DRSI LAW https://drsi-law.com/ru Global Immigration Solutions Mon, 21 Feb 2022 13:30:06 +0000 ru-RU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.4 https://drsi-law.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/cropped-Asset-3@4x-32x32.png DRSI LAW https://drsi-law.com/ru 32 32 The UK Investor Visa route has now been officially closed https://drsi-law.com/ru/the-uk-investor-visa-route-has-now-been-officially-closed/ https://drsi-law.com/ru/the-uk-investor-visa-route-has-now-been-officially-closed/#respond Mon, 21 Feb 2022 13:25:58 +0000 https://drsi-law.com/?p=2175


As of the 17th February 2022, the UK Government official website has stated that it is no longer possible to apply for a new Tier 1 (Investor) visa. The closure of this route affects all new applicants from all nationalities with immediate effect. This means that if an applicant was preparing to submit his Investor visa petition to the Home Office, the route is no longer valid.  The Investor visa route has been discussed publicly for over a  few years, and many articles can be found discussing the advantages and the disadvantages of the route.  The Home Office has provided “Security concerns” as the reason for the immediate closure of the scheme. 

If someone already applied and paid for the visa or was already granted this visa (or had one in the last 12 months, and it was their most recent visa), they can still apply to extend their visa for 2 years, for family members to join them and to settle in the UK (indefinite leave to remain).  Applications for leave to remain from existing Investor visa holders must be made before 17 February 2026. Applications for indefinite leave must be made before 17 February 2028. (GOV.UK)

The Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, presented to Parliament by the Secretary of State for the Home Department by Command of Her Majesty, detailed that the UK Investor Visa route closed as of 4pm GMT on 17 February 2022.

What was the Investor Visa? 

The Tier 1 (Investor) visa was initially introduced in 1994, further amended in 2008, updated several times including in 2015 and 2019. The Investor Visa route has been amended over the years in an attempt to tighten the rules, add financial checks to prevent money laundering and also included further requirements such as that applicants show proof of a UK bank account.

The Investor Visa was a route to settlement available to applicants who were in a position to invest funds in share capital or loan capital in active and trading UK registered companies. The investment amounts have changed, but prior to the closure of the scheme stood at a minimum amount of at least £2m. This option enabled wealthy individuals from outside the EU to invest in the UK as a visa route to settlement.

Applicants investing at least £2m could potentially apply for settlement within five years, an investment of £5m would enable an application after three years and a £10m investment would shorten the wait to a mere two years. Successful applicants were able to apply for their family dependents to join them, apply to extend their stay under the visa, and while meeting the relevant criteria apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. This visa route has been referred to as the “golden visa”. apparently, due to the eligibility criteria. Few other countries offer this option, including the United States and Canada. 

Security concerns – 

Despite the fact this route has been used by wealthy individuals from all around the world, this route has been under review for some time, focusing on Russian nationals, especially following the political situation and long history of hostile engagement between the Russian (previously Soviet) intelligence services and their UK counterparts. The issue of concern presently is associated with Russia. This may have intensified due to the current political climate and Ukraine. 

The Parliament’s intelligence and security committee warned in relation to Russia, in 2020 that: 

“…What is now clear is that it was in fact counter-productive, in that it offered ideal

mechanisms by which illicit finance could be recycled through what has been referred to as the London ‘laundromat’…”

Concern has been expressed by UK politicians as well as Government officials that this route was open to abuse and security concerns. For example, cases where individuals who acquired their wealth illegitimately and/or were associated with wider corruption, were making use of the scheme. Investigations were undertaken searching for evidence of money laundering. 

The Home Office states that in line with their “new plan for immigration” settlement in the UK will now be conditional on applicants:

“…executing an investment strategy that can show genuine job creation and other tangible economic impacts – passively holding UK investments will no longer be enough to obtain settlement. ” 

The Secretary of State for the Home Department; Rt Hon Priti Patel MP stated that: 

“…Closing this route is just the start of our renewed crackdown on fraud and illicit finance. We will be publishing a fraud action plan, while the forthcoming Economic Crime Bill will crack down on people abusing our financial institutions and better protect the taxpayer…”

Future – 

The UK will no doubt wish to continue to encourage legitimate investment, innovation, and job creation in the UK for the benefit of the residents and UK economic growth. It will be interesting to see the development of the immigration rules while balancing the competing values and considerations. With the previous Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa also closing, the possible routes for a financial investor remain with the Tier 1 Innovator or Start-up visa. These require endorsement and close scrutiny, but the investment levels are much lower, starting at 50,000 instead of 2 million pounds. The Tier 1 Innovator visa also grants Permanent residency after 3 years in certain circumstances too. For more renowned applicants who can prove media and publications, the Tier 1 Global Talent Visa may also be an appropriate route too.

