UK VISA / IMMIGRATION CHANGES!!!

UK immigration changes will affect applications made here
COLOMBO: The UK Government is implementing several changes to the immigration system this week. These changes will affect applications being made in Sri Lanka.

The UK Government will start to issue identity cards to foreign nationals making applications in the UK to stay as a student or based on marriage. This does not yet apply to people making visa applications in Sri Lanka, the British High Commission said yesterday.

The identity card will be introduced gradually over the next three years for all those coming to the UK for more than six months or extending their stay in the UK.

The government will also introduce Tiers 2 and 5 of the Points Based System the new Business Visit Visa, and an increase in the marriage visa age from today.

The Points Based System will be expanded with the launch of Tier 2, for skilled migrants with a job offer and Tier 5, for temporary workers and youth mobility. The current work permit scheme will become part of Tier 2.

Tier 5 covers those travelling temporarily to the UK for mainly non-economic reasons, including sportspeople, entertainers, charity workers and those travelling under international agreements. The government will also launch a new single generic Youth Mobility Scheme.

The provision will abolish six existing youth mobility schemes, including the Working Holiday Maker Scheme.

The introduction of the new Business Visit Visa today will clarify the business activities that can be undertaken by holders of this visa. From today both parties to a marriage will have to be at least 21 years old before a marriage visa can be issued.

This is part of the British Government's action against forced marriage.

This complements the introduction of new legislation to protect the victims of forced marriages.
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