September 2, 2010

UK Immigration: British Government to Require Foreign Spouses to Learn English

The new coalition government announced it’s first major change to UK immigration today. Starting this fall, they will require migrants married to a British National to learn English and pass an English test so that they can better integrate into British Society before they are granted a visa to come to the UK.

A significant number of people immigrate to the UK in this manner – in fact it’s often the easiest way to get a visa to live and work in the UK. So, this is the first immigration hole the new government intends to fill in an effort to reduce net migration numbers into the UK.

Reading some analysis – this new regulation is targeted at one country and that’s India. It’s quite common for Asian Brits to return to rural villages in India to pick up a wife (whether arranged or not). Often, these women have no knowledge of English or the way of life in Britain, which can lead to many problems – not just integration into British society.

Spouses will be required to take an English test in their home countries before qualifying for a visa. One can imagine that the dowry value of an Indian woman who can speak English just shot up by quite a bit.

This new law won’t affect Brits who marry spouses from majority English speaking countries. It will only affect people from the third world, where English fluency is much rarer, especially amongst women. This will certainly play well with voters concerned about ‘third world migration’ into Britain.

Here’s the spin from Home Secretary Theresa May:

‘I believe being able to speak English should be a prerequisite for anyone who wants to settle here. The new English requirement for spouses will help promote integration, remove cultural barriers and protect public services.

‘It is a privilege to come to the UK, and that is why I am committed to raising the bar for migrants and ensuring that those who benefit from being in Britain contribute to our society.

‘This is only the first step. We are currently reviewing English language requirements across the visa system with a view to tightening the rules further in the future.

‘Today’s announcement is one of a wide range of measures the new government is taking to ensure that immigration is properly controlled for the benefit of the UK, alongside a limit on work visas and an effective system for regulating the students who come here.’

Stay tuned to Anglotopia for the latest UK immigration news.

UK Immigration: Net Migration Drops and Other Immigration News from the Last Week

The big news last week in UK immigration was that the government officially laid out it’s new immigration policy in the Queen’s Speech. The cornerstone of their new policy is to cut net inward migration to Britain to the ‘tens of thousands’

New statistics released this past week show that net migration is already there without any cuts or quoutas being implemented.

Migration to the UK is down substantially from what it was in the last few years. There are many factors that have caused this, some being, bad economy, unwelcomeness, crackdown on students and much more.

Either way, even if the new Coalition Government implements it’s new quouta system, it’s doubtful to have an affect on many poeple as not that many people are coming to the UK anymore.

From Sarah Mullin at the Telegraph:

New statistics show a continued decline in net immigration to the UK, which raises a question: why does the new government need to introduce a cap on immigrant numbers?

David Cameron has said repeatedly that he wants annual net immigration down to “tens of thousands, rather than hundreds of thousands“. But the latest figures suggest that it was down to 142,000 in the year to September 2009 – an 11% decrease on the previous 12 months – and well down on the numbers in mid-2000s when it was persistently above 200,000. The economic crisis, natural cycles of migration flow and tougher policies of the last government have already turned the tide – and at this rate we will see net immigration fall below 100,000 without the introduction of the much-trumpeted cap.

But, of course, a drop on this scale will not satisfy those who want to see a drastic reduction in immigration to the UK. Migration Watch and its parliamentary wing, the cross-party balanced migration group, have demanded that immigration should be reduced to the levels of the mid-1990s, which would mean a net level of around 40,000.

David Cameron and his immigration minister, Damian Green, have hinted, without being explicit, that this is their target, too. But while the 15% fall in applications for employment visas with the possibility of settlement (tiers one and two of the points-based system) helps to bring a drop below 100,000 closer, the lower figure is going to be very tough to achieve.

Indeed, a recent Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) report showed that net immigration levels of 40,000 could only be brought about if there were major restrictions on the entry of highly skilled workers, foreign students and the family members of UK citizens and residents. Such restrictions could harm the economy, would be opposed by business interests and universities, and run into legal difficulties

Very interesting indeed. Stay tuned to Anglotopia for the latest UK Immigration news.

New UK Coalition Government Releases Plans for UK Immigration

We’ve been waiting until the dust settled from the recent British Election before we reported on any far reaching changes to the UK immigration system. Today, the new UK Coalition Government released it’s full plans for it’s time in power and they’ve also released the details of their immigrations plans.

First off, nothing is going to change right now. So, if you are in a position to apply for a UK visa now or in the next couple months – get going and you can get in before there are any major changes.

If your plans are more long term, you may run into some problems.

Here’s the official immigration plan from the Coalition Government Programme Document:

The Government believes that immigration has enriched our culture and strengthened our economy, but that it must be controlled so that people have confidence in the system. We also recognise that to ensure cohesion and protect our public services, we need to introduce a cap on immigration and reduce the number of non- EU immigrants.

