British Library

In my course outline, it expects me to read 2 text books about immigration law.

First, Immigration, Nationality & Refugee Law Handbook 2006 Edition
Price: £56.00 (plus p&p)

Second, Immigration law and practice in the UK by Mc Donald ; Price £ 166.00

All are very expensive. In order to do my course work, I may need to read them I think. I rang british library and ask them to request these book. It takes 48 hours for the book to arrive the library at St Pancras. then you pick which reading room you want to go read!

* Can’t take the book out.

* Can’t take the pen into the reading room – pencil only.

*Can’t take your handbag into the reading room – need to leave it downstair at the cloakroom.

* You need to be super QUIET!

The books are so big. I went in yesterday again. I have got only an hour to read them and do the coursework. I could not manage it.

The first question is about the British Nationlity. I can’t be that hard. However, I never ever write law in my life.It will be my first coursework. Wish me luck!

I am planing to go back to the library on Saturday and wish to spend the whole day there doing my coursework.

If you are interested in British library..here is their website

http://www.bl.uk

CJ

Eastern European migration falls

Very interesting news from Home office website. It shows the fall in numbers of Eastern European. Why?

Is that the euro is doing better than Pound? or They have enough of recession in the UK.

20 May 2008 ( UJK Border Agency, 2008)

Quarterly asylum, accession monitoring and Bulgarian and Romanian statistics published today.

The number of Eastern Europeans applying to work in the UK has dropped to its lowest level since 2005, according to statistics published by the Home Office today.

The figures show that in January to March 2008 there were 45,000 applications from nationals of the eight countries that joined the EU in 2004 – down 13 per cent from the same period in the previous year, when there were 52,000.

The number of Bulgarians and Romanians applying to work in the UK has also dropped to its lowest level with only 8,205 applications from A2 nationals in the first three months of this year, compared to 10,420 in the same period last year.

In other statistics published today, the number of asylum applications, including dependants, fell from 8,140 in the last quarter of 2007 to 7,705 in the first quarter of 2008 – a drop of five per cent. Internationally the UK has now dropped from third to fifth in asylum application levels. Across Europe in 2007 applications for asylum rose 13 per cent while falling in the UK by one per cent.

Today’s figures confirm the UK Border Agency continues to remove an immigration offender every eight minutes. In the first three months of this year 3,025 failed asylum seekers, including dependants, were removed from the UK, up from 2,965 in the last quarter of 2007. On top of this, Home Office figures show that another 13,740 illegal immigrants, excluding asylum seekers, were removed in the same period – a big increase of 20 per cent on the same period last year.

The figures underline the Government’s shift to prioritise the expulsion of lawbreakers and illegal immigrants, alongside failed asylum seekers. The Home Office is targeting the removal of a record 5,000 foreign national prisoners in 2008, 110 per cent higher than two years ago.

To speed up the removal process further still, the Government yesterday announced that the immigration detention estate would be increased from its current capacity by 60 per cent, with between 1,300 and 1,500 spaces for immigration offenders.
Border and Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said:

“Today’s figures show our shake-up of border security is delivering results with asylum applications falling yet again. While in Europe last year asylum applications rose by 13 per cent, in the UK they fell to their lowest point since 1993.

“People in Britain welcome legal migrants who work hard and play by the rules. But we will not tolerate law breakers, which is why we will prioritise their expulsion from Britain. We are continuing to remove one person every eight minutes, last year that included a record number of foreign prisoners.

“Our deportation numbers are going up and they need to carry on rising. That’s why yesterday I announced plans for an increase in capacity of up to 60 per cent in the detention estate, with up to 1,500 extra spaces for immigration offenders.” Earlier this year Liam Byrne announced his milestones for 2008, already these sweeping changes are coming in to effect with a tough new Australianstyle Points Based System (PBS) to allow only the workers Britain needs, the fingerprinting of any visa applicant from across the globe and from November compulsory ID cards for foreign nationals.

Tier 1 (General) of the points-based system policy guidance ( UK Border Agency, 2008 )

Just post the news from UK Border Agency posted on 19 May

Normally, when applying to Tier 1 (General) and claiming points for a professional qualification, we require applicants to show that they hold a qualification that is recognised by UKNARIC as being equivalent to a UK degree at either Bachelor, Masters or PHD level. They may also need to show this to claim points for UK Experience for initial applications.

