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Source: theguardian.com

Published: 1 September 2023

Suella Braverman’s visa restrictions on people from Dominica, Honduras, Namibia and Timor-Leste are an overreaction to the practice of granting citizenship by investment

The move by the British home secretary Suella Braverman to impose visa restrictions on people from Dominica, Honduras, Namibia, Timor-Leste and Vanuatu has reflected again the tendency to employ a sledgehammer to crack a nut when managing immigration and border security.

In July, Braverman expressed concerns about the way Dominica and Vanuatu administer their citizenship by investment (CBI) schemes – so-called golden visas – citizenship in exchange for financial inputs in the host country.

According to her, these two Commonwealth countries have been conferring citizenship on individuals recognised as security risks to the UK. Braverman failed to identify these dangerous people.

Her decision has been met with scepticism. Critics contend that the numbers involved in these countries are scarcely large enough to warrant such measures. The move appears to disproportionately target black and brown-majority nations, raising concerns again about the justice in Britain’s immigration policies.

Against a backdrop of anti-migrant sentiment, the step aligns with the UK government’s normalising of restrictive immigration policies, distracting from the cost-of-living crisis, public transport strikes, NHS issues and economic inequality. The focus on externalising immigration challenges ignores migration as an issue that requires a more thoughtful and comprehensive approach.

It also prompts a closer examination of citizenship by investment schemes. Transparency International, a global civil society organisation that campaigns against corruption, has previously highlighted problems in Europe, stating: “Golden passport and visa schemes have turned EU citizenship and residency rights into a luxury good: with enough money, anyone can buy in.

It adds: “This is a particularly attractive prospect for criminals and the corrupt – and numerous scandals have proven they are taking advantage. These EU golden passport and visa schemes are not about genuine investment or migration – but about serving corrupt interests.”

The problem is insidious in the Caribbean, which has become a magnet for members of super-rich elites from the US and Europe seeking to take advantage of vulnerable nations to satisfy their need to create more wealth at the expense of the climate crisis, human rights and equality.

Golden visas have gained traction in Caribbean islands, especially those heavily dependant on tourism and foreign direct investment.

Advocates argue that CBIs can stimulate economic growth, create jobs and benefit local economies and infrastructure. Attracting overseas investment can provide valuable sources of funding for public services and development, benefiting both citizen and immigrant, and countries can diversify beyond tourism and agriculture. But they come with their own set of challenges.

They often require property investment, which can bolster real estate markets but exacerbate wealth inequality, catapulting house prices beyond the reach of local people. Providing privileges to the wealthy deepens the divide between elites and locals.

Citizenship scheme income helps to support hospitality, infrastructure, banking and youth development projects

This is especially true for countries belonging to the Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States – Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Martinique and Guadeloupe.

Reports from the International Monetary Fund show CBIs contributed nearly 30% of GDP for Dominica and 25% for St Kitts and Nevis in 2022. Citizenship scheme income helps to support hospitality, infrastructure, banking and youth development projects. CBI revenues have been pivotal in aiding these countries during Covid.

However, without robust background checks and enhanced due diligence, the risk of corruption, money laundering and illicit activities increases. The rush to attract foreign investments can make economies more vulnerable to external economic shocks and national security concerns.

A report last year by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project highlighted one of the best-known firms enabling these passport sales, Henley & Partners, whose chairman Christian Kälin has been dubbed the “Passport King”. The report illustrated the number of CBI applicants from countries including Russia, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Armenia and Nigeria attempting to gain citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis.

Golden visa holders are often subject to tax in the host country. Income, property and other taxes bring other revenue streams. Tax evaders have ingeniously employed CBIs to obscure financial misconduct. Essentially, these individuals exploit tax havens to evade their obligations, relying on the host’s cooperation to reduce discovery risk. A key complicating factor is the acquisition of foreign citizenship as a safeguard against detection, a strategy favoured by the wealthiest tax evaders.

CBIs wield a transformative influence, redefining tax evasion in two ways: by reducing detection, thereby curtailing potential penalties from high-tax jurisdictions, and disrupting the international framework of tax information exchange, diverting potential revenue. This allows countries offering golden visas a discreet influence over global tax information-sharing initiatives.

The privileges conferred by investment visas vary significantly from country to country and even within programmes in the same nation. Generally, golden visas are premised on a significant financial investment, but specific rights and limitations can differ. Some convey rights to work, start a business or give access to services such as healthcare and education.

