increase in Jordanian nationals transiting through the UK en route to Ireland and then applying for asylum there. Recent data from the Irish International Protection Office indicates that Jordanian nationals ranked as the second highest nationality for asylum claims in Ireland during May, June, and July 2024, further reinforcing the need for stricter travel regulations.
3. Transition Period for Jordanian Nationals With Existing Bookings
The implementation of the visa requirement includes a transition period for Jordanian nationals. During this time, Jordanian citizens with a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and a confirmed travel booking to the UK are allowed to travel to the UK without a visa.
The transition period began at 15:00 BST on 10 September 2024 (when the visa requirement for Jordanian citizens was introduced) and will last until 15:00 BST on 8 October 2024 (28 days later). To qualify, Jordanian travellers must have a confirmed booking and valid ETA granted before 15:00 BST on 10 September 2024, and their arrival in the UK must be before 15:00 BST on 8 October 2024.
Those whose travel plans fall outside this transition period or who alter their confirmed travel dates will be required to obtain a visa in advance and will not be permitted to enter the UK with just an ETA.
4. Changes to Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Jordan
As part of these changes, Jordan has also been removed from the list of nationalities eligible for an ETA, ensuring that Jordanian nationals will need to apply for a visa before visiting or transiting through the UK. This amendment is subject to the transition period mentioned above for Jordanian nationals who had obtained an ETA and booked travel to the UK prior to the imposition.
5. Additional Transit Visa Requirement for Jordanian Nationals
In conjunction with the new visa rules, Jordanian nationals will now also require a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) when transiting through the UK. This applies to passengers who remain airside and do not pass through UK border control during their transit. The aim is to prevent misuse of airside transit as a loophole to claim asylum in the UK or other destinations, thereby bypassing the newly imposed visa requirement.
6. Ensuring Fairness and Integrity
The UK government is committed to maintaining the integrity of its immigration system and ensuring that individuals comply with the rules set out for travel and residency. The reintroduction of the visa regime for Jordanian nationals reflects this commitment, ensuring that the UK can assess applicants before they arrive and prevent those who do not meet the requirements from entering the country. The transition period and other amendments aim to strike a balance between effective enforcement and fairness for travellers who have made legitimate plans under the previous system.
7. Contact our Immigration Barristers
If you are impacted by these changes to the UK’s Immigration Rules for Jordanian nationals and would like professional assistance with preparing a UK visa application, contact our immigration barristers in London on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the UK reintroduced the visa requirement for Jordanian nationals?
The visa requirement has been reintroduced due to a significant rise in misuse of travel permissions by Jordanian nationals, including attempts to live, work, or claim asylum in the UK without proper authorisation. This decision aims to protect the integrity of the UK’s immigration system.
When does the new visa regime for Jordanian nationals take effect?
The visa requirement took effect immediately with the publication of the UK government’s Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 217) on 10 September 2024.
Is there a transition period for Jordanian nationals with existing bookings?
Yes, there is a transition period until 15:00 BST on 8 October 2024. Jordanian nationals who obtained an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and confirmed their travel booking before 15:00 BST on 10 September 2024 can still travel to the UK without a visa, provided they arrive before the end of the transition period.
Can I still use my ETA if I was granted one before the visa requirement was reinstated?
You can use your previously granted ETA only if you have a confirmed travel booking before 15:00 BST on 10 September 2024 and your arrival in the UK is before 15:00 BST on 8 October 2024, during the transition period. After that, a visa will be required.
What happens if I change my travel plans after 10 September 2024?
If your travel dates fall outside the transition period or you change your confirmed travel booking, you will need to apply for a visa, as your previous ETA will no longer be valid.
Are Jordanian nationals still eligible for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?
No, Jordanian nationals have been removed from the list of nationalities eligible for an ETA. They must now apply for a visa before visiting or transiting through the UK.
Do Jordanian nationals require a visa for transit through the UK?
Yes, under the new rules, Jordanian nationals transiting through the UK will require a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV), even if they remain airside and do not pass through UK border control.
How does this new visa regime affect Jordanian nationals travelling to Ireland via the UK?
Jordanian nationals who transit through the UK en route to Ireland will still need a visa for their UK transit. This measure aims to prevent misuse of the transit route for asylum claims.
What should I do if I need help with my UK visa application?
You can contact our immigration lawyers in London for assistance with preparing your UK visa application by calling 0203 617 9173 or completing an enquiry form on our website.
9. Glossary
Visa Requirement: An official policy mandating that citizens of a specific country must apply for and obtain a visa prior to entering another country for any purpose, such as visiting, working, or transiting.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): A pre-authorisation system allowing travellers from certain countries to visit or transit through the UK without a full visa. Jordanian nationals were previously eligible for an ETA, but as of 10 September 2024, they must now obtain a visa.
Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV): A visa required for certain nationalities, including Jordanian nationals, to transit through the UK without passing through immigration control. This applies to passengers staying airside during their transit.
Transition Period: A temporary timeframe allowing Jordanian nationals who already possess a valid ETA and confirmed travel booking before 15:00 BST on 10 September 2024 to travel to the UK without a visa, as long as their arrival occurs before 15:00 BST on 8 October 2024.
Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 217): A formal document issued by the UK government on 10 September 2024, outlining the reintroduction of visa requirements for Jordanian nationals and other immigration-related changes.
Immigration System: The set of policies, laws, and procedures a country uses to manage the entry, stay, and departure of foreign nationals. The reintroduction of the visa regime for Jordanian nationals aims to safeguard the integrity of the UK’s immigration system.
Entry Refusal: A situation where a foreign national is denied entry to a country at its border or immigration control. In this context, the UK has seen a sharp rise in refusals of entry for Jordanian nationals.
Asylum Claim: A formal request made by a foreign national seeking protection in another country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country. The surge in asylum claims by Jordanian nationals has been a key factor in the reinstatement of the visa requirement.
UK Border Control: The security and immigration procedures at UK ports of entry, where travellers’ documents and identities are checked to ensure they meet the necessary requirements for entering the UK.
Misuse of Travel Permissions: The act of using a visa or travel authorisation for purposes other than those legally permitted, such as entering the UK to work or claim asylum without the appropriate authorisation.
Confirmed Travel Booking: A verified and scheduled travel arrangement, such as a flight or train ticket. Jordanian nationals with a confirmed booking and ETA before 10 September 2024 can travel to the UK during the transition period.
Irish International Protection Office: The government office responsible for processing asylum applications in Ireland. The increase in Jordanian nationals claiming asylum in Ireland via the UK contributed to the reintroduction of the visa regime.
This instrument amends the Immigration Rules, made under the provisions of section 1(4) and section 3(2) of the Immigration Act 1971, that are used to regulate people’s entry to, and stay in, the United Kingdom.
For detailed statistics and data regarding immigration, entry refusals, and asylum claims in the UK, including the rise in Jordanian nationals seeking asylum.
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