However, at this time UKNARIC is unable to verify the full range of professional qualifications. We have therefore put transitional arrangements in place for establishing the level of professional qualifications that are not included on the self-assessment tool.

If applicants are unable to find their professional qualification on the self-assessment tool we will instead accept an original letter from the appropriate UK professional body confirming their qualification is equivalent to a UK degree at either Bachelor, Masters or PHD level.

This letter must be original, on the official letter-headed paper or stationery of the appropriate UK professional body. It must have been issued by an authorised official of that organisation.

The letter from the UK professional body must confirm:

• The name of the qualification including the country and awarding body;
• Which UK academic level it is equivalent to; and
• A named contact within the appropriate UK professional body.

For applicants extending their leave under Tier1 from a preceding period of HSMP leave, we do not need a letter of equivalency from a professional body as outlined above if the applicant is claiming points for a professional qualification that we have previously accepted as equivalent to UK degree level or above.

Please note that professional qualifications can not be used to claim points under the English Language Proficiency requirement.

CJ

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Tighter new rules for skilled foreign workers ( UK Border Agency, 2008)

Just post you the news from UK Border Agency 6 May

Foreign workers hoping to fill skilled vacancies in Britain’s labour market will have to meet strict new criteria, the Government announced today.

The Home Office today published proposals for much tighter skilled and temporary worker tiers of its new Points Based System (PBS). The schemes – known as Tier 2 and Tier 5 – sweep aside around 30 different routes to the UK, including the old work permit system.

British-based companies will have to prove they cannot fill skilled posts with a resident worker and must show that the job vacancy has been advertised in the UK, unless the job is on the shortage occupation list. Would-be migrants will need a job offer before they even apply for a visa.

To qualify, skilled foreign nationals will have to earn a certain number of points before being allowed to work in Britain. These points are awarded only if a person can prove they will be doing skilled work, speak a good standard of English, and are earning more than £24,000, or have a decent qualification. Employers will need a licence from the UK Border Agency to offer jobs to skilled workers.

Alongside today’s proposals, Home Office analysis showed if the tighter Tier 2 and 5 rules had been in place last year, close to ten per cent fewer skilled and temporary migrants from outside the EEA would have been allowed into Britain to work in equivalent categories – around 20,000 people. In addition the Home Office confirmed that from this year low skilled workers from outside the EU will be barred.

Border and Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said:

“Our new points system means that British jobseekers get the first crack of the whip and that only the skilled migrants we actually need will be able to come.

“By moving points up or down, we can make sure the numbers we allow in to the UK are in line with the needs of business and the country as a whole.

“When we set the points pass mark, we will listen to independent advice – the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) on the needs of the economy, and the Migration Impacts Forum (MIF) on the effect of migration on society.”

Employers who break the rules and employ illegal workers are already facing much tougher sanctions.

Figures released by the Home Office today show that in the first 80 days of the new illegal working regime – introduced at the end of February this year – 137 businesses were issued with Notices of Potential Liability worth almost half a million pounds. Under the old regime there were only 11 successful prosecutions last year. This means that the number facing punishment since the regime began is more than ten times greater than the entire number of prosecutions last year.

Civil penalties were introduced to make it easier than ever to fine those employers who give jobs to people with no right to work without carrying out the proper checks.

Liam Byrne said:

“Illegal jobs are the root cause of illegal immigration, which is why I’m determined to shut it down. In 2007 we carried out 40 per cent more illegal working operations than the previous year – and frontline officers have new powers to levy on-the-spot fines.

“These fines make up just one part of the biggest shake-up of the immigration system for a generation. With the introduction of compulsory identity cards for foreign nationals later in the year, there can be no excuse for not checking the identity of those applying for jobs.”

The Government also today revealed its proposals for Tier 5 of the PBS which covers those travelling temporarily to the UK for primarily non-economic reasons, such as sportspeople, entertainers and charity workers. To ensure entertainers continue to contribute to British cultural life, those coming to the UK for permit-free gigs or festivals – such as the Edinburgh Fringe – will be assessed outside of the PBS under visitor visa rules. The Government is due to publish details of the new visitor visa category in the near future.

