COVID-19 PROCEDURES
We are returning to work from the office from Monday 03 August 2020. We have put in place measures to keep everyone as safe as possible. Please take some time to read the following before your appointment.
IN LINE WITH GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE, PLEASE ADHERE TO THE RULES BELOW TO MINIMISE THE RISK OF SPREADING COVID-19.
IF YOU HAVE ANY SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 OR HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH ANYONE INFECTED WITH COVID-19 IN THE LAST 14 DAYS PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL TO REARRANGE YOUR APPOINTMENT. SKYPE APPOINTMENTS ARE AVAILABLE.
NEW HOME OFFICE GUIDANCE
25 March 2020
The Home Office has released detailed guidance today for individuals whose visas end in the period between 24 January 2020 and 31 May 2020. For people in the UK who are affected, your visa will be automatically extended to 31 May 2020 if you are unable to leave the country as a result of travel restrictions or self-isolation due to COVID-19. You will need to contact the dedicated Coronavirus Immigration Team at CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk to inform them of this. In addition, where you would ordinarily have to leave the country to apply for a different visa, you will now be able to do this in the UK.
For students on a Tier 4 visa, you will now be able to undertake distance learning. This will not be a violation of your sponsor's duties for the specified period above. This applies to international students currently in the UK, those who have returned to their home country but wish to continue studying via distance learning, and those who have been newly issued a Tier 4 visa and have not yet arrived in the country.
Regarding Tier 2 and Tier 5 worker visas, your sponsor does not need to notify the Home Office that you are working from home if this is due to the pandemic.
If you need help with any problems with your visa during this anxious time, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us via mobile or email.
UPDATE ON COVID19
24 March 2020
Following the UK government announcement last night, we have taken the decision to close the office from today, Tuesday 24 March 2020, until further notice. Please keep an eye on our website and twitter page for updates on when we will be open in the future. You will be able to contact the team via mobile and email. Upcoming meetings will either be cancelled or will take place by Skype. If you have a meeting scheduled, you will be contacted about this in due course. We will endeavour to ensure that deadlines are met and will continue to keep a close eye on Home Office guidance regarding this.
UPDATE REGARDING COVID19
18 March 2020
Following guidance from the UK government and the Law Society of Scotland, D. Duheric & Co Solicitors will remain open as usual. Please be assured that we are taking all measures to limit the chance of infection. Where possible, meetings will take place via Skype. We will be reviewing our policy as the situation and government advice changes. Please keep an eye on our twitter page and website.
NEW POINTS-BASED SYSTEM ANNOUNCED
Feb 2020
Last week the UK government unveiled a new points-based immigration system in the wake of Brexit. This new system builds on the existing points-based system that was introduced between 2008-2010. This original system had five tiers of visa, although several – such as the Tier 1 (General) and Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) – have since been abolished. The “new” points-based system that the government has proposed is essentially revising the existing Tier 2 (General) visa, which used to be known as a work permit.
Under the points-based system, various qualifications and skills are awarded points which must add up to a set number. Under this new system, you are required to have 70 points in order to be eligible to apply. In addition, there are three requirements that migrants must have in order for the application to be successful. These are:
1. A job offer from a Home Office-approved sponsor;
2. A job offer at an appropriate skill level;
3. The ability to speak English to the required level.
Characteristics | Essential | Points
Offer of job by approved sponsor | Yes | 20
Job at appropriate skill level | Yes | 20
Speaks English at required level | Yes | 10
Salary of “20,480 (minimum) - £23,039 | No | 0
Salary of £23,040 - £25,599 | No | 10
Salary of £25,600 or above | No | 20
Job in a shortage occupation (as designated by the MAC) | No | 20
Education qualification: PhD in subject relevant to the job | No | 10
Education qualification: PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job | No | 20
Students will be covered under these rules. In their case, a “job offer” is replaced with an appropriate offer from an approved educational institution.
The government has abolished routes for lower-skilled migrants in this category as an incentive for UK businesses to increase their investment in staff retention, productivity and wider investment in technology and automation. However, there will still be routes for lower-skilled migrants to enter the UK; for example, as dependents of skilled migrants.
It is important to note that these rules only cover migrants that are coming to the UK for work or study. The rules for family reunion and asylum will be unaffected and remain separate.