Caribbean nations need to strike a balance between attracting investment and safeguarding their interests

Some countries require a period of residency before granting voting rights, while others might not offer them at all to golden visa holders. This has led to controversy in the Caribbean where there have been allegations of using citizenship by investment for electoral manipulation.

The retired supervisor of elections in St Kitts and Nevis, Elvin Bailey, expressed concern that CBI holders were being allowed to vote. It has also been reported that a large number of Indian nationals, who are also Commonwealth citizens, and Chinese nationals, have been granted CBIs in St Kitts and Nevis that confer voting rights and ultimately allegiance to whichever administration dispenses these visas. Some were found to be involved in corruption and criminal activities.

Caribbean nations need to strike a balance between attracting investment and safeguarding their interests. In implementing robust procedures, including criminal background and funding source checks, they can ensure that those seeking these visas are genuinely contributing to society, and maintain the credibility of schemes.

Braverman’s approach to immigration raises questions about the UK’s commitment to equitable policies. Meanwhile, the Caribbean’s investment visa programmes offer economic opportunities but need to to address due diligence concerns related to inequality, alongside fraud, tax evasion and national security.

As the world grapples with issues of migration, corruption and governance, it becomes paramount for countries to wield more nuanced approaches to immigration, not the blunt force of sledgehammers.

Source: nationnews.com

Published: 1 September 2023

Grenada Friday announced adjustment to its Citizenship By Investment  (CBI) programme that will result in foreign investors having to pay more interviews under the initiative.

The Dickon Mitchell government said all interviewing fees will now be US$1000 while the due diligence fee for dependent parents aged 65 and over has increased from US$250 to US$5000.

“These Regulations shall come into force on the first day of September,” said the notice in the official Gazette signed by Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, who is the minister responsible for citizenship.

There is also the introduction of a financial sponsor interviewing fee of US$1000.

One local agent explained that the financial sponsor is someone sponsoring an applicant cost. “Usually the sponsor pays the fee, so in that case not only the applicant is interviewed but also the financial sponsor,” the agent explained.

Grenada is one of several countries with CBI programmes through which foreign investors are granted citizenship in return for making a substantial investment in the socio-economic development of the country.

In the first six months of this year, Grenada earned EC$157 million (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) under the CBI, but issues related to due diligence and the management of these programmes have raised concerns with countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States (US).

In July, the US and EU authorities made specific recommendations to Caribbean nations that have CBI programmes, to further strengthen high levels of background checks, prevent money laundering and tax evasion.

Among the recommendations are in-person interviews and the minimum investment thresholds be increased, with a minimum of US$200 000, per single applicant  for applications under the donation option and a minimum of US$400 000 for real estate investments.

Source: immigtoronto.com

Published: 29 August 2023

Within the span of April 2022 to March 2023, Canada attracts over 32000 global tech workers in a year. This insight originates from a recent study conducted by The Technology Councils of North America (TECNA) and Canada’s Tech Network (CTN).

The following parts will cover the comprehensive report provided by TECNA and CTN in more detail. This research provides an in-depth examination of the dynamic landscape within Canada’s tech industry. It highlights crucial topics, including top locations for tech employees nationwide.

Gaining insights from the TECNA and CTN report

According to the report’s results, Canada has attracted a sizable number of IT employees. Mostly due to its laws favoring immigration and its affordable labor market. The study by TECNA and CTN, which attempts to comprehend the effects of globalization on migration of tech occupations in North America, shows that the move to remote work has compelled tech professionals to leave traditional tech hubs. The report claims that the COVID-19 pandemic has had some influence on this occurrence.

The paper emphasizes the significant net in-migration of international tech talent to Canada, with India, Nigeria, and Brazil serving as important source nations. Additionally, increased investments from U.S.-based tech companies can be linked to Canada’s booming tech sector. These investments are motivated in part by proximity to the U.S. and favorable wage differences.

Canada reported an astounding total of over 400,000 software engineers in 2022. It demonstrating that the growth of the country’s tech workforce extends beyond key markets. Surprisingly, even smaller jurisdictions like Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador have had impressive development, with their tech workforces seeing a significant increase of 16.3% from year to year.