CJ

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I am back

I have not been here for a while. However, I am back and ready to tell you about my story. It has been rough time for me to study. It is hard because I just start. YES , It is hard and I am trying to my best.

The authority has a lot of change in immigration rules. I am trying my best to keep it up to date.

I applied for adult college to get my knowledge about immigration law. I had paid to the university who offer the life long education.I am quite happy with their professionalism and I will recommend it to anyone who wants to study evening course there. However, my course has been canceled as not enough people interested in my subject////that is right.I can see the opportunity now!!!

I sent them an email a couple of days later to get my money back. I actually found another course though really good. The program from ITC ( ILEX Tutorial College). I can tell you more about ILEX. I think it is very good course.

“What is ILEX? ( http://www.ilex.org.uk, 2008)

The Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) is the professional body which represents Legal Executives and trainee Legal Executives and enhances their role and standing in the legal profession. ILEX is a leading provider of comprehensive legal education and influences law reform.

What is the Institute of Legal Executives?

The Institute of Legal Executives was established in 1963 with the support of the Law Society.

The Managing Clerks’ Association, from which ILEX developed, recognised that many non solicitor staff employed in fee earning work, and in the management of firms, needed and wanted a training route which would improve standards and award recognition for knowledge and skills.

The education and training facilities ILEX offers have developed in number and diversity so that ILEX is able to provide a route to a career in law which is open to all.

What is a Legal Executive?

Legal Executives are qualified lawyers specialising in a particular area of law. They will have passed the ILEX Professional Qualification in Law in an area of legal practice to the same level as that required of solicitors. They will have at least five years experience of working under the supervision of a solicitor in legal practice or the legal department of a private company or local/national government.

Fellows are issued with an annual practising certificate, and only Fellows of ILEX may describe themselves as ‘Legal Executives’.”

I applied for distancelearning and they contacted back to me straight away and I even pay them by instalment. Very nice indeed!

I have got a lot of document and learning material. I am going through it at the moment.

Gotta go now. Work to do. Tell you more later

Bye now

CJ

Biometric travel documents

News: 10 March 2008

Border and Immigration Agency has annonced regarding Biometric travel documents.

“From 17 March 2008 the Home Office will be issuing biometric travel documents. The process of applying for a Home Office travel document will not change. All applications must be made by post by completing a travel document application form (TD112 Revision 12) and enclosing the correct fee and supporting documents. The applying page provides further information on applying for a travel document.

What is a biometric travel document?

The biometric travel document has a new design and security features including a biometric chip. The chip contains the holder’s details as shown on page 31 of the document. Only personal information shown on this page (name, nationality, sex, place and date of birth and signature) is included on the chip .The applicants scanned photograph is the biometric element of the document. No other information is included on the chip.

How secure is the biometric travel document – who will have access to my biometric details?

The biometric travel document contains the holders details on a tamper proof biometric chip. All United Kingdom immigration ports and European Union (EU) member states have the capability to read the data on the bio-chip.

How long are the biometric travel documents valid for?

There will be no change to validity of Home Office travel documents as a result of the introduction of biometrics.

Will my current document still be valid?

You can still use your current travel document until it expires. If you apply for and are issued with a new document after 17 March 2008 you will receive a biometric travel document. For further details see the changing or replacing your document page.

How much will it cost?

Fees for Home Office travel documents will not change with the introduction of the new biometric documents . They will however be subject to yearly review as with the current travel document. The cost page for travel documents lists the current fees.

From 17 March 2008 the certificate of identity will change its name to the certificate of travel. The colour of the document will change from brown to black. The validity and criteria for issuing the document will not change. If you currently hold a brown certificate of identity document, you can still use it until it expires. The applying page gives further information on how to apply for a certificate of travel(www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk, 2008).

Plesae follow this link to apply for Biometric travel documents.

National identity scheme delivery plan published

News: 6th March 2008

The introduction scheme for National Identity card will be launched for foreign nationals in 2008 and British citizens in 2009.

