New Statement Of Changes To Immigration Rules

A new Statement of Changes to Immigration Rules was released on 09 March 2023. Most updates will come into force on 12 April 2023, although some will come into force later this year. Some of the key changes include:

• Introduction of Appendix Electronic Travel Authorisation, which confirms who must secure Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to travelling to the UK; the requirements to be met to receive ETA; when ETA can be refused; how long ETA is valid for (2 years); and when ETA can be cancelled. The Appendix confirms that the ETA application process will initially open on 25 October 2023 for Qatar nationals travelling on or after 15 November 2023, and will be extended for nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, UAE and Saudi Arabia from 01 February 2024 (for those travelling on or after 22 February 2024).