Smaller rural Canadian hubs, such as Windsor, Ontario, have additionally emerged as focal points for the expansion of the tech workforce. Windsor has seen the highest growth over the past year—a notable 28% increase—reflecting the trend toward rural settings, which is partly attributed to the rise in remote work across North America.

The joint report from TECNA and CTN is significant since it emphasizes the crucial tech skills required in Canada. These include Customer Experience, Customer Relationship Management, Microsoft Azure, Analytical Skills, Amazon Web Services, React.js, Jira, Data Science, and GitHub. This insightful information is important for international tech professionals who are thinking about relocating to Canada in the near future.

Canada attracts 32000 global tech workers in a year – Canada’s most attractive tech hubs

The extensive TECNA/CTN analysis, which outlined a ranking that prominently featured two Ontario (ON) cities and one Quebec (QUE) city among the top three spots, further highlighted Canada’s alluring tech towns.

When the order was revealed, the research put Mississauga (ON) in the coveted top spot, followed closely by Montreal (QUE) and Waterloo (ON). The peculiar qualities that make each of these places a draw for tech talent. Particularly among newbies to the field. It will next be thoroughly explored.

Mississauga

Mississauga is a noteworthy city that is home to a growing IT industry with an astounding collection of approximately 1,000 enterprises. These only pertain to the information technology (IT) industry. The city stands out because it is a key component of the second-largest information and communication technology (ICT) cluster in North America. With over 300,000 skilled tech professionals located there. The presence of well-known international IT behemoths like Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, HP, and Cognizant adds to the city’s attraction. Mississauga gains from strong local governance programs that support tech innovation. One such initiative is the Mississauga Innovation and Technology Acceleration Program (MITAP). It provides funding, coaching, and tools to regional businesses.

Mississauga fosters a number of emerging IT companies, including SOTI, Guidewire Software, HCL Technologies, and Infosys. It embody growth and potential. The city is predicted to have amazing growth as its population would increase to about 995,000 people by 2051. It is a stunning 33% increase from 2016. This steady development demonstrates Mississauga’s dedication to encouraging and advancing a steady influx of digital talent, securing its status as a key hub for the foreseeable future.

Montreal

Tucked away in Montreal is one of Canada’s most vibrant innovation ecosystems. It has significantly grown by over 31% between 2015 and 2020. Montreal is notable for being the second-largest tech sector in the country. As well as for being a key hub for artificial intelligence (AI) and information technology (IT). This city has a big impact because it is a strategic operating hub for multinational corporations like Google, Microsoft, Meta, Samsung, and Intel.

With over 200 studios, including well-known brands like Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, and WB Games. Montreal is renowned for its work in the game development industry and plays a significant role in the country’s gaming industry.

Montreal serves as a productive environment for growing prosperous tech businesses. Companies like CGI, Hopper, Element AI, Imagia, and Nuvei are on the list of winners. The city also commands attention for its thriving startup-focused events, like Startupfest and MTL Connect: Montreal Digital Week. Currently, around 18,000 students are enrolled in tech programs in and around Montreal, showcasing the academic strength of Quebec. As well as the city’s extensive support for the expansion and innovation of the tech sector.

Waterloo

Waterloo is recognized as a thriving and constantly developing tech cluster, with over 1,570 tech-focused businesses and industry giants like BlackBerry and D2L supporting its strength. This city’s ranking in the top 20 start-up ecosystems worldwide is evidence of its vibrant innovation scene.

Strong intellectual foundations, fostered by organizations like the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, and Conestoga College, are what are driving Waterloo’s trajectory. This intellectual synergy can foster and nurture a skilled local IT workforce. Waterloo’s superior quality of life complements this academic environment, producing an alluring environment for luring and keeping top talent—a trait that helps explain its remarkable ICT start-up survival rate, which is over double the global industry average.

Additionally, Waterloo’s significance is underscored by its attractiveness for substantial venture capital investment. It provides a definitive stamp of approval to its growing prominence as an emerging Canadian tech hub.

Canada attracts 32000 global tech workers in a year – Efforts made by Canada

Understanding the in-depth information provided by the aforementioned TECNA/CTN report requires acknowledging Canada’s sincere efforts to attract international IT talent. The government achieves this goal through two crucial channels. The recently developed Tech Talent Strategy and the sophisticated approach of conducting category-based Express Entry draws. Together, these two strategic goals reinforce the growing tech sector’s penetration across Canada, supporting the flood of knowledgeable IT workers.