For further immigration advice on UK immigration routes, please contact www.drsi-law.com or send an email to office@drsi-law.com


Updated NEWS December 2021 https://drsi-law.com/ru/updated-news-december-2021/ https://drsi-law.com/ru/updated-news-december-2021/#respond Thu, 23 Dec 2021 15:16:44 +0000 https://drsi-law.com/?p=2157

Updated NEWS December 2021

New ‘Young Professionals Scheme’ for Indian Nationals – 

Requirements – 

  1. persons aged 18 to 30 – NO Spouse
  2. updated passport
  3. provide a tuberculosis certificate 
  4. must have savings of £2,530 held for a 28-day period
  5. must not have any children aged under 18 who are either living with them or financially dependent upon them
  6. Proof of EDUCATION – Certificate of completion of 1st Degree OR Proof of 3 years WORK EXPERIENCE: an applicant must have a minimum of three years’ work experience in a professional role equivalent .

Background – 

India is already benefiting from the UK’s new points-based immigration system, which assesses applicants based on their skills and talent rather than where they are from.

According to the most recent statistics, more than 53,000 Indian students came to the UK to study last year, up 42% on the previous year. Nearly a quarter of all international students in the UK are from India. In addition, the new post-study Graduate Route – offering eligible graduates 2-3 years to stay back after studies in the UK – opened for applications on the 1 July 2021, offering yet another route for talented young Indians to build careers and experience in the UK.

Historic agreement – 

A Memorandum of Understanding titled ‘Migration and Mobility Partnership’ was signed between the UK Home Secretary, Priti Patel and India’s Foreign Minister, Subrahmany Jaishankar back in May 2021. 

In this Memorandum they expressed the intention to expand the immigration options to include a ‘Young Professionals Scheme’.  It was intended to improve the mobility and migration cooperation between the two countries. The scheme was intended to be reciprocal, and the same visa terms were to be made available to British Nationals to work in India. It was expressed as a professional as well as cultural exchange programme.

In the memorandum both countries jointly decided to facilitate the exchange of young professionals, already in employment or entering working life, who wish to improve their career prospects through the experience of salaried work in a company registered in accordance with the laws and regulations of the participant’s country. 

This historic agreement is in line with the UK’s post-Brexit broader policy and reflects the UK Government’s commitment to deliver an immigration system that attracts and retains the best and brightest young foreign individuals from India and around the world. This enhances Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s ambition to deliver a quantum leap in the UK’s bilateral relationship with India.

The idea was to establish a unique agreement that includes a special Young Professionals scheme to allow young Indian and British professionals to work and live in each other’s country for two years – the first such scheme for a visa-national country (countries which require visit visas to visit the UK).

Home Secretary Priti Patel said:

‘The UK Government is committed to deliver an immigration system that offers clear opportunities to the brightest and best talent from India and around the world to come to the UK to study, work and live. This ground-breaking new partnership with India is an important milestone in delivering on that commitment.’

‘It will give greater freedom and opportunity to thousands of young people in the UK and India wanting to experience each other’s cultures, whilst also ensuring that we can work together to protect the vast majority of Indian nationals who do play by the rules.’

British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis, said: ‘This past year has shown what the UK and India can achieve to address shared challenges – from our best and brightest delivering a Covid-19 vaccine at record-breaking speed to the invaluable medical supplies we have provided each other.’

‘The landmark Migration and Mobility Partnership announced today will create new opportunities for young Indian professionals in the UK whilst also enhancing cooperation to ensure our system supports genuine workers and students.’

‘Indian student numbers to the UK are growing fast, and nearly half of all UK skilled work visas go to Indian professionals – contributing significantly to shared prosperity and mutual understanding. I’m confident the new the post-study Graduate Route and Young Professionals scheme will significantly increase those numbers.’

This agreement and the scheme expressed were expected to increase UK-India cooperation, protect law-abiding Indian nationals and stop unfair manipulation or breach of immigration rules. It is possible that in the future similar arrangements may be contemplated regarding young nationals from additional countries and also work similarly to the Youth Mobility Scheme.