  • We will introduce an annual limit on the number of non-EU economic migrants admitted into the UK to live and work. We will consider jointly the mechanism for implementing the limit.
  • We will end the detention of children for immigration purposes.
  • We will create a dedicated Border Police Force, as part of a refocused Serious Organised Crime Agency, to enhance national security, improve immigration controls and crack down on the trafficking of people, weapons and drugs. We will work with police forces to strengthen arrangements to deal with serious crime and other cross-boundary policing challenges, and extend collaboration between forces to deliver better value for money.
  • We support E-borders and will reintroduce exit checks.
  • We will apply transitional controls as a matter of course in the future for all new EU Member States.
  • We will introduce new measures to minimise abuse of the immigration system, for example via student routes, and will tackle human trafficking as a priority.
  • We will explore new ways to improve the current asylum system to speed up the processing of applications.

The biggest issue raised in their plans is the cap on Non-EU migration. That’s what will affect Americans and anyone else seeking to live and work in the UK.

Let’s examine the language of that though, “We will consider jointly the mechanism for implementing the limit.” That’s the most encouraging statement in the document. Basically they don’t have know if they can even institute a cap and how they would go about it. They need to figure it out.

That will take time.

I think we can rely on the expediency of the British Civil Service to make sure that it takes quite some time before they are able to implement a cap. Even then, it may not even prove feasible.

Mark Easton from his UK Blog made a great point today:

At the moment, the only non-EU economic migrants admitted into the UK are those with enormous wealth, enormous brains or with specific skills in areas where Britain has an identified shortage.

As revealed on this blog, official data show that the number of non-EU economic migrants employed in the UK is falling – down 76,000 last year compared with the year before. Some sectors of the economy are already complaining that they cannot fill key vacancies.

The cap could only apply to Tier 1 and Tier 2 of the existing points-based system, since those are the only two categories under which migrant workers from outside the EU can come to the UK.

Tier 1 is for “Highly skilled workers, investors and entrepreneurs”. It is hard to imagine that these are the kind of immigrants the UK would want to ban.

Tier 2 covers “Sponsored skilled workers”, mostly defined as “people coming to the UK with a skilled job offer to fill a gap in the workforce that cannot be filled by a settled worker”. Again, it is difficult to conceive how, in the short-term, stopping these individuals would be good for Britain.

That is very encouraging indeed. Non-EU migration is so small that it may not even be worth bothering implementing a cap. Even if the new British Government moves forward with trying to put a cap into practice – it could be quite some time until they are able to.

So, our recommendation is that if you want to move to the UK to live and work under a Tier 1 or Tier 2 visa – finalize your plans and get moving before the cap is put into place.

Unfortunately, we have a long timescale on our plans that can’t really be adjusted so we may fall victim to the cap ourselves – which may delay or plans even further. It sort of all depends on how quickly they do it. Hopefully it will take a couple years.

Watch this space – as soon as we know anything regarding the new UK immigration policies, we’ll post about it.

Guest Post: Best Places for Americans to Live in London – American Expat Areas of London

Editor’s Note: The following is a guest post from Colleen Wagner who works at London Relocation Ltd. – a London agency that specializes in relocating Americans (and anyone) to London. They’ll help you find a place to live, open bank accounts and provide advice on adjusting to life in the UK. Check out their website here. Thanks Colleen!

As an American-owned and operated relocation agency, we field a lot of enquiries from North Americans looking to make the big transatlantic move to the United Kingdom.  A big part of the job is managing expectations, as, for as much as expatriates are seeking change in a new culture, it’s only that natural that they also seek a degree of familiarity with what they already know.  We can’t perform architectural miracles that increase the square-footage and closet space of these predominantly Victorian-era buildings to meet modern American proportions; nonetheless, we can advise on which neighborhoods have a solid American demographic by virtue of other appealing factors.  Generally, American expats dig London’s West side.

Notting Hill

Photo by - Danny Robinson

No joking, this neighborhood continues to be a draw for Americans because of the Hugh Grant film of same name.  There is a comfort to coming to Notting Hill from abroad thanks to a ready familiarity with the charms of Portobello Road as it’s portrayed in the movie.  Bedecked in antique shops, fashion boutiques, pubs, cafes, and street stalls overflowing with produce, this colorful strip contains all the quaint appeal that Americans expect from London.

The amenities don’t stop at Portobello, however; indeed, the entire area is dotted with day and night-life amidst quiet residential streets that provide a nice escape from the city-center bustle and is close to green space like Kensington Gardens.  The neighborhood’s Westbourne Grove has been nicknamed “Rodeo Drive” by residents for its posh clothing shops, and, overall, residences are well-maintained to an American standard.