The Government of Canada’s digital Talent Strategy stands out as a brilliant strategic move. It is prepared to advance the country along its path to becoming a “leader in global tech talent recruitment. This directive intends to create a strong ecosystem. Moreover, it attracts creative thinkers and knowledgeable tech professionals, creating an environment where they may flourish and make a major contribution.

• Introducing an Innovation Stream within the International Mobility Program (IMP).
• Showcasing Canada as an appealing hub for digital nomads.
• Enhancing labor mobility across North America by establishing an efficient work permit for US H-1B specialty occupation visa holders (for entry into Canada).
• Elevating current initiatives tailored to high-skill tech workers.

Express Entry draws categorized for tech roles

IRCC began holding category-based Express Entry draws on June 28, 2023, with a focus on federal immigration candidates who reflect the most important economic and demographic needs of Canada. In the year 2023, one of the six designated categories is specifically earmarked for immigrants who possess work experience in the domains of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This tactical choice is perfectly in line with Canada’s strategic objective of attracting a larger influx of foreign tech talent to its shores.

As of the time of writing, IRCC has only conducted one category-specific draw for this cohort. It took place on July 5th, 2023. IRCC sent invitations to 500 candidates who completed the requirement in this case. Also, those who scored at least 486 on the CRS. These invitations offer candidates the opportunity to submit applications for Canadian permanent residence.

Source: financialpost.com

Published: 29 August 2023

The Commonwealth of Dominica has taken significant steps to bolster the security and management protocols for its Citizenship by Investment Programme, aimed at fortifying the integrity and longevity of the programme. 

Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit, the Prime Minister of Dominica, has been collaborating closely with various stakeholders, including international consultants, to conduct a comprehensive audit of the investment migration programme. Building on an initial audit undertaken last year by a UK consulting firm, the government has been actively implementing new and improved processes through the Citizenship by Investment Unit. 

During his recent Budget Speech, the Prime Minister unveiled plans to enlist a globally vetted management consulting firm to oversee the overall operations and management of the Citizenship by Investment Programme. While Dominica already boasts a proactive due diligence process, the government is committed to its further reinforcement, vowing “to leave no stone unturned to strengthen it.” 

“We take this matter very seriously and will increase our efforts in showcasing our robust due diligence and risk mitigation efforts on all fronts.” the Prime Minister affirmed. 

Over the past 18 months, the Government of Dominica has undertaken several measures to elevate the security of its investment migration programme. 

A United States-based firm has already conducted anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing training for all Citizenship by Investment Unit staff as the Unit undergoes restructuring. The CBIU was restructured under the supervision of an expert compliance officer to ensure that all procedures were updated, quality control measures strictly followed, and all IT systems upgraded. 

The government made a bold move at the start of the year, giving notice of its intent to revoke the citizenship of those who made false declarations or misrepresentations in their applications, particularly relating to previous visa rejections from countries with which Dominica has visa-free treaties. 

Dominica has also introduced biometric travel documents and updated its naturalisation certificate, enhancing its security features. 

Citizens of the Kurdistan region in Iraq, Russia and Belarus do not qualify for citizenship in Dominica as international security authorities have flagged the regions as high risk. Moreover, the government introduced legislation providing an enhanced due diligence fee for applicants from specific countries. This enhanced due diligence fee offers the government additional resources to thoroughly scrutinise applicants from these countries. 

The country also issued regulations to restrict citizens from changing their names. 

Dominica has distinguished itself as the first Caribbean country to implement mandatory interviews as part of the citizenship by investment application process – a requirement agreed upon with the United States at a roundtable earlier this year. 

“We also devised a new rigorous risk assessment and hired firms from the United States and the United Kingdom to begin interviews with all CBI applicants,” Prime Minister Skerrit said in the Parliament. 

In addition to international firms in the US and UK conducting due diligence checks, Dominica’s Financial Intelligence Unit will also assist with the due diligence process. This includes reporting rejected applicants to the JRCC monthly and permitting the JRCC to share that information with the other CBI jurisdictions in the OECS. 

Dominica is leading discussions in the region to collaborate on safeguarding the citizenship by investment industry; and has taken measures to emphasise its dedication to cooperating with global stakeholders and enhance the due diligence process to reduce threats from illicit actors.  

