News and Information

The urgent passport warning holidaymakers in the UK needs to know
AN urgent warning to holidaymakers who have passports due to expire has been issued – as passengers fall foul of new rules. New rules brought

Staggered starting dates for returning to universities in England
Students will have staggered starting dates for returning to universities in England after Christmas – with some not back until 7 February. The government’s plan

Covid Pfizer vaccine approved for use next week in UK
The UK has become the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for widespread use. British regulator, the MHRA, says the

Points-based immigration system opens
New global system awards points for skills, having a job offer and speaking English. Applications for the new skilled worker visa open today (1 December),

Looking to travel to Europe in 2021
New European rules apply from 1 January 2021. Make sure your passport is fit for purpose. Under current immigration rules British passport holders can still

New Hong Kong BN(O) visa
The UK will open a ‘Hong Kong BN(O) visa’ for BN(O) citizens and their close family members from 31 January 2021. More details will be published

Residents renewing BNO Passports
Hong Kong residents have been renewing their British National Overseas (BNO) passports in record numbers last year. It was estimates that around 150,000 BNO passports

Hong Kong to add Britain to high-risk coronavirus list
Hong Kong requiring travellers to have negative Covid-19 test before flying, spend two weeks in hotel room Hong Kong is adding Britain to its list

Second ballot of the Youth Mobility Scheme 2020
The second ballot for the Youth Mobility Scheme 2020 for Hong Kong SAR passport holders will launch next month. The UK/Hong Kong Youth Mobility Scheme

Guide to British passport application countersigning
Some passport applications require someone else (the ‘countersignatory’) to prove the identity of the person applying. You will need to have your application countersigned under

UK passport application backlog
A backlog of more than 400,000 passport applications has mounted due to disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic, figures show. Home Office minister Baroness Williams

Home Secretary announces details of the Hong Kong BN(O) Visa
New immigration route for BN(O) citizens The UK will open a ‘Hong Kong BN(O) Visa’ for BN(O) citizens and their close family members from January