South Kensington


Even more central to London is the neighborhood of South Kensington, an affluent postcode that is home to a substantial American population.  The area bears a similar aesthetic to trendy U.S. neighbourhoods like Lincoln Park in Chicago or New York’s SoHo or Upper West Side and, like Notting Hill, is a cornucopia of shopping and dining.

Gloucester Road is among many venue-lined roads and is home to one particular grocery store that has become a guilty pleasure (if not a staple) for many-an American expat:  Partridges.  For as many American brands (or decent-enough equivalents) that can be found in UK stores, there are many good ol’ standbys that are rare in these here parts, so it’s key to have an oasis of American goods to satisfy that occasional craving for pancakes and Kraft Macaroni & Cheese!  And for more upscale shopping, South Kensington is only a few minutes’ walk from its opulent and pricier neighbor, Knightsbridge, which houses the likes of Harrods.

With the Victoria & Albert and Natural History museums, as well as concerts at the Royal Albert Hall, South Kensington also provides a convenient dosage of British history and culture to immerse expats in their new country.

St. John’s Wood


Perhaps the most blatant draw to St. John’s Wood for Americans is the American School in London (ASL).  The only American school located within the city of London itself, ASL’s American curriculum automatically attracts families relocating from the United States to provide children with continuity in their education.

Regardless if one’s child is not enrolled in ASL or one does not have children at all, the neighborhood has a ready network of Americans (the St. John’s Wood Women’s Club being one resource) and meets a high standard of living.  It is certainly one of the more expensive areas to live (Paul McCartney lives there), with a gorgeous brass-fixtured Tube station and darling cafes and shops to wander around in a safe, quiet, and family-friendly environment.

Perhaps one of the more fun features of SJW is Lord’s cricket ground, the “Home of Cricket.”  American sports enthusiasts can attend a match there and figure out first-hand whether cricket moves more slowly than baseball J

Islington


Now, this is not one of the more obvious choices for Americans, but I would be remiss not to mention Islington as a neighborhood of growing attraction.  It has an edgy, artsy feel, yet could be tagged as “up-and-coming” with increasing gentrification (think Chicago’s Bucktown/Wicker Park or New York’s Greenwich/West Villages).  The Islington /Angel area has a great social scene, commencing immediately along Upper Street just outside of Angel Tube station and ranging from super-casual pub to super-swank club.

In addition to the nightlife, this North London neighborhood’s closer proximity to the city center renders it desirable by expats wanting a shorter commute to work.

Moving to London

Regardless of where you decide to live in London, opportunities to network with other Americans abound.  The expat community is spirited and open-minded, so you’ll be deeply enriched by the global experiences of others who have relocated like yourself.

While this empathy is great (and vital for some), a major part of the expat experience is also to cast off a bit of what you knew at home to take on the new challenges and joys of a different cultural environment.  In this case, don’t worry that living in a popular American neighborhood will mean sheltering yourself from the international community—such couldn’t possibly happen in a city as diverse as London!

Cheers,

Colleen Wagner

London Relocation Ltd.

Dispatches from London: A Short Guide to Renting a Flat in London

Who Doesn't Want to Live Above This Shop?

There are few things as distressing as looking for a flat to rent in London. I’m not sure if it’s inherently more difficult than other cities, but it sure feels like there couldn’t be anything much worse out there.

A year ago I spent three solid weeks looking for a studio/1-bedroom in Islington, North London and finally found the perfect place at the right price. All set to re-new my lease this year, I was instead served with a notice telling me that I’d have to be out on the 1st of June because my flat was going on the market to be sold.

After some choice words with the landlord, I accepted that I was back to the drawing board and on the hunt again. Here’s a guide to the process of finding your own flat using the estate agent route, which is most common way to find a flat to rent in London.

By the week?

The first thing to know is that most rentals are listed by the week with a pw (per week) stuck on the end. Sometimes you’ll see “pcm” which means per calendar month. Even if it’s pw, it doesn’t mean that you pay by the week, you still pay monthly, but it’s how many things are negotiated and advertised. I’ve found this to mean that I lose track of how much I’ll be paying much easier because it’s a smaller amount.

Therefore, I found it worth while to have a little chart of how much various weekly rents turn into monthly, because it’s easy to think another £20 is nothing, until you realise that’s another £1,040 over the year. For example, £250 per week x 52 weeks / 12 months works out to £1083.33 per month. Don’t fall into the trap of only multiplying it by 4 in your head and think it‘s £1000, as the extra £80 will add up.