Length of stay – 

The Scheme was designed to enable Indian Nationals, who meet the relevant criteria, to stay in the UK for up to 2 years to live and gain work experience in the UK. It is not to be extended or applied for a second time. Those on the scheme are expected to leave the UK before their visa expires and it was expressed that the intention of the scheme was not to lead to residency in the UK once the visa expired. 

Family and Dependents – 

Additionally, the scheme provided the visa to the applicant only and did not appear to make provision for others to join, as family members or dependants.

English language requirements – 

The exact language requirements and English proficiency requirements were initially not clear; and today it would seem as though the applicants are expected to be able to express themselves in the language(s) of the host country. 

Qualifications – 

Applicants are expected to have a diploma or degree corresponding to a minimum of three years higher education. Or, as the case may be, the applicant must have adequate professional experience previously obtained at a comparable level and within the same general area. ( Such as Level NVQ 3)

In the case of regulated professions, the applicants must meet the occupational qualifications criteria defined by the UK.  

Structure within the UKVI Home Office Rules – 

Initially set out to be a separate scheme, this professional and cultural exchange programme was to work in a similar way to the current Youth Mobility Schemes, with India being the first visa national country (i.e. those countries which require visas to visit the UK) to benefit from this.

It has now transpired that the Home Office will integrate this Young Professionals Scheme into the pre-existing T5 ‘Youth Mobility Scheme’ visa detailing the additional requirements for this particular sub category of Indian nationals. 

The Youth Mobility Scheme –  https://www.gov.uk/youth-mobility

At the moment, applicants must be a national of one of the countries below and some are subject to a ballot process: Australia, Canada, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan. 

Availability – 

From 1 January 2022 the eligible nationalities for the Youth Mobility Scheme will be expanded to include Indian and Icelandic nationalities. 

Indian Nationals visas capped – 

It has been announced that the scheme will be capped at 3,000 young Indian professionals to come to the UK through this route each year. 

Eligibility – 

The Youth Mobility Scheme allows nationals of specific countries, to include India from the 1st January 2022, aged 18 to 30, to come to the UK for a period of two years. 

Additional qualification criteria – 

Indian applicants will need to provide evidence that they:

Hold a qualification equal to RQF / NVQ Level 6 or above (i.e. equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree or above) and provide evidence of that qualification in the form of written confirmation from the issuing institution that they successfully completed their studies and graduated with the required qualification.


Have at least three years’ work experience in a professional role (i.e. those roles that would qualify for a Skilled Worker visa under the sponsorship regime) Appendix Skilled Occupations. and provides evidence of that work experience in the form of either:

(i) formal pay slips from the applicant’s employer showing the applicant’s job

title and employer’s name; or

(ii) pay slips accompanied by a letter from the applicant’s employer, on the employer’s headed paper and signed by a senior official, confirming the pay slips are authentic.

The process – 

Indian nationals will be subject to the ballot process and will be subject to an ‘invitation to apply arrangement’. Eligible Indian nationals will need to submit an “expression of interest” to the Home Office. The Home Office will then select 3,000 individuals at random (by ballot) who will be invited to apply for a visa under this scheme.  

Ballot system – 

Indian nationals must be successfully selected in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot before you can apply for your visa.

Ballots usually open twice a year in January and July and are open for 48 hours. Most of the places are issued in the January ballot with any remaining places issued in July. This requires anyone who is interested in applying to act quickly, making sure they register their interest in line with the ballot requirements for the January 2022 date.

All emails received within this 48 hour period will be entered into the ballot and receive an automated reply confirming receipt.

No more than one expression of interest per person will be accepted by the Home Office during each period in which they may be submitted;

If you’re successful in the ballot – 

You will have received an email if you were successful in the ballot. Once you’ve received your email you have 30 days to submit your application for the visa and pay the relevant fee. After you’ve paid, you’ll usually have 90 days to book your appointment at your visa application center (VAC) and submit your application. Check with your local visa application center if there are restrictions because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks of attending your appointment and provide your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a VAC.

You may be able to get your visa faster or other services depending on what country you’re in – check with your VAC.

Your visa vignette will be valid for a period of 90 days from when you receive it. You must travel to the UK during this time.

If you cannot travel during this time, you’ll need to apply for a replacement vignette to come to the UK. You will not need to reapply for the ballot. The expiry date of your visa will not change, including if your arrival in the UK has been delayed by coronavirus.

If your visa application is successful, you’ll be able to live, work and study in the UK for up to 2 years.

If you’re unsuccessful in the ballot – you will have received an email within 1 week of the ballot closing. You’ll be able to reapply for the ballot when it reopens next, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.