In addition to these recent changes, new risk mitigation actions include: 

• Thorough assessment and reduction of the number of agents and promoters of the country’s Citizenship by Investment Programme, who will be strictly monitored, along with developers, to ensure compliance with current regulations governing the advertisement of Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme.
• Strict enforcement of regulated citizenship fees to prevent any undercutting.
• Strengthening of policies and legislation to maintain competitiveness and alignment with international best practices.

Dominica’s rigorous due diligence and vetting processes make it extremely difficult for any illicit individual to qualify for citizenship. Background checks occur on the ground where the applicant lives and works, via online databases and now in person. 

The Prime Minister has reiterated that Dominica will maintain robust due diligence processes to ensure the country meets international standards and alleviates any security concerns. 

“We have fresh impetus to go back and relook where we can do even better in giving our international counterparts confidence in our security measures – which are already some of the most robust in the world compared to other jurisdictions,” he said. 

Source: fragomen.com

Published: 29 August 2023

From August 28, 2023, the German Embassy in North Macedonia commenced using the visa service provider Visametric to process “Western Balkans Regulation” visa applications. Applications under this quota-limited program – which allows eligible Northern Macedonian nationals (among other nationalities) to access temporary work visas in Germany – must now be submitted to Visametric, and are now subject to an additional fee of EUR 37.50 in addition to the existing visa fee of EUR 75. Despite Visametric now processing the applications, the Embassy retains the exclusive power to assess and determine such visa requests. Applicants still need to attend a visa appointment with the Embassy, and such appointments continue to be allocated via a lottery system. All other visa types (including family reunification, skilled immigration or tourism) still need to be submitted directly to the Embassy. This change seeks to simplify application procedures.

Source: bbc.com

Published: 15 July 2023

The number of modern slavery cases reported within the UK care industry has more than doubled in the past year.

There were 109 potential victims, exploited for personal or financial gain, between January and March – twice as many as the same period in 2022.

BBC File on 4 obtained the figures from the government-approved anti-slavery helpline, run by charity Unseen.

Investigators trying to protect workers from being exploited say the care industry is now a “top priority”.

The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) – whose role is to protect workers from labour exploitation across the UK – told us there were 17 ongoing care sector investigations and that it was looking at more than 300 pieces of intelligence.

Unseen says the rise in calls about the care sector in the past 12 months is because the government has made it easier for overseas social care staff to work in the UK post-Brexit – and fill thousands of job vacancies.

As the supply chain gets bigger, there’s more chance for exploitation – says the charity.

In the year to March, the government had issued 102,000 skilled worker, health and care visas to foreign workers – that’s up 171% on the previous year. In a statement, it told File on 4 that more than £17.8m had been spent policing modern slavery since 2016.

It’s very rare to hear from a victim of modern slavery in person, but one woman who came to the UK on a work visa – and was forced to work gruelling hours as a carer – has told us her story.

Still frightened of her former employers, we’re calling her Terri to protect her identity.

Recruited by an agency in her home country in Africa, Terri was offered work in the UK as a domiciliary carer. The agency told her it would arrange her work visa and transport.

She was interviewed in person, took an English test, and had to provide proof of her work experience. She was promised a job as a care assistant in the UK through a care company. She was told she would earn up to £29,000.

For Terri, who was in an abusive marriage, the job was the perfect opportunity to escape with her three children.

“Butterflies were going through me, it was one of the best days of my life,” she says.

Terri brought her mother with her to the UK, so she could look after Terri’s children. Although Terri would be provided with somewhere to stay through the care company, depending on where she was asked to work, the children and their grandmother went into private rented accommodation.

Terri told us she found her work hours gruelling – up to 20 hours a day – and that she often worked seven days a week. The car she had been promised to travel between clients did not materialise, so she had to walk to appointments.

When Terri eventually received her wages from the company two months later, it worked out at less than £2 an hour, which is illegal. Care workers (aged 23 or over) must be paid at least the National Living Wage of £10.42 – for their time at appointments, plus travel time to and from the office.

Terri complained to the care company but it threatened to stop her work and cancel her visa.

She says other carers she got to know also warned her that the firm’s owner had political links in her home country.

“That makes him very dangerous where we come from – you don’t want to go against someone like that,” she told us.

Her low pay meant she was unable to continue paying rent for her mum and children – and they were forced to leave their accommodation.

