Immigration Legislation
Legislative framework for immigration control, visa policies, citizenship, asylum procedures, and border security.
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.
The British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024 (Commencement) Regulations 2025
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.