Employment – 

Applicants must demonstrate their “professional” status when applying, providing their qualifications. However, they are not required to take up employment. They are not limited to working in “professional” roles. They have  flexibility in terms of living and working in the UK and may undertake any type of employment (apart from specifically excluded jobs such as professional sportsperson or coach). 

They do not need to meet minimum salary requirements, like those stipulated for a Skilled Worker visa. There is no need for sponsorship from a UK company. Therefore, Employing companies will not be required to sponsor the applicant, reducing the costs involved for the UK employer. 

It may also be possible to be self-employed in the UK, subject to certain restrictions.

Young Professionals – 

This scheme may appeal to individuals at the start or early stages of their career, enabling them to work in the UK for a temporary period. 

Workers might also find this visa useful, particularly where they intend to enter the UK to undertake contract or agency work at all levels. 

It is also an attractive option for UK employers, allowing them to place promising individuals in internships within their UK based companies or transfer existing staff from their overseas offices as an alternative to the Intra Company Transfer or Skilled Worker categories. 

Immigration status & length of stay – 

This immigration category does not lead to permanent residency rights in the UK and cannot be extended beyond the two year period. However, Youth Mobility visa holders may apply, prior to the expiry of the visa, to switch to a different type of visa, such as the Skilled Worker category without leaving the UK (subject to them meeting the relevant criteria and making a timely application).


Financial security – 

Like all other applicants, Indian nationals who want to apply will need to show that they have £2,530 in available funds to support themselves. (prove they have sufficient personal savings)  

(You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.)

Public funds – 

Those who are successful in their applications can live, study, and work in the UK for a period of 2 years. Whilst in the UK, they cannot access public funds. 

Fees – 

The current published application fees for the youth mobility scheme stand at £244 + Immigration Health Surcharge fees.

Health surcharge – 

It was initially not clear if the applicants would be required to pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge. The wording in the Memorandum suggested that applicants would receive the same treatment as host country nationals in relation to matters of law enforcement, regulations and customs governing working relations and conditions, social protection, health, hygiene and workplace safety. This would appear to ensure fair and acceptable working conditions to those on the scheme.    Today it seems as though this will be a requirement to pay. 

However, as the visa is likely to operate under the Youth Mobility scheme, then applicants are to be required to pay the healthcare surcharge, which is usually £470 per year. Payment will be made as part of your application. 

Family and Dependents – 

The applicant must not have any children aged under 18 who are either living with them or financially dependent upon them. A visa under the Youth Mobility scheme does not make provision for others to join, as family members or dependants.

Pubic funds – 

A visa under the Youth Mobility scheme does not  provide access to public funds. Therefore, individuals in the UK under this visa will not be able to seek benefits from public funds. 

TB Test – 

Indian nationals will also need to provide the Tuberculosis tests results.

Identity – 


You’ll either:

have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application center – this is to get a biometric residence permit

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document – you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

If you do need an appointment:

the center may need to keep your passport and documents while they process your application

you may have to travel to get to your nearest visa application center (this could be in another country)

Documentation – 


If you are interested in applying – please send an email to office@drsi-law.com

PLEASE Title the email: URGENT – YMS application 

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Official Foreign Accreditation for Professionals who wish to work in the United Kingdom https://drsi-law.com/ru/official-foreign-accreditation-for-professionals-who-wish-to-work-in-the-united-kingdom/ https://drsi-law.com/ru/official-foreign-accreditation-for-professionals-who-wish-to-work-in-the-united-kingdom/#respond Wed, 12 May 2021 11:30:00 +0000 http://drsi-law.com/?p=2078



If you don’t know if you need to be regulated – you can check here at the attached list UK list of regulated professions .

Frequently asked Questions :


Were you accredited in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein? They are tested in a different accreditation procedure than other country professionals. 

Will I be working full time or part time? You’ll need to do this even if you’re providing temporary or occasional professional services.

Do I have to sit an exam? Some of the professional organisations will require you to have sat a UK regulated test. 

English Knowledge? What type of English test do I need to pass ? Some Regulators such as the GMC or the NMC require you to pass the  paper based and computer based IELTS Academic test (International English Language Test System)or the OET (Occupational English Test) Home Test.

What level of English do I need to have to pass the test? Each regulator has a different standard – but an example will be the NMC – they accept an IELTS Academic examination certificate that confirms you achieved:

  • an overall score of at least 7
  • at least 6.5 in the writing section and at least 7 in the reading, listening and speaking sections


They will accept an OET examination certificate that confirms you achieved:

  • at least a grade C+ in the writing section 
  • at least a grade B in the reading, listening and speaking sections.

