At Lisa’s Law, we regularly monitor UK immigration news to keep clients informed. Here are the top five recent UK immigration updates affecting visas, asylum, and immigration enforcement in England and Wales:
UK-Iraq Deportation Agreement Shows Early Impact; Asylum Appeals Undergo Major Reform
Recently, the UK government issued announcements regarding international cooperation and domestic asylum reform:
International Cooperation:
- The UK signed a new deportation agreement with Iraq, establishing a formal mechanism for returning individuals without legal status.
- Iraq will provide reintegration support for returnees, demonstrating a balance between legal procedure and humanitarian considerations.
- Early results show illegal entries from Iraq decreased from 2,600 to 1,900 compared to last year, indicating initial success.
Domestic Reform:
- The asylum appeal system is undergoing its most significant reform in decades.
- Over 100,000 cases are currently pending in first-instance courts, with asylum appeals comprising around 50,000 cases, averaging over one year of wait time.
- A new independent tribunal of trained adjudicators will prioritise appeals involving accommodation support or foreign criminal records.
- A 24-week processing limit will provide a predictable judicial framework.
- The government is also expanding “deport first, appeal later”, requiring applicants from certain countries to challenge decisions from their home country.
These announcements highlight UK government efforts to manage migration while attempting to maintain legal compliance and efficiency.
Right to Work Checks in the Gig Economy: New Challenges for Small Businesses
The UK government plans to enforce stricter right to work checks for temporary and gig economy workers:
- Employers failing to verify a worker’s legal status may face fines up to £60,000 per person, business closure, director disqualification, or up to 5 years imprisonment.
- Many small businesses, particularly in construction, beauty, and delivery sectors, may struggle to comply, as standard documents (driving licence, utility bills) are not sufficient proof of work eligibility.
- Large platforms like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat use biometric or device verification, but smaller firms may lack technical capacity.
Lisa’s Law Advice: Small businesses should establish clear compliance procedures and maintain thorough records.
UK Immigration Statistics: Work and Family Visas Decline, Settlements Increase
According to the latest UK Home Office immigration statistics (up to June 2025):
Work Visas:
- 183,000 work visas issued, a 36% decrease from the previous year.
- Health and care visas fell sharply, with nurse visas dropping by 80–90%.
Family Visas:
- Family and spouse visas decreased by 23–27%, reflecting stricter income requirements.
Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain):
- 163,000 people obtained settlement status, a 20% increase, primarily those previously on work visas.
These trends reflect a “control new, stabilise old” approach in UK immigration policy: stricter entry requirements for new applicants, combined with more stable long-term residence for those already in the UK. For the latest official immigration data, please visit the GOV.UK website.
AI in Immigration Enforcement: Legal Challenges
The Home Office is increasingly using AI tools to process immigration cases:
- Tools like IPIC (Immigration Prioritisation and Identification) and EMRT (Electronic Monitoring Review Tool) handle sensitive data including health and family information.
- Privacy advocates highlight a lack of transparency, limited applicant knowledge, and potential biases in AI-assisted decisions.
- Previous ICO warnings regarding GPS monitoring of asylum seekers show ongoing concerns over privacy and legal oversight.
Key Consideration: When AI and algorithms make decisions affecting liberty and legal status, robust supervision and legal safeguards are essential.
Conclusion
Here are our recent highlights from the UK immigration landscape. Staying informed on these developments can help you and your business make timely decisions regarding visas, settlements, and compliance. If you want to keep updated on the latest UK immigration news, follow us regularly or subscribe to our updates.
At Lisa’s Law, we are dedicated to helping clients navigate the complexities of UK immigration law. Whether you need advice on work visas, family visas, settlement applications, or compliance matters, our experienced solicitors in England and Wales can provide clear, practical guidance tailored to your situation.
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