Terri was on a night shift while her mother and children spent the night on the streets. They were spotted by a member of the public and Terri was reported to social services.

When they asked to see her rota they were shocked. “This is too much, this is insane,” she says they told her.

Social services helped Terri get placed in the National Referral Mechanism, the government system set up to identify and support victims of modern slavery.

She and her family are now in accommodation provided by social services. Terri is now seeking asylum in the UK – and until a decision is made she isn’t allowed to work.

The Home Office has told her she has “reasonable grounds” to prove she was a victim of modern slavery.

The care company Terri worked for is currently being investigated by another government department over the UK’s skilled worker visa scheme, says Ian Waterfield, Head of Enforcement at the government-sponsored GLAA. He says the care industry has gone from “not being on their radar” to becoming a “top priority” in the past 18 months.

Modern slavery has infiltrated several employment sectors – including construction and car washes.

The total number of potential victims referred to the Home Office through the National Referral Mechanism in 2022 was almost 17,000 – the highest number ever recorded.

The National Police Chief’s Council told us it had a dedicated team leading work to “understand and tackle” the problem – and that currently there were more than 3,500 active investigations across England and Wales.

However, prosecuting cases is difficult. Last year, England and Wales police forces logged nearly 10,000 cases. But half of these were closed because offenders couldn’t be tracked down and less than 2% resulted in charges.

“Victims of modern slavery are extremely vulnerable,” says Sara Thornton, the former Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner.

“They will be in terror of the people who’ve trafficked or enslaved them, who will tell them there’s no point going to the police or the local authority or a charity because they won’t support you.”

Ms Thornton says the Illegal Migration Bill – which passed into law last week – will make it even harder to support vulnerable victims. The new law allows the government to legally detain and remove all people who unlawfully enter the UK.

She believes traffickers will use this to persuade their victims not to go to the police, adding that she thinks it is “a grave, grave concern” that there is currently no anti-slavery commissioner in place.

Terri is still haunted by her experience. “There are times when I still have nightmares about what went down at that job,” she says.

She now wants to qualify as a nurse.

Correction: Based on GLAA figures, an earlier version of this article stated there were 300 ongoing care sector investigations. The GLAA has since corrected that figure to us, to 17 investigations and more than 300 pieces of intelligence. The article has been updated accordingly.

Source: questions-statements.parliament.uk

Published: 19 July 2023

Statement made by Suella Braverman, The Secretary of State for the Home Department

I am today laying before the House a Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules.

Imposition of a Visa Regime on Dominica, Honduras, Namibia, Timor-Leste, and Vanuatu

We are today imposing a visa requirement on all visitors from Dominica, Honduras, Namibia, Timor-Leste and Vanuatu. Nationals of these countries will also be required to obtain a Direct Airside Transit Visa if they intend to transit via the UK having booked travel to another country.

Careful consideration of Dominica’s and Vanuatu’s operation of a citizenship by investment scheme has shown clear and evident abuse of the scheme, including the granting of citizenship to individuals known to pose a risk to the UK. From Honduras and Namibia there has been a sustained and significant increase in the number of UK asylum applications being made by these nationals, who have abused the provision to visit the UK for a limited period as non-visa nationals in order to claim asylum. As such, Namibians and Hondurans rank first amongst non-visa nationals for asylum claims. These high numbers are unsustainable, contributing significantly to operational pressures which have resulted in frontline resource being diverted from other operational priorities. Lastly, there has been a sustained increase in the number of Timorese nationals arriving at the UK border as non-genuine visitors, often with the intention to fraudulently claim EU Settlement Scheme status as dependants or to work illegally in the UK.

Arrangements are in place so that the nationals of these countries can apply for visas. We are also publicising the changes so travellers are aware and can plan accordingly. There will be a four-week, visa-free transition period for those who hold confirmed bookings to the UK made on or before 1500 BST 19 July 2023 where arrival in the UK is no later than 16 August 2023. We have arrangements in hand to provide visas for diplomats from these countries currently working at the embassy in London.

The decision to impose these visa requirements has been taken solely for migration and border security reasons and is not a sign of poor relations with these countries. Any decision to change a visa regime is not taken lightly and we keep our border and immigration system under regular review to ensure it continues to work in the UK national interest.

The changes to the Immigration Rules will come into force at 3pm today.