SEND YOUR CV to Office@drsi-global.co.uk and write in Subject “Accreditation Eligibility” 

Are you ready to register with the correct regulator in the UK? Our highly skilled teams of academics shall take your hand through the process with you. 

At DRSI GLOBAL our team of academic experts will review your eligibility and assist you through the bureaucracy and the headache of the Registration process. 

SEND YOUR CV to Office@drsi-global.co.uk and write in SubjectAccreditation Eligibility”. 

We shall get back to you within 48 working hours with the process and a proposal how to proceed

© DRSI GLOBAL LAW – Rights Reserved to DRSI GLOBAL LAW. 

UK SPOUSE VISA Concessions During COVID focusing on the “minimum income requirement” https://drsi-law.com/ru/uk-spouse-visa-concessions-during-covid-focusing-on-the-minimum-income-requirement/ https://drsi-law.com/ru/uk-spouse-visa-concessions-during-covid-focusing-on-the-minimum-income-requirement/#respond Sun, 18 Apr 2021 07:27:32 +0000 http://drsi-law.com/?p=2066

The Immigration Rules regarding a UK spouse inviting his/her/their partner to join them in the UK, have contained a financial requirement which is to be met by the Petitioner. This is the person responsible for applying for a Visa for their partner either at entry level, remaining in the UK or at the final stage of Permanent residency ( ILR).  The request can be made for a spouse partner or a dependent child. 

The requestor can be either:  

  • a British Citizen;
  • someone who is present and “settled” in the UK 
  • someone in the UK with refugee leave or humanitarian protection. 
  • someone in the UK with limited leave under Appendix EU, in accordance with paragraph GEN 1.3.(d) 
  • someone in the UK with limited leave as a worker or business person under Appendix ECAA Extension of Stay, in accordance with paragraph GEN 1.3.

Who is a Dependent? A dependent ‘partner’ means an applicant’s fiancé(e), proposed civil partner, spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner or either gender.

A dependent ‘child’, should be read as appropriate to refer to the applicant’s parent.

Calculating the financial requirement 

The applicant must meet the financial requirement in the form of a minimum income requirement. 

The minimum income requirement for a Partner applying without dependent children, is £18,600. 

The minimum income requirement for a Partner applying with dependent children, requires an additional gross annual income of £3,800 for the first child – in addition to the partner and an additional £2,400 for each further child. 

The level of the financial requirement will therefore be: 

  • partner with no children or no children who are subject to the income requirement – £18,600 
  • 1 child in addition to the partner – £22,400 
  • 2 children in addition to the partner – £24,800 
  • 3 children in addition to the partner – £27,200 

Who are not required to be sponsored by the financial requirements?

The financial requirement does not apply to a child who: 

  • is a British Citizen (including an adopted child who acquires British citizenship) 
  • is an Irish Citizen 
  • is a European Economic Area (EEA) national resident in the UK with free movement rights under the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2016 for as long as those rights remain in force until the end of the grace period on 30 June 2021 
  • has been or is being granted leave to enter or remain under the EU Settlement Scheme (including settled status in accordance with paragraph EU2 or EU2A and pre-settled status in accordance with EU3 and EU3A of Appendix EU) 
  • is settled in the UK or who qualifies for indefinite leave to enter 
  • qualifies under Part 8 or Appendix Armed Forces of the Immigration Rules in a category to which the financial requirement does not apply

Coronavirus Concessions

During the Pandemic, families have fallen short of the financial requirements whilst losing their jobs or taking pay cuts in their salaries. This has seriously affected those applying for their spouses entry clearance or extension applications.

Immigration did not focus on this issue, until 8 June 2020 and there were no published guidelines on the UKVI website regarding people who fell short of the financial requirements and could not sponsor their loved ones to join them any longer. 

Today, 24 March 2020 (Link to HomeOffice), a new Legal publication seen here is now published specifying the concessions available: 


Changes to the minimum income and adequate maintenance requirement. It says:

If you’ve experienced a loss of income due to coronavirus up to 31 May 2021, we will consider employment income for the period immediately before the loss of income, provided the minimum income requirement was met for at least 6 months immediately before the date the income was lost.

If your salary has reduced because you’re furloughed we will take account of your income as though you’re earning 100% of your salary.

