NEWS & ARTICLES
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UK Border Agency Points Based System Bad News for Lower Paid Skilled Migrants
09 May 2008
Lower paid overseas workers such as Senior Carers and most Nurses have no chance of qualifying to work in the UK under new rules announced by the UK Border Agency...
Yes, new doors are opening up for OFWs Overseas Filipino Workers
6 May 2008
It seems the UK Government are slamming the door in the faces of loyal and hardworking Pinoys, but new doors are opening in other countries such as Canada and USA.
Canada Immigration Opportunities
6 May 2008
Canada is one of the most desirable destinations for low and highly skilled migrants...
Eastern Europeans head back east says ippr study
30 April 2008
Half of the eastern European immigrants who arrived in Britain since they joined the European Union in 2004 have already left the UK
New Requirement for student visa extensions - Biometric Data
28 April 2008
The UK Border Agency announces additional requirements for students extending their stay in the UK, including the introduction of biometric data and Biometric Immigration Document.
Foreigners top Sunday Times Rich List
27 April 2008
Foreign born billionaires dominate the top 10 of the 2008 The Sunday Times Rich List...proves the case for a sensible immigration policy...Indian steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal 27.7 billion...
UK Migrants hit by Points-based system changes
26 April 2008
The UK Border Agency are introducing the points-based system (PBS)...but what will happen to those migrants already in the UK under concessions or transitional arrangements?
Gwyneth Dunwoody Dies
20 April 2008
Gwyneth Dunwoody, the longest serving female MP, died this week aged 77. Best known as a prominent backbencher, fighting for the rights of her constituents and taking up the cause of Senior Carer Work Permits.
BIA Consider out of time applications for Senior Carers with Expired Visas
26 March 2008
BIA has clarified transitional measures for senior care workers who were “unable to extend their permission to stay in the United Kingdom within the normal time limit”...
Press Announcement on Senior Carer Work Permits by Bison UK
26 March 2008
Bison has the jobs. Overseas Senior Carers have, until recently, been trapped in jobs with employers unable or unwilling to pay the new “going rate” salary required to renew their Work Permits.
Employers totally confused by UK immigration rules
19 march 2008
Many care sector employers are confused by the myriad of immigration rules, visa stamps and ‘Australian points based’ systems.
New Civil Penalties for employing illegal migrant workers will have teeth
18 March 2008
Civil penalties for employing illegal immigrants will be easier to impose than criminal charges.
Immigration rules for students are unrealistic warns Universities
18 March 2008
New immigration rules that require educational institutions to report all overseas students who miss lectures are unworkable.
UK Immigration rules too inflexible India warns
17 March 2008
Britain’s new points-based immigration system risks making it harder for India and other developing countries to export information technology systems to the UK.
New Points System starts for UK immigration starts for Tier 1
03 March 2008
The Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) launched its flagship points scheme last week, the biggest shake-up of the immigration system in 45 years, with the introduction of Tier 1 for highly skilled migrants.
Employers face £10000 fine for each illegal worker
28 February 2008
Employers, which includes individuals, could be hit with a fine of up to £10,000 for employing an illegal worker under new Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, from Friday 29 February...
HC321 Immigration Rule Change to Start Soon
20 February 2008
A statement of changes in Immigration Rules HC 321 was laid before Parliament on 6 February 2008...
Polish Worker numbers fall
19 February 2008
As the tide of Polish immigration starts to turn, the UK cannot rely solely on EU workers to fill the employment gaps.
Senior Carers in Immigration snakes and ladders
10 February
Senior Carers and other migrant workers in the UK are finding themselves in a Government sponsored game of "Immigration Snakes and Ladders"
BIA Remove medical occupations from national shortage list for work permits
08 February 2008
The BIA cuts 38 occupations from the national ‘shortage occupation’ list for work permits
BIA announce new immigration forms
08 February 2008
New and revised immigration application forms are to be introduced for applications.
New Points Based System Starts New Regime for Migration to Britain
07 February 2008
The Government has announced details of Britain's new points based immigration system (PBS) and 10 year ban for migrants who flout the immigration rules.
Filipino with Indefinite Leave Deported
02 February 2008
Young Filipino deported on ASBO offence highlights need to apply for British Citizenship.
UK Immigration fees to increase soon
31 January 2008
The Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) announce a general increase immigration fees.
BIA Issue Work Permits to Senior Carer Job movers
28 January 2008
Overseas Senior Carers can now switch jobs to employers willing to pay at least £7.02 per hour and the BIA are issuing Work Permits for job-movers.
UK Government response to Immigration Matters Senior Carer Work Permit petiton
23 January 2008
Read the offical response to the Save our Senior Carer (SOS) Prime Ministers petition signed by over 2400 people
Home Office and Border and Immigration Agency Work Permit Forms and Website
23 January 2008
For Home Office and BIA information and forms advanced search facility visit...
UK VISA VAF Forms
23 January 2008
For more information on UK Visas and VAF Forms go to...
BIA announce new measures for Senior Carer Work Permits 18 January 2008
The Border and Immigration Agency has today published revised ‘transitional arrangements’ for Senior Carers.