Estate agents -the men (and women) in Minis

The basic thing to know about renting in London is that the “estate agents” (real estate agent) work for the landlord and not for you. They hold the keys to the kingdom, quite literally, and will run circles around you without recourse. They’re unregulated, low on ethics, and will say anything to get you to sign a contract. So it’s worth being cautious.

They also zip around town in Mini Coopers or equivalent cars and generally get lost getting you to various properties, so you never really know where you are. I try to meet them at the property so I have a realistic idea of where it is, rather than being driven there. Also, expect that what you say your budget is (in my example, £250) is a starting off point. They will then show you things that are £275-£290 and say that the landlord might take an offer of £250.

Even though they don’t work for you, it doesn’t mean they won’t charge you fees. They charge between £75-150 per person for a “background check” which can range from an actual detailed background check to just asking you if you have a job. A new fee I’ve just come across is the “inventory fee” which ranges from £100-£150 to record what’s in the flat when you arrive and when you leave. They say this is to help you get your deposit back. I think it’s the opposite, but go along with it, like much of this process, because it’s industry standard.

Viewings

Estate agents tend to show properties from 10am – 6pm Monday through Friday and 10-4 on Saturdays. What if you work?? Tough. I’ve found myself rushing off from the office at 5.15, during lunch times, and any other time I can squeeze in a viewing. Saturdays are the hottest time and you can expect most things you’re looking at online on Monday to actually have gone on the Saturday. Almost nothing on an agent’s website is really available unless it’s just come on that day. This is why it’s best to try to get in good with an agent or two and they’ll send you updates or ring you personally when something in your price range comes on the market. Often you can’t look too far ahead for a property and it’s best to do it as close to the time you need to move as possible, but this obviously adds to your stress level. Some landlords can be negotiable on the date.

The offer

So you’ve got in touch with a few estate agents and they’re showing you around and you see something you like. You then “put an offer”. Let’s say you’ve been shown a £270pw property and make an offer of £250. You’ll be whisked back to the estate agent’s office and need to put 1 weeks rent as a “holding deposit” and sign some paperwork saying that if you back out, you lose the money and if the landlord backs out (for any reason!) you get the money back. You need to put the money down this on the spot with cash or by debit card and write down anything that you may want (including having the place cleaned!) on your offer. You also could ask for a different date to move in, for example, to reduce the amount of time you’re paying rent at two places. The agent then contacts the landlord and gets back to you with the landlords counteroffer, acceptance, or refusal to accept your offer. The trouble is that someone may have come along and put an offer of £260 or the full asking price of £270 while you were waiting to hear back from the landlord. So until your offer is accepted, don’t assume the property is yours. This has happened recently to me and it’s really upsetting. I’d offered the asking price but hadn’t gotten to the office to put the cash down in time. Someone else had their card accessible and put the holding deposit down before I could, even though I’d made the same offer first. There were tears. Lesson learned.

Reject, accept, negotiate

The agent often comes back with something just shy of the asking price, say £265 and you can then accept it or get your money back because he has technically rejected your offer. Often landlords won’t want to negotiate on price, but this is your chance to ask for some extra furniture like a dining room table or to have the carpets professionally cleaned. Press too hard and they’ll back out, though. It’s a delicate balance and is really a shame that renters don’t have anyone on their side in the negotiation. Do ask if the property is “managed” or not. This means whether the estate agency will be your point of contact when things break (which they do) instead of the landlord. I’ve had a much better experience with managed flats personally, but it can go either way.

Deposit

So the landlord countered with £265 plus cleaning the carpets and you agree. Now it’s time to pay up! You pay the standard deposit is 6 weeks rent (again, with the weeks). You can sometimes negotiate it down to 4 weeks but that’s the minimum it needs to be for it to be held in the Government’s Deposit Protection Scheme. This is a recent development to help renters get their deposits back from landlords and is a much needed protection, so try to make sure that your property rented under the scheme.

So 6 weeks rent at £265 (£1590) plus first month’s rent (£1148.33) plus fees to the estate agents (£250) minus your holding deposit (£260) for the grand total of £2728.33. You can often press them to hold off paying the first month’s rent until a day or two before you move in. I find this helps with cash flow because for anyone, it’s a lot of money to put down, especially while you’re paying rent someone else still!

The contract

You sign the contract and finally have some rights to the flat. The agent then contacts your employer and sometimes your bank and a former landlord to make sure you’re legit. There isn’t a credit check like in the US or if there is, they’ll easily go around it as many foreigners don’t have credit. They do want you to have a UK bank account and generally be established in the UK. At any point the landlord can back out until he’s signed the contract and then you’ll get your money back, but nothing for all the time you’ve wasted in the process, so it’s best to check with the agents that the landlord has signed the agreement.

Congrats, you’ve got yourself a flat in London!