If you’re self-employed, a loss of annual income due to coronavirus between 1 March 2020 and 31 May 2021 will usually be disregarded, along with the impact on employment income from the same period for future applications.

This concession has been extended to 31st  May 2021. 


Jack works for Boots as a Pharmacist assistant in Brent Cross and was earning “  £25,000 a year. He has worked there for 3 years before Corona Virus. He met Sally from Ghana and they had got married in January 2020 and was preparing his paperwork to file for a Spouse visa. He has read the rules and seen that the financial requirements require evidence to show an annual income of over  £18,600 since Sally had no kids. 

Unfortunately in March 2020, a week prior to submitting the case, Jack’s salary was halved. In April 2020 Kack was was put on furlough and sent home! 

In June 2020, Jack read the new Concession Laws and followed the rules:

  1. Since Jack experienced “a loss of income due to coronavirus up to in March 2020, which was before 31 May 2021”, the UKVI will consider employment income for the period immediately before the loss of income, and he can show the salary that he earned since he can provide that the minimum income requirement was met for at least 6 months immediately before the date the income was lost. 
  2. In June 2020, Jack was furloughed , but the UKVI will take account of an extra 20% income as though he is earning 100% of his salary and not 80% as is received in furlough.

Please always consult with an experience British Immigration Solicitor for the updated and correct and accurate information for your families future – www.drsi-law.com

Written by Daliah Sklar, UK Solicitor and Immigration Expert

Embassy Aggravation VV some Good NEWS https://drsi-law.com/ru/embassy-aggravation-vv-some-good-news/ https://drsi-law.com/ru/embassy-aggravation-vv-some-good-news/#respond Mon, 05 Apr 2021 07:12:54 +0000 http://drsi-law.com/?p=2060

                                                    Embassy Aggravation VV some Good NEWS 

                                          Trump’s Executive Order has Expired on April 1, 2021 

                                       But will you now be able to get your #L1 visa from the embassy? 

            Probably not…WE are all aggravated and exhausted from the automated messages

“The United States Embassy is cancelling routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments. At this time your visa appointment is cancelled. We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time.”

Good News – April 1st, 2021 we saw the expiration of Orders that restricted work visas to the USA – this order applied to certain H1B, H-4, H2B, L-1, L-2, and J-1 visa applicants. –  “Proclamation Suspending Entry of Aliens Who Present a Risk to the US Labor Market Following the Coronavirus Outbreak was introduced on June 22, 2020 and expired last week – April 1, 2021, just under a year later.

The USCIS can now process all the above non-immigrant working visas including inter country transfers, seasonal visas and training visas to the USA.

With many US companies laying off staff, over Covid lock-downs, the unemployment rate in the United States reached an all time high of 14.80 percent in April of 2020. The restrictions were imposed while international travel restrictions did not permit travel to the US from  many countries as well as the local Embassies were closed.

The order claimed that allowing temporary workers into the country during such high unemployment rates during the pandemic of Covid-19 crisis could affect the chances of the millions of unemployed, finding new jobs in recent months.

Under ordinary circumstances, properly administered temporary worker programs can provide benefits to the economy. But under the extraordinary circumstances of the economic contraction resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak, certain non-immigrant visa programs authorizing such employment pose an unusual threat to the employment of American workers…Between February and April of 2020, more than 17 million United States jobs were lost in industries in which employers are seeking to fill worker positions tied to H-2B non-immigrant visas. During this same period, more than 20 million United States workers lost their jobs in key industries where employers are currently requesting H-1B and L workers to fill positions…The entry of additional workers through the H-1B, H-2B, J, and L non-immigrant visa programs, therefore, presents a significant threat to employment opportunities for Americans affected by the extraordinary economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.

The order did not affect those who were already in the US on H-1B or an L1 visa or those who were outside the country but already had valid visas. It also provides for exemptions for health-care workers as well as those who work in the food supply chain.

A US non immigrant work visa will be processed by the USCIS and upon approval, the actual stamp ( or otherwise known as visa) will be granted by the Embassy – so what do we do when 90% of the Embassies are still closed? This is the situation right now. The Embassies are still 90% closed and working on a very short schedule. 

US Embassy repeats – “The resumption of routine visa services, prioritized after services to U.S. citizens, will occur on a post-by-post basis, consistent with the Department’s guidance for safely returning our workforce to Department facilities.  U.S. Embassies and Consulates have continued to provide emergency and mission-critical visa services since March 2020 and will continue to do so as they are able.  As post-specific conditions improve, our missions will begin providing additional services, culminating eventually in a complete resumption of routine visa services.”