The scheme will begin in November this year with introduction of identity cards for non-EEA foreign nationals; initially starting with the catagories include, foreign nationals seeking to enter or remain in the UK as a student or on a marriage visa.

Fingerprints will be collected from foreign nationals before they are issued with a card, which will show the details of the holder’s immigration status and entitlements – whether they are allowed to work or access benefits, and how long they can stay in the UK.

From 2009, the scheme will be extended to UK citizens. The first ID cards will be issued to people working in specific sensitive roles or locations where verification of identity will enhance the protection of the public. This will start in the second half of 2009, with the issuing of identity cards to those working airside in the country’s airports.

From 2010 young people will be able, on a voluntary basis, to get an identity card, which will assist them in proving their identity as they open their first bank account, take out a student loan or start employment. Later that year the scheme will be opened to voluntary applicants of any age.

From 2011/12, all passport applicants will also be registered on the scheme as they apply for the new biometric passports containing fingerprints.

British citizens enrolled on the National Identity Register will be able to choose whether to have a passport or an ID card or both.

The National Identity Register will hold a small amount of personal biographic details separately from biometric fingerprints and photographs, making it incredibly difficult for anyone to steal or exploit another’s identity.

The Government has already proved its ability to deliver a sound basis for the National Identity Scheme. Fingerprinting is already required for visa applicants to the UK and over ten million British e-passports have been issued since the end of 2006, containing an encrypted digital version of the holder’s personal details and a photograph on a secure chip. Below is the summary:

2008 – Some non-EU nationals will have to get them

2009 – Compulsory for 200,000 UK citizens and EU nationals who work in ‘sensitive’ airport jobs

2010 – Voluntary scheme for students

2011/12 – Biometric passports issued, applicants can choose to get ID card

2017 – Full roll-out of identity cards

Please follow the link below for document from home office

Introducing compulsory identity cards for foreign nationals

Work permit application forms and guidance notes

New work permit application forms and guidance notes are now available on Border& Immigration Agency (BIA) website for you to download.

There are some changes including;

1.The application forms and guidance notes have been rebranded to the ‘UK Border Agency’, and contain BIA’s updated website address (www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk – from 1 April 2008) and other contact details.

2.The ‘SB1X’ form and ‘SBS (non Bulgarian and Romanian nationals) guidance notes’ will only be available on this website and not at the distribution centre.

Please follow links below for the appropriate forms and guidance:

Business and Commercial work permits

Business and Commercial work permits, extension of stay

Training and Work Experience

Please remember that UK work permit arrangements will change during 2008 – 9. The new points based system will then come into force. We will continue to bring you further information surrounding this change.

CJ

New points system goes live

News: 29 February 2008

The government has launched the first stage of a new points-based system for migrants from outside the EU.

On Friday 29 February 2008, a new immigration system was launched to ensure that only those with the right skills or the right contribution will be able to come to the United Kingdom to work and study.

Border& Immigration Agency assures that the points-based system helps them to control migration more effectively, tackle abuse and identify the most talented workers.

‘Biggest change’

• 80 work permits and entry schemes are being replaced by 5 tiers
• Points are awarded on workers’ skills to reflect aptitude, experience, age and also the demand for those skills any given sector.
• The more points you earned, the more likelyhood to entry to the UK.

The government says it is the biggest change in UK immigration policy “in a generation” and will attract migrants with the right skills to boost Britain’s economy while easing pressure on local public services. The new rules are very closely modelled on the Australian points system which is considered to be the most efficient one in the world.

English tests

The first phase – Tier One – replaces the existing highly skilled migrant programme, which is also based around points.

It designs to attract entrepreneurs who are highly qualified people.All applicants will have to pass an English test – unless they have £1m or more to invest. Government believe these people will be able to boost the british economy.

Skills and earning potential will also be taken into account – although much will depend on the country in which applicants live.

Tier2 for skilled worker will be introduced this autumn

The Government is also today introducing a licensing system for employers who want to recruit from overseas and bring skilled workers into the UK. No company will be granted a sponsor’s licence without being approved in advance by the Border and Immigration Agency. Employers bringing in skilled workers under Tier 2 of the scheme which takes effect this autumn can now start applying for that licence.

