IMPACT — MEDIUM

‌The Home Office has announced several immigration-related updates, including the submission timeline for the second ballot of the India Young Professionals Scheme, the allowance of 10- and 11-year-old children to use passport eGates, and the end of visa-exempt travel to the United Kingdom from five countries.

‌Key Points:

  • The second ballot for 2023’s India Young Professionals Scheme visas opened on July 25 and closes on July 27. Successful entries will be chosen randomly and winners will be notified via email within two weeks of the ballot closing. Potential applicants should confirm their eligibility before entering.
  • Children ages 10 and 11 are now permitted to use eGates to travel through the border at 15 air and rail ports. The change will allow families with children these ages to enter the country more quickly using expedited passport processing.
  • Officials rescinded visa-exempt travel for nationals from five countries: Dominica, Honduras, Namibia, Timor-Leste and Vanuatu. These nationals now must obtain a visa in order to enter the United Kingdom. Individuals who booked travel to the United Kingdom before July 19 will be permitted to enter the country before Aug. 16; after that date, they will require a visa regardless of when they booked travel.

Additional Information: As BAL reported last week, the U.K. has also announced significant increases in some immigration fees and the immigration health surcharge. Officials have not yet announced when these measures will take effect, though it is likely they could take effect in Fall 2023. Employers may consider pushing through applications between now and then to take advantage of the current, lower fees. BAL will continue following the pending increases and will provide information as it becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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