Wednesday, 4 March 2015

Immigration News: March 2015


Migration Statistics Quarterly Report, February 2015 (Other Immigration Matters)


The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published their Migration Statistics Quarterly Report.
Net long-term migration to the UK was estimated to be 298,000 in the year ending September 2014, statistically significant increase from 210,000 in the previous 12 months. However, this is still below the peak of 320,000 in the year ending June 2005.

The key points in relation to other immigration matters are as follows:
  • 624,000 people immigrated to the UK in the year ending September 2014, a significant increase from 530,000 in the previous 12 months.
  • There were statistically significant increases for immigration of non-EU citizens (+49,000 to 292,000) and EU (non-British) citizens (+43,000 to 251,000).
  • Immigration of British citizens increased by 4,000 to 82,000, although this was not statistically significant.
  • The number of people emigrating from the UK remained stable with 327,000 emigrating in the year ending September 2014.
  • There was a statistically significant increase (+24,000 to 90,000) in the number of immigrants arriving to accompany or join others in the year ending September 2014.
  • There was a 6% increase in asylum applications (24,914) in 2014, compared with 2013 (23,584). However, this remained a low relative compared to the peak of 84,132 in 2002. The largest number of asylum applications in 2014 came from Eritrea (3,239), Pakistan (2,711), Syria (2,081), and Iran (2,011).


Migrant journey: fifth report (Other Immigration Matters)


UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have published their fifth ‘Migrant Journey’ report. This publication provides evidence on the behaviour of migrants entering the UK immigration system for the 6 main routes of entry to the UK and the common pathways through the immigration system that result in settlement.

The key points in relation to other immigration matters are as follows:
  • More than three-quarters of people (77%, 32,607) issued family visas in the 2008 cohort had been granted settlement 5 years later with a further 4% still having valid leave to remain.
  • Of the top 5 nationalities issued family visas in the 2008 cohort, Somalis were the least likely to have settled after 5 years (43%) and Bangladeshi (93%), Pakistani (88%) and Indian nationals (87%) were the most likely.
  • Migrants granted family visas in the 2008 cohort (81%) were more likely to achieve either settlement or have valid leave to remain after 5 years compared to earlier cohorts (68% in the 2004 cohort).
  • Of those granted settlement in the 2013 cohort, almost half had originally been issued a family or skilled work visa, which could potentially lead to settlement and 14% were granted settlement on arrival.


Derivative rights of residence


UKVI have published revised guidance on the derivative rights of residence under the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2006. 

The revised ‘derivative rights of residence’ guidance can be viewed here.

Family members of EEA nationals who have retained the right of residence


UKVI have published revised guidance outlining how they consider an application for a document confirming a right of residence where a family member of an EEA national has retained a right of residence in the UK. 

The revised guidance can be viewed here.

Immigration Act: deportation of foreign criminals


New powers introduced in the recent Immigration Act 2014 to crack down on the misuse of appeals by criminals to delay their removal from the UK have led to 300 being removed and nearly 500 more going through the system.

The new Act has reduced the number of appeals available to foreign criminals from 17 to 4.
Policy guidance on the appeals process from the Immigration Act 2014 can be viewed here.
Further information can be read here.



New appointment: Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration 


The Home Secretary has appointed David Bolt as the new Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration.

John Vine stepped down from this role on 31st December 2014.

Further information can be read here.



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