The UK government has announced significant updates to its immigration rules, which include the reintroduction of a visa requirement for all Colombian visitors and changes to the Ukraine visa schemes.
A 63-page statement outlining the changes has been published, along with a 10-page explanatory memorandum. These documents are available on the GOV.UK website.
New Visa Requirement for Colombian Nationals
Starting at 3:00 PM GMT today, all visitors from Colombia will be required to apply for a visa before entering the UK. Colombian nationals transiting through the UK to another destination will also need to secure a Direct Airside Transit Visa.
This decision reverses a policy change made in November 2022 that had lifted the visa requirement for Colombians. The UK government explained that there has been a “significant and sustained increase” in the number of Colombians arriving for purposes not permitted under visitor rules, such as seeking asylum or working without authorization. This surge has put additional strain on border operations, leading to a rise in asylum claims and refusals at the UK border.
As a result, the UK has reinstated the visa requirement to manage migration and enhance border security. Colombian nationals with confirmed bookings to the UK before 3:00 PM GMT today will still be able to travel without a visa, provided they arrive no later than 3:00 PM GMT on 24 December 2024.
Changes to Ukraine Schemes
In response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the UK government is expanding its support for Ukrainian nationals. Nearly 250,000 people have arrived in the UK under the existing Ukraine visa schemes. The government is now introducing the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) Scheme, which will allow eligible Ukrainians and their families to extend their stay in the UK for an additional 18 months.
The UPE scheme will replace the current Ukraine Extension Scheme (UES), which is set to close on 4 February 2025. Applications for UPE will open in early 2025, and the scheme will offer the same rights as the previous Ukraine schemes, including access to work, benefits, healthcare, and education. Importantly, the scheme will be free of charge.
Applicants are encouraged to apply before their current permission expires. Failure to do so could result in the loss of their rights to work, access benefits, and receive healthcare. The government has also stated that it will work closely with other departments to ensure that applicants have sufficient time to apply.
Ukrainian children will need to have appropriate care and
accommodation arrangements in place to meet the UK’s safeguarding standards. The government will also align the permission period of children with that of their parents to ensure family unity.
Closure of the Ukraine Extension Scheme
As of early 2025, the UES will be fully closed, with UK-born children of Ukraine scheme participants being moved to the new UPE route. This change is designed to streamline the application process and eliminate confusion between the two schemes.
End of Permission to Travel Letters
The UK is also ending the use of permission to travel (PTT) letters for those in the Ukraine schemes. These letters were initially issued to allow quick entry for those fleeing the war in Ukraine. However, the process for issuing PTT letters closed on 7 December 2023. From now on, all Ukraine scheme applicants will need to attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide biometrics before traveling to the UK.
Long Residence Route Change
The UK government has clarified that permission under the Ukraine schemes, including the new UPE, will not count toward eligibility for settlement under the Long Residence route. This change aligns with the UK’s policy to provide temporary sanctuary to Ukrainians while the war continues and reflects the wishes of the Ukrainian government for its nationals to return home once it is safe.
Implementation Timeline
The new visa requirement for Colombia came into effect at 3:00 PM GMT on 26 November 2024. Other changes, including the introduction of the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme, will take effect on 4 February 2025. The closure of the UES and changes to the Long Residence route will take effect on 18 December 2024, while the end of PTT letters will be enforced from 13 February 2025.
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