Immigration Legislation

Legislative framework for immigration control, visa policies, citizenship, asylum procedures, and border security.

The Immigration and Nationality (Fees) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2025

Published: Tue 21st Oct 25

The Immigration and Nationality (Fees) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2025, made under powers in the Immigration Act 2014 and with Treasury consent, amend the 2018 Regulations governing immigration and nationality fees, effective from 11th November 2025 across the UK. These amendments specifically remove certain fee exceptions relating to Afghan citizens, introduce new fee exemptions for certain stateless persons and applicants under the UK/European Applicant Transfer Scheme, alter fees for sponsor licence services including fee increases for priority processing, and establish a fee exemption for the review of previously fee-exempted nationality applications.

The Immigration (Isle of Man) (Amendment) Order 2025

Published: Tue 21st Oct 25

This Order, made by His Majesty in Council, formally amends the Immigration (Isle of Man) Order 2008 to extend relevant parts of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022, including provisions for Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) and carrier liability, to the Isle of Man, specifying modifications necessary to ensure consistency with or necessary divergence from UK immigration law, and grants the Isle of Man's Minister for the Treasury powers to arrange for UK functions related to ETAs.

The Global Irregular Migration and Trafficking in Persons Sanctions (Overseas Territories) Order 2025

This Order in Council extends the Global Irregular Migration and Trafficking in Persons Sanctions Regulations 2025, along with relevant provisions of the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018, to eleven specified British overseas territories starting on October 16, 2025.

The extension applies with specific modifications detailed in Schedule 2, which primarily substitute references from UK bodies like the Treasury or Secretary of State with the respective Territory's Governor for the administration of sanctions, including designating persons, issuing licences, and enforcing immigration and financial restrictions related to combating people smuggling and trafficking.

The Immigration (Passenger Transit Visa) (Amendment) (No. 3) Order 2025

Published: Tue 14th Oct 25

This Order, made under powers granted by the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, amends the Immigration (Passenger Transit Visa) Order 2014, changing the official designation for transit visa requirements from “Palestinian Territories” to “Palestine” in Schedule 1.

The amendment takes effect on 11th November 2025 and applies across the United Kingdom, with the Secretary of State for the Home Office confirming no significant impact assessment was required for the private or voluntary sectors.

The Immigration (Passenger Transit Visa) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2025

Published: Tue 14th Oct 25

This Order, made under the powers conferred by the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, amends the Immigration (Passenger Transit Visa) Order 2014 to mandate that nationals or citizens of Botswana must now obtain a transit visa when passing through the United Kingdom without entering the country.

The amending Order cites the amendment comes into force on 15th October 2025, though a transitional provision exempts Botswana nationals who have pre-booked travel arriving on or before 25th November 2025.

The Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 and the Terrorism Act 2000 (Port Examination Codes of Practice) Regulations 2025

These regulations implement revised codes of practice for examining officers under the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 and the Terrorism Act 2000.

The Secretary of State revised the codes, published drafts for consultation, considered feedback, and laid the final versions before Parliament.

The updated codes govern the exercise of powers at UK ports and the Northern Ireland border related to combating terrorism and hostile state activity, aiming for better clarity, training, and adherence to legal frameworks.

The Allocation of Housing and Homelessness (Eligibility) (England) and Persons Subject to Immigration Control (Housing Authority Accommodation and Homelessness) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

These regulations amend existing UK legislation to ensure that British nationals returning from government-advised evacuations are eligible for housing and homelessness assistance in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

The amendments waive the habitual residence test for a six-month period following evacuation, allowing immediate access to housing for those who meet specific criteria defined by the regulations.

These criteria include possessing leave to enter or remain in the UK, not being subject to a 'no recourse to public funds' condition, and not being sponsored under certain visa schemes

The Driving Licences (Exchangeable Licences) Order 2025

This Order, effective July 31, 2025, designates the Republic of Moldova's driving licenses as exchangeable with UK licenses under the Road Traffic Act 1988.

The order specifies that exchangeable Moldovan licenses authorize driving category B vehicles and details conditions regarding automatic transmission.

It extends to England, Wales, and Scotland, and includes a Schedule listing other countries with exchangeable licenses.

The order allows for smoother transitions for drivers and simplifies administrative processes, relying on pre-existing legal frameworks.