Category: Immigration updates

Visas, Immigration & Nationality

UK Government Keeps Graduate Visas But With Conditions

The government has decided to keep the graduate route visa for now, but it remains “under review” as part of efforts to prevent misuse by international students. There were worries that the government might tighten or even abolish this visa to reduce net migration. However, on May 23, the Home Office and Department for Education…
Read more

Germany’s Opportunity Card Visa Route: A New Pathway for Non-EU Workers

From June 2024 the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) opens new ways for non-EU nationals to find a job in Germany. Germany is hoping to combat its shortage of skilled workers with a new work visa pathway for young non-EU residents including the UK nationals hoping either to eventually secure a long-term job or simply work in…
Read more

EU Entry/Exit System To Cause Delay At UK Border

The European Union (EU) has long been planning to introduce new and updated requirements for non-EU nationals to provide fingerprints and digitalised travel authorization to enter member states.  Despite several delays and setbacks, the system is set to go live in autumn 2024. Preparations are underway at major Channel crossing points for the new automated…
Read more

EU Approves New Schengen Border Rules: Enhancing Security and Mobility

The Council of the European Union has officially endorsed a significant update to the Schengen Borders Code, a crucial framework governing the management of internal and external EU borders.  This move aims to bolster the resilience of the Schengen Area in handling crises at external borders while ensuring that EU residents continue to enjoy seamless…
Read more

Schengen Countries With the Most Visa Rejections in 2023

In a devastating blow to hopeful travellers, Schengen countries denied over 1.6 million visa applications in 2023, accounting for a staggering 15.8 percent of all requests. According to data from the EU Commission, France led the pack in visa rejections, turning down 436,893 applications. This equates to 16.6 percent of all visa requests France received,…
Read more