14 January 2008
Foreigners to be Fingerprinted
Visa Nationals – overseas visitors from countries requiring a visa to enter the UK - are now having their fingerprints taken in an attempt to control illegal immigration.
08 January 2008
Overstaying students cannot remain in UK contrary to press reports
Alarming stories have appeared today in The Daily Mail and on the BBC website giving the impression that the government is turning a 'blind eye' to overstaying students.
21 December 2007
Immigration Matters 2007 'Round Up' Report
Not a good year for UK migrants as Government tightens rules
18 December 2007
New Restrictions on Visitor Visas Announced by Home Office
Will new measures to "strengthen" visitor visas conditions prevent illegal immigration or just scare off tourists?
18 December 2007
Free Senior Carer Surgery Extended
Due to unprecedented demand Bison UK adds extra days after Christmas for its FREE IMMIGRATION ADVICE SURGERY.
14 December 2007
Good News for Senior Carers as UK Government Reviews Policy
The Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) is set to offer a lifeline to the thousands of overseas Senior Carers who have lost their jobs due to the BIA’s “minimum salary” requirement.
13 December 2007
Urgent Press Announcement on Senior Carers by Bison Management UK
Cynthia Barker and her team congratulate all those who have supported the Senior Carer’s campaign.
07 December 2007
BBC Report Care Workers Forced to Leave UK
BBC Wales has reported that many Filipino care workers across Wales may be forced to leave the UK because of a change in immigration rules.
07 December 2007
Want to Marry a Foreigner? Make Sure they can Speak English
The UK will introduce English tests for foreign nationals seeking to marry Britons.
06 December 2007
Home Office to Simplify Immigration Law
The Home Office has revealed proposals to use a new Government Bill to simplify immigration law.
23 November 2007
Buying A Care Home Could Mean Changing Every Work Permit
When a Care Home changes hands the existing Work Permits may become invalid: The day you complete the purchase of a care home is obviously a cause for celebration. But before you pop the champagne, you may want to check how many of the existing ‘Senior Care’ and nursing staff are on Work Permits, because you could find that their Work Permits are no longer valid you are employing them illegally.
23 November 2007
ANNOUNCEMENT - New College Launched To Accomodate The Growing Market For NVQ Students
A new college will be launched this week to accommodate the growing market for overseas students wishing to study in the UK and for UK based students taking up vocational training courses.
22 November 2007
The BIA Gets Tough On Illegal Working
The UK Borders ACT received the Royal Assent this month. A new UK Border Agency will incorporate the BIA, which has only been in existence for a matter of months, UK Visas and Customs at ports.
15 November 2007
Home Office Accused Of Covering Up Illegal Immigrants Jobs Fiasco
A new immigration scandal hit the Government last weekend, when Sunday newspapers revealed that thousands of security guards have been working illegally in Britain, including one allegedly guarding the Prime Minister's car.
12 November 2007
How To Get A Student Visa
Despite the fact that student visas are being issued every day by British Embassies all over the world, refusal rates in poorer countries remain high.
09 November 2007
English Language Tests To Be Introduced Under Points Based System
The new points based system will take effect during the first quarter of 2008. The 5 tier system, replacing the 80 current migration schemes, will “manage the flow of individuals wishing to come to or remain in the United Kingdom to work, train or study”, and will be phased in over the next couple of years.
08 November 2007
Gwyneth Dunwoody Files "Early Day Motion" On Behalf Of Senior Carers
In a report which first appeared in Balita Pinoy, Labour Member of Parliament (MP) for Crewe and Nantwich, Gwyneth Dunwoody, has filed an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons this week.
02 November 2007
Should Home Secretary Say 'Sorry' For Extra Working Migrants?
In a BBC interview Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, said she was "sorry" after the Government admitted it had got its figures wrong on the increase in foreign nationals working in the UK.
26 October 2007
Gwyneth Dunwoody MP Slams Immigration Minister On Senior Carer Work Permit Fiasco
Gwyneth Dunwoody MP launched an astonishing attack on the Home Office over its shambolic and incompetent handling of Senior Carer Work Permits in a 30 minute Parliamentary Debate earlier this week.
25 October 2007
Not Every Immigration Case Will Fit Neatly Into The Points-Based System
With just a few months to go before the Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) starts to phase in the ‘points-based’ scheme, there is still confusion over how some application categories will fit in to the new system.
24 October 2007
ANNOUNCEMENT - Alliance of Filipino Organisations to hold rally for Senior Carers in Trafalgar Square, London, on 03 November 2007
The Alliance of Filipino Organisations would like to invite all members and friends to support our Senior Carers Campaign by joining the NHS Rally which will be held on Saturday, 3 November 2007.
18 October 2007
Student Visa Appeal Success
At the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal (AIT) today, Bison UK’s appeal team scored another victory for justice against unfair entry clearance refusals.
16 October 2007
Migration Adds 6 Billion To UK Economy Says Liam Byrne
The Immigration Minister, Liam Byrne, pledged a ‘new balance in migration policy’ during a speech to public servants in Essex this week.
