The update to the United Kingdom’s (UK’s) immigration rules published in September 2024 introduces a new set of measures.
It included expanding the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme to all visa nationals and re-imposing visas for Jordanians.
It also contained new policies to help bereaved foreign partners, as well as streamline diplomatic travel.
These changes, which come into force on 9 October 2024, reflect a more compassionate approach to dealing with vulnerable migrants.
They also align with the UK’s broader strategy to shift to transitions to a fully digital immigration system.
Support for bereaved foreign partners
The UK immigration rules update introduced a fee waiver for foreign national partners of British citizens or settled UK residents who have passed away.
Currently, they are required to pay a hefty fee of £2,885 for settlement, regardless of their financial circumstances after the death of their partner.
The new policy allows those who meet the destitution criteria to apply for settlement without paying the fee.
This fee waiver aims to alleviate some of the emotional and financial stress that follows the death of a loved one.
UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra said in a written statement, “No one should have to worry about uprooting their life during such a difficult time.”
The new policy also extends to dependent family members, ensuring that bereaved partners and their children are not left in vulnerable situations.
Replacing diplomatic visa waivers with Diplomatic Visa Arrangement visas
Another new change is the replacement of Diplomatic Visa Waivers with the new Diplomatic Visa Arrangement (DVA).
This new visa arrangement applies to diplomatic passport holders from countries who benefited from visa waivers for official visits to the UK.
The DVA aligns with the UK’s strategy toward a fully digital system and streamlining processes.
It provided a dedicated visa route for diplomats and officials traveling to the UK for short-term visits.
Applicants must provide a Note Verbale, a formal communication from their home government, supporting their application.
The DVA visa allows more flexibility for those with diplomatic passports for official diplomatic business and standard visitor activities.
However, the new visa route means some diplomatic visitors must undergo a more structured application process.
This was previously not required under the previous diplomatic waiver system.
New diplomatic visa: the VIP Delegate Visa
The new VIP Delegate Visa is designed for delegates accompanying foreign heads of state and government ministers on official UK visits.
The new immigration guidelines allow up to 20 delegates for those accompanying Heads of State.
On the other hand, delegations accompanying government ministers are capped at ten delegates.
The VIA Delegate visa aims to simplify the travel process for key members of state delegations.
It only requires applicants to fill out an application form and submit basic biographical information and a photo.
No fingerprints or extensive documentation will be necessary for these applications.
The VIP Delegate Visa has no fee, highlighting the UK government’s efforts to make official diplomatic travel more efficient.
This route is viewed as a practical solution to ensure that delegations have appropriate clearance without unnecessarily bureaucratic hurdles.
Moving towards a digital immigration system
These new visa regulations are part of a broader move by the UK government to modernize its immigration policies.
The bereaved partner fee waiver shows the government’s commitment to respond to the needs of vulnerable individuals.
Both the DVA and VIP Delegate Visa demonstrate a focus on simplifying diplomatic processes for officials visiting the UK.
The government hopes these updates will streamline travel to the UK under its new digital immigration system.
The new routes align with the UK’s new ETA scheme for all non-visa nationals and the shift to an eVisa or online immigration records system.
These changes will help the British government monitor the entry and exit of all individuals visiting the UK.
It aims to strengthen border security and provide a clearer picture of travelers in the UK [post-Brexit.
These policies take effect in October 2024, signifying progress in both diplomacy and human rights.
It aims to balance the need for streamlined and secure travel with support for those who need it.