Again, the government confirmed that “new UK Border Agency to ensure the UK has one of the toughest borders in the world”.

BBC news has summarised 5 tiers of entry (www.bbc.co.uk/news,2008)

THE FIVE TIERS OF ENTRY

There are five “tiers” within the points scheme within which people applying to work in the UK would be categorised.

Tier One: Highly skilled
The most skilled professionals will automatically have enough points to come to the UK without a job offer and seek work or set up a business. This tier includes entrepreneurs, top scientists and business people. Tier One is the first part of the system to be rolled out with ministers saying it will be fully operational worldwide by the end of summer 2008.
Workers in this category have the most flexibility in the UK and greatest opportunities to settle for good because the system regards them as having the most potential for generating wealth benefiting Britain.

Tier two: Skilled with job offer
This covers people with qualifications or important work-related experience in a huge range of sectors from health service workers to white collar jobs and the trades. People in this category will be given points on their talents and will be allowed into the UK if they have a job offer in a “shortage area” such as nursing. Tier two will come into force from late 2008 and employers will need to register as a sponsor. The government says that employers who don’t meet strict criteria could be barred from bringing in foreign workers.

Tier three: Low skilled
Until now, the government has allowed temporary migration to jobs in hospitality, food processing and agriculture from all over the world.
It is has now cut these permissions in favour of workers from the expanded European Union, who do not need prior permission to arrive. No date has been set for this tier to be activated. Officials say they believe vacancies can be filled with EU workers.

Tier four: Students
This will come into force in 2009 and covers those paying for tuition in the UK. Universities and colleges increasingly depend on the income from overseas students – and many institutions have developed formal links with counterparts abroad. In previous years student visas have proved controversial, with allegations that it was a route open to abuse.

Tier five: Temporary workers, Youth mobility
This will include professional sports people or professional musicians, who want to “work” in the UK for an event such as the Olympics or a football match, or a concert. The youth mobility aspect is intended to cover cultural exchanges or working holidays by young people. This will be in force before the end of 2008.

For more visit Border & Immigration Agency website

CJ

The path to citizenship green paper

The path to citizenshipNews: 20 February 2008

Prime Minister launches contract for foreign national seeking British citizenship

I am sure that most of you already know about this. Last month,the government has proposed the radical changes to the way newcomers are able to earn their stay in Britain. They make clear that people who want to become the residence of the UK, they must speak english and give back to the community.

Refer to the website of Border and Immigration Agency (2008) stated that

The Green Paper: ‘The path to citizenship’ proposes:

• a three stage route to citizenship, including a new probationary period of citizenship, requiring new migrants to demonstrate their contribution to the UK at every stage or leave the country;
• full access to benefits being delayed until migrants have completed the probationary period;
• migrants having to improve their command of English to pass probation;
• anyone committing an offence resulting in prison being barred from becoming a citizen;
• those committing minor offences being required to spend longer in the new probationary period of citizenship;
• migrants contributing to a new fund for managing the transitional impacts of migration, providing extra financial help to communities experiencing change from migration; and
• migrants getting involved in their communities through volunteering being able to graduate to British citizenship more quickly.

One interesting point from The Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said that:

“Today’s proposals are part of the biggest changes to British immigration policy for a generation. This year will also see the introduction of a new Australian-style Points Based System, which will ensure the UK attracts only people with the skills it needs and the establishment of a new UK Border Agency to help strengthen our border controls helping ensure ours is one of the toughest borders in the world.”

I think that was a bit scary for me but anyway if you want to live here, you should respect the rule.

They said they will make sure that

• the country only takes in the brightest and the best;
• a single border force to guard our ports and airports with new police-like powers,
• all visa applicants fingerprinted,
• the introduction of a new system to count people in.
• ID cards which will strengthen the UK border and help keep out those who don’t have the right to be in the UK.

And read this! the reform immigration system will be backed up with a new single piece of legislation, replacing all existing immigration laws, which will be introduced to Parliament in November this year.

I will keep update news like this, please follow and if you want to give comment, please feel free. Tell me what you think!

PS: I have enclosed the Green Paper- the path to citizenship in PDF.

CJ