15 October 2007
Romanian Fined £1000 For Working Illegally
In a story which first appeared in the Richmond and Twickenham Times, it was reported that a Romanian citizen has been fined for illegally working as a painter at a Hampton supermarket.
12 October 2007
IOM gives free flights and support to overstaying migrants
Migrants who find themselves stranded in a country without money and a valid visa can seek support from their Embassy or migrant organisations.
09 October 2007
Britain may allow nearly half a million failed asylum seekers to stay under new amnesty scheme
In an attempt to clear the backlog of 450,000 cases of immigrants, who were refused refugee status but not removed from the country, Ministers are planning a controversial back-door amnesty scheme to regularise their stay.
07 October 2007
7 Tips For Senior Carers Trapped In Work Permit Lottery
The UK Government's insistence that Senior Carer Work Permits can only be renewed on a new minimum salary of £7.02 per hour has left thousands of overseas workers facing an uncertain future and job "lottery", as employers decide their fate.
28 September 2007
Carers Still In Short Supply In Uk As Employers Look To Romania And Bulgaria
I am currently in the beautiful and sunny city of Bucharest, meeting with leading Romanian manpower agencies. Thousands of Romanian and Bulgarian workers have entered the UK since they joined the EU in January 2007, according to UK reports.
25 September 2007
Migrants 'Should Pay For Services' Says Trevor Phillips
Trevor Phillips, of the Commission for Equality, said that migrants who stay in the UK only for a short time should pay more for the use of schools and hospitals, the Daily Telegraph reports.
23 September 2007
Home Office Announces Chair of Migration Advisory Committee
Home Office Press Release: The Home Secretary committed to placing independent advice at the heart of immigration decisions today as she announced that Professor David Metcalf has been appointed as the Chair of the new Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).
20 September 2007
Immigration To The UK Drops, Whilst Record Numbers Leave
Record numbers of people are leaving Britain at the same time as immigration is slowing down, according to figures from the Office of National Statistics.
15 September 2007
EU to introduce European 'Blue Card' immigration scheme
Britain may be indirectly forced by the EU to open its borders to an extra 20-million workers from Asia and Africa.
09 September 2007
Migrants to be forced to learn English under new rules to be announced
Thousands of immigrant workers will be forced to learn English before they are allowed into the UK, the BBC reports.
04 September 2007
Southern Cross To Axe 1000 Overseas Senior Carers Due To Work Permit Renewal Problems
Up to one thousand non-EU Senior Carers employed by Southern Cross will be forced to leave the UK, unless the Border and Immigration Agency backs down on minimum pay ruling, according to Chief Executive Philip Scott.
23 August 2007
Work Permit Renewal Success For Senior Carers
Senior Carer Work Permit renewals are finally being granted by the Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) after months of campaigning.
17 August 2007
Senior Carer Work Permits Special Meeting
If you have been affected or concerned about this issue, there will be a special meeting on: 25 August 2007, 2-5 pm. St. John’s Nottinghill, Lansdowne Crescent, London W11 2NN. I will be speaking at the meeting organised by the Alliance of Filipino Organisations...
16 August 2007
Employers Refuse To Pay Higher Salaries To Senior Carers To Extend Work Permits
Migrant care workers’ hopes of being spared from deportation are being dashed by their employer’s reluctance to swallow the bitter pill of higher pay, as prescribed by the Border and Immigration Agency (BIA)
13 August 2007
Home Office Backs Down On Deportations - Victory For Senior Care Workers
The Home Office has finally announced new guidelines on Senior Carer Work Permits, signalling a dramatic turn around of events.
13 August 2007
Border and Immigration Agency Announcement - Bulgarian and Romanian Workers
In a document entitled: "Controlled Access To UK Labour Market For Romanians and Bulgarians", the Government is inviting contributions aimed at gathering evidence related to the restrictions placed on Romanian and Bulgarian migrant workers since January 2007.
12 August 2007
Senior Carers to be given reprieve
The Government will shortly make an announcement on the future of the estimated 25,000 Senior Carers working in the UK Care Industry, according to an article in the ‘Philippine Inquirer’ yesterday.
10 August 2007
English Community Care Association Press Release
The English Community Care Association (ECCA), the leading representative body for independent care homes, has met with the National Care Association and the Registered Nursing Homes Association. The three associations said:
10 August 2007
UNISON Appeals for Urgent Action over Care Worker Deportations
Unison is calling on the Government to take "urgent action to stop the wholesale deportation of much needed, highly skilled senior care workers".
09 August 2007
Rule Change Unfair to Skilled Migrant Workers says Parliamentary Report
Thousands of skilled migrants will face deportation from the UK following the Government’s unlawfull and unfair change to the rules allowing them into the country, a parliamentary committee says.
07 August 2007
Senior Carer Crisis - How to Write to your MP
As part of action taken to fight the senior carers, crisis, we have suggested that overseas workers, employers and supporters should write and ask for the support of their Member of Parliament (MPs), but many of our readers have asked for suggestions on what to say. Please use the attached template (or edit as you wish) to write to your Member of Parliament. |