We are waiting for Embassies to resume appointments and will update you with news soon.  #drsilaw


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Виза Инноватора или Стартап виза? https://drsi-law.com/ru/%d0%b2%d0%b8%d0%b7%d0%b0-%d0%b8%d0%bd%d0%bd%d0%be%d0%b2%d0%b0%d1%82%d0%be%d1%80%d0%b0-%d0%b8%d0%bb%d0%b8-%d1%81%d1%82%d0%b0%d1%80%d1%82%d0%b0%d0%bf/ https://drsi-law.com/ru/%d0%b2%d0%b8%d0%b7%d0%b0-%d0%b8%d0%bd%d0%bd%d0%be%d0%b2%d0%b0%d1%82%d0%be%d1%80%d0%b0-%d0%b8%d0%bb%d0%b8-%d1%81%d1%82%d0%b0%d1%80%d1%82%d0%b0%d0%bf/#respond Tue, 16 Mar 2021 14:47:29 +0000 http://drsi-law.com/?p=2047

2-летняя Стартап виза ИЛИ 3-летняя виза Новатора предназначены для поиска потенциальных Иностранных Предпринимателей, которые планируют открыть Инновационный Бизнес в Великобритании 

“Стартап” виза или виза более продвинутого уровня – “Инноватора”, ориентированы на потенциальных будущих иностранных иммигрантов, у которых есть свое собственное представление бизнеса, который они хотят открыть в Великобритании.

Бизнес-план, который они предоставят на рассмотрение в министерство внутренних дел, должен включать в себя план создания британской компании, которая должна быть “инновационной”, “ЖИЗНЕСПОСОБНОЙ” и “масштабируемой”.

Эти визы требуют указания ИНДОССАНТА, который одобрит бизнес-план и согласится быть вашим куратором по прибытии. Компания DRSI Global Law рассмотрит все подходящие варианты из сотен доступных и подберет вам подходящего индоссанта. Индоссантами обычно являются профессиональные ассоциации по кураторству и компании с разработанным планом помощи в создании вашего бизнеса, обучении, представлении, наставничестве и достижении успеха вашей компании в Великобритании.

Инновационный” значение – у заявителя должен быть свой оригинальный бизнес-план, который соответствует новым или уже существующим критериям и/или который создает конкурентное преимущество; и

Жизнеспособный” значение – бизнес-план заявителя должен быть реалистичным и достижимым, исходя из имеющихся ресурсов заявителя; и

Масштабируемый” значение – заявитель должен обладать или активно приобретать необходимые навыки, знания, опыт и информированность о возможностях рынка для успешного ведения бизнеса; и

Рост занятости” – должны быть доказательства структурированного планирования и потенциала для создания рабочих мест и выхода на национальные и международные рынки.

                                                                        СТАРТАП ВИЗА – 2-летняя виза

Заявитель должен получить в общей сложности 70 баллов из таблицы приведенной ниже.

Требование (обязательное)

Доступные баллы

Бизнес является инновационным, жизнеспособным и масштабируемым


Заявитель не учреждал ранее никакого бизнеса в Великобритании


Знания английского языка на уровне В2 


Финансовое требование


Общее количество запрашиваемых баллов


ТЕСТ ПО АНГЛИЙСКОМУ ЯЗЫКУ – Заявитель должен продемонстрировать владение английским языком в соответствии с Общеевропейскими компетенциями владения иностранным языком во всех 4 направлениях (чтение, письмо, разговорная речь и понимание контекста) не ниже уровня B2.

ТЕСТ НА ФИНАНСОВУЮ СОСТОЯТЕЛЬНОСТЬ – если заявитель подает заявку на разрешение на въезд или находился в Великобритании менее 12 месяцев на момент подачи заявления, у него должны быть средства в размере не менее 1,270.00 фунтов стерлингов, и у он должен показать, что у него хватает средств на период 28 дней.

ТРЕБОВАНИЯ для главного заявителя и детей – 

Получение гранта будет зависеть от следующих условий:

(а) нет права на государственную помощь; и

(b) работа (включая самостоятельную занятость и волонтерскую работу) разрешена, за исключением занятий профессиональным спортом, в том числе работа спортивным тренером; и

(c)  обучение разрешено, при соблюдении условия ATAS (академическая схема утверждении технологии) в приложении ATAS; и

Мы прекрасно осознаем требования, которые необходимо соблюсти, и мы позаботимся о том, чтобы бизнес-компания, на которой остановится выбор, имела наибольшие шансы на успех в получении первоначальной визы.

