News
No More Unchecked Gig Workers: Employers Now Risk £60,000 Fines and Up to 5 Years in Prison
From 1 October 2026, right to work checks extend beyond employees to people working under a worker's contract, individual sub-contractors and online matching services. Businesses that fail to carry out the correct checks face civil penalties of up to £60,000 per illegal worker.
Home Secretary Signals Possible Rethink on 15-Year Settlement Rule for Care Workers
Speaking at Labour conference in Liverpool on 28 September 2026, Shabana Mahmood said the government would "come to a position that balances fairness" on its indefinite leave to remain reforms, after Angela Rayner and Unison called for the 15-year rule for overseas care workers to be dropped. No decision has been made yet.
Man Charged Under New Law for Advertising Illegal Immigration Services Online
A 24-year-old man from the West Midlands has been charged with advertising illegal immigration services online. The National Crime Agency says it is the first charge under this new offence as part of one of its investigations.
TUC Calls on Government to Rethink Immigration Reforms for Migrant Workers
Unions are pushing the government to soften its proposed changes to settlement rules, which could see migrants in non-graduate jobs, including care workers, wait 15 years for indefinite leave to remain. No changes have been confirmed.
Congratulations to Anmol on Passing the SQE
Anmol has passed the Solicitors Qualifying Examination while continuing his work with our team.
Big Update: Modern Slavery Victims on Skilled Worker Visas Can Leave Abusive Employers and Work Elsewhere
On 3 September 2026 the Home Office laid a Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules which, according to the accompanying ministerial statement, will allow Skilled Worker visa holders who entered the UK legally and are recognised as victims of modern slavery to work in any occupation for the remaining validity of their visa. Here is what has been announced and what has not yet been published.
Global Talent Visa Expanded: More Than 100 UK Companies Can Now Back World-Class Researchers
From 6 August 2026, more than 100 research-intensive companies, including AstraZeneca, Jaguar Land Rover and Riverlane, can host and support researchers under the Global Talent visa through the UKRI endorsed funder pathway. Here is what the change means for researchers and for the businesses that want to bring them to the UK.
UK-India CETA Service Supplier Visa Explained (2026): Who Qualifies, the 1,800-Place Cap and the New 12-Month Stay
The UK-India trade agreement came into force on 15 July 2026, opening the Service Supplier visa to Indian professionals in more than 25 sectors. Stays can now run up to 12 months, with a separate annual cap of 1,800 places for Indian chefs, classical musicians and yoga instructors.
India Young Professionals Scheme: Final 2026 Ballot Opens 21 July. Here Is How to Enter
The India Young Professionals Scheme ballot of 2026 opens at 1:30pm IST on Tuesday 21 July and closes at 1:30pm IST on Thursday 23 July. Entry is free, and selected applicants get 90 days to apply for a 2 year UK visa. Here is who qualifies and how the ballot works.
Home Office May Exempt 1.6 Million Migrants from the 10-Year ILR Rule, The Times Reports
Migrants who arrived in the UK since 2021 could keep the five-year route to indefinite leave to remain under a compromise being considered by the Home Office, but they may face a longer wait before they can access benefits, according to a report in The Times.
New Rule: UK-Born Children of Graduate Route (PSW) Visa Holders Can Now Apply as Dependants
The Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules HC 259, laid before Parliament on 9 July 2026, allows a child born in the UK during a parent's Graduate route permission to apply as a dependant and be granted permission in line with the parent.
New Immigration Rule: People on Immigration Bail Can Now Apply for Permission to Stay if the Exception for Overstayers Applies
Under the Statement of Changes HC 259, laid before Parliament on 9 July 2026, an application will not be refused solely because the applicant is on immigration bail, provided the applicant is eligible under the Exception for Overstayers (SUI13.1). The application will instead be considered on its merits.