Immigration Legislation

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

The British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024 (Commencement) Regulations 2025

Published: Tue 1st Jul 25

The British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024 (Commencement) Regulations 2025 establish July 22, 2025, as the effective date for the British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024.

This Act introduces a distinct route to British citizenship for Irish citizens residing in the UK for five years, offering a simpler application process than traditional naturalization.

The regulations apply to the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, and British overseas territories.

The Immigration and Nationality (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

These regulations, effective July 22, 2025, amend the 2018 Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations.

Key changes introduce new fees for applications of British citizenship under section 4AA of the 1981 Act (for Irish citizens), with different amounts for adults (£723) and children (£607).

The amendments incorporate these new fees into relevant schedules, including those addressing exceptions and affordability waivers.

The Private Security Industry Act 2001 (Exemption) (Aviation Security) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

These regulations amend the 2010 Private Security Industry Act exemptions concerning aviation security.

They clarify licensing requirements for individuals involved in airport security (screening, access control) and update references.

The changes exempt certain persons from licensing under the 2001 Act due to alternative arrangements being deemed sufficient for maintaining aviation security.

The regulations also revoke the 2012 amendment regulations.

The Immigration (Citizens’ Rights Appeals) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

The Immigration (Citizens’ Rights Appeals) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the 2020 Regulations to modify the right of appeal against deportation decisions.

The amendment ensures that the right of appeal only arises after an individual has been given the opportunity to make representations to the Secretary of State and the decision to deport has been finalized, aligning it with the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002.

This change aims to improve procedural fairness and potentially streamline the appeals process.

The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (Legal Aid: Domestic Abuse) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2025

This Order modifies the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 to expand legal aid access for domestic abuse cases.

It broadens the definition of 'domestic abuse,' replaces outdated terms like 'domestic violence' with the modern terminology, and extends coverage to encompass numerous procedures connected to domestic abuse protection orders.

Furthermore, the Order adjusts related civil and criminal legal aid regulations to ensure consistency and effectiveness in providing aid.

The Tribunal Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2025, effective May 30th, 2025, amend several sets of tribunal procedure rules.

Key changes include clarifying that tribunals can set aside decisions on their own initiative or applications by parties, and mandating written notification to all parties when a decision is set aside. Additionally, a specific amendment restores community patient rights regarding hearings in health-related cases.

These amendments improve procedural fairness and address issues identified in past legislation and case law.

The Consular Fees (Amendment) Order 2025

The Consular Fees (Amendment) Order 2025, effective April 9th, 2025, amends the Consular Fees Order 2012.

It increases the fees for Emergency Travel Documents and Emergency Passports from £100 and £75 respectively to £125.

The Order applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and no significant impact on the public, private or voluntary sectors is anticipated.

The Immigration (Biometric Information etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Tue 25th Mar 25

These regulations amend existing UK immigration legislation concerning the collection, use, and retention of biometric information.

Key changes include expanding biometric data requirements to include entrants to the UK, allowing for electronic submission of data, clarifying the process for issuing biometric immigration documents, and updating data retention periods.

The amendments affect multiple regulations dating back to 2006, and incorporate the use of the new 'eVisa' system.