The UK immigration system has undergone several significant changes following the government’s White Paper, “Restoring Control Over the Immigration System.” These updates are no longer in the proposal stage but are now being actively implemented across several immigration routes.
Raza has over 24 years of experience in legal practice. His current practice focuses on Family, Immigration, Personal Injury matters and Conveyancing Law. He is the founding and Managing Director of RMZ Law Offices.
He believes the recent changes reflect the government’s strong commitment to transparency, efficiency, and responsible immigration control.
1. Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Now Required for European Visitors
The UK has officially expanded the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system to include European nationals who do not require a visa to visit the UK. This means that if someone is from a European country that could previously travel freely to the UK for short visits, they now need to apply for an ETA before travelling.
The ETA is a quick online authorisation that allows a visitor to board their flight or ferry to the UK. The system was first introduced for certain nationalities outside Europe and is now being extended to include most visa-exempt countries. Once approved, the ETA is generally valid for two years or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
This change is already in effect and applies to anyone travelling to the UK from countries now covered under the expanded ETA scheme.
2. Afghan Schemes Now Closed to New Applications
Two long-standing routes that supported people from Afghanistan, the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) and the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS), have now closed to new applications.
As of 1 July 2025, no new applications or referrals can be made under either scheme. However, applications submitted before that date are still being processed under the previous rules. This means anyone who did not apply before the deadline can no longer access these routes. The government has confirmed that both schemes have achieved their main purpose and that future support for Afghan nationals will now be managed under other immigration and resettlement pathways.
3. New Rules for the Skilled Worker Route
From 22 July 2025, updated rules came into effect for Skilled Worker and other work-related visa categories.
The Home Office has updated occupation codes and redefined roles that qualify for sponsorship. A new Temporary Shortage Occupation List has been introduced, replacing the old structure and allowing certain roles with labour shortages to be sponsored at slightly lower salary thresholds.
New entry clearance applications for care workers and senior care workers from overseas are now closed under specific Skilled Worker provisions. However, those who are already in the UK under these roles are allowed to extend or switch visas for a limited period until July 2028.
Employers must now ensure that job titles, duties, and salaries align with the updated codes and salary levels before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship. These measures are part of the government’s wider effort to balance immigration control with fair employment standards within the UK.
4. Visa and Immigration Fee Updates
Visa application fees have been adjusted across several categories. The cost of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) has increased from £10 to £16, and there have been small changes in other visa types, including the Skilled Worker and Family routes.
These increases are part of the government’s strategy to sustain immigration system operations and fund the move towards a fully digital immigration service. Applicants should ensure that they are using the latest fee schedule before submitting any application to avoid payment issues or processing delays.
5. Focus on Compliance and Genuine Applications
The Home Office has strengthened its compliance checks across the immigration system. Sponsors are being reviewed more frequently to ensure that job descriptions, salaries, and working conditions match the details provided in sponsorship certificates.
For family and private life applications, decision makers are now applying closer scrutiny to confirm that relationships are genuine and financially stable. Applicants must ensure that evidence meets the specific requirements of Appendix FM and Appendix Private Life.
The government has made it clear that the purpose of these changes is to make the system fairer and more transparent while reducing misuse.
Conclusion
The recent immigration changes now in force reflect the government’s continued focus on creating a more secure, transparent, and digitally advanced immigration system. By introducing the Electronic Travel Authorisation for European visitors, updating Skilled Worker rules, and closing older resettlement schemes, the Home Office is shifting towards a system that prioritises efficiency, compliance, and fairness.
For further information, book an appointment with our immigration expert via: https://rmzlaw.co.uk/