26 June 2008

UK visa sponsorship programme chosen

The Government announced yesterday it will be tightening UK visa restrictions and guidelines to deter visiting overseas family members from disregarding the conditions of their visas. Immigration Minister Liam Byrne’s proposal last year to ask for a £1,000 bond from any families being visited has been scrapped in favour of a new UK visa system.

New plans from the government include Britons now having to pay £5,000 if any foreign relative visitors breach their UK visa requirements. Mr Byrne said the moves would ensure the UK is "open and attractive for both businesses and visitors".

He added: "But at the same time we are determined to deliver a system of border security which is among the most secure in the world." A new sector of family visa has been created, meaning visitors will no longer apply under the general UK visa. The Telegraph has reported the plans could affect millions of people coming in on temporary UK visas.

Anyone interested in getting a better understanding of their current position under UK visa regulations should request a call from a qualified UK Visa Bureau migration consultant to see if they are eligible for migration to the UK, or call direct on Freephone 0800 043 7011. Alternatively, HSMP visa hopefuls should try taking the HSMP online assessment.