Через 2 года – ваш бизнес должен быть на успешной стадии, чтобы соответствовать критериям, необходимым для перехода на следующий уровень – ВИЗЫ ИННОВАТОРА… ..

                                                                        ВИЗА ИННОВАТОРА – 3-летняя виза

Важно участвовать в развитии бизнеса таким образом, чтобы иметь возможность беспроблемно подать заявление на получения Постоянного вида на жительства (ILR) в конце 3-го года.

Существует несколько основных этапов, которым следует уделить внимание и выполнить.

Ваш индоссант будет выстраивать деловые отношения со своими клиентами, чтобы добиться успеха.

Компания должна уделить внимание 2 основным этапам в течение 3 лет:

  • Компания подала заявку на защиту интеллектуальной собственности в Великобритании. 
  • Годовой валовой доход компании составляет 500 тыс. фунтов стерлингов, причем не менее 100 тыс. фунтов стерлингов получены от экспортных продаж.
  • Новатор инвестировал в британский бизнес не менее 50 000 фунтов стерлингов.
  • Бизнес создал не менее 5 рабочих мест с полной занятостью для постоянных рабочих со средней зарплатой не менее 25 тысяч фунтов стерлингов в год.
  • За последние 3 года количество клиентов компании как минимум удвоилось и в настоящее время превышает среднее количество клиентов других британских компаний, предлагающих подобную продукцию или услуги.
  • Годовой валовой доход компании составил 1 млн фунтов стерлингов.
  • Бизнес создал не менее 10 рабочих мест с полной занятостью для постоянных рабочих.


Новая или уже существующая компания

Полученные баллы


Новая компания


Инновационное, жизнеспособное и масштабируемое коммерческое предприятие 

Новая компания


50 тыс. фунтов стерлингов доступных средств которые должны быть или уже были инвестированы 

Новая компания


Предыдущее разрешение заявителя было получено в  процессах получения виз Инноватора, Стартап или Уровня 1 (Дипломированный Предприниматель), и он занимается бизнесом, которому дало оценку учреждение, ранее одобренное Министерством внутренних дел,  либо в прошлый раз получения одобрения, либо в контактном пункте.

Уже существующая компания


Компания активно работает, участвует в торговле и демонстрирует значительные достижения в сравнении с бизнес-планом

Уже существующая компания


Заявитель участвует в повседневном руководстве и развитии компании

Уже существующая компания


Знания английского языка на уровне В2 

Обязательно для всех заявителей


Требование подтверждения финансовой состоятельности

Обязательно для всех заявителей


Общее количество необходимых баллов


Как говорилось ранее, требуется, чтобы одобрение было получено от Оценивающего учреждения.

Разные оценивающие организации специализируются на разных областях,и клиенту необходимо найти индоссанта подходящего именно его требованиям.


Клуб членов Pall Mall (PMMC) требует, чтобы клиенты регистрировались в качестве членов Pall Mall, прежде чем они смогут начать процесс оценки. Сборы варьируются от 8 900 фунтов стерлингов в год (X 3).

INVESTUK – диапазон оплаты составляет от 35,000 до 50,000 фунтов стерлингов, чтобы согласовать ваши бизнес-идеи с существующими британскими компаниями и ускорить рассмотрение вашего дела. 


  1. Подготовка Бизнес-плана: Подробная оценка бизнес-плана с обратной связью и сообщением клиенту необходимых изменений. Этот процесс будет завершен в течение четырех недель после подписания соглашения.
  2. Подтверждение согласовано, и письмо выслано
  3. Заявление на получение визы подано с одобрительным письмом и предоставленной визой новатора.
  4. Запуск бизнеса с сопутствующими услугами кураторства.
  5. Статус “Постоянного вида на жительство”  получен и Pall Mall получил 1% акций компании.      

Список кураторских услуг: (неполный)

Ежемесячные индивидуальные кураторские сессии по теме дня 

Консультации насчет развития стратегии 

Регистрация бизнеса в Великобритании 

Введение в профессиональные круги

Отраслевые сети 

Ежеквартальный обзор прогресса, включая управленческую отчетность 

Комплексный обзор возможностей интеллектуальной собственности  

Валютные опционы

Консультация по вопросам защиты директоров 

Налоговые льготы на НИОКР (Научно-исследовательские и опытно-конструкторские работы )

Поддержка привлечения капитала через частных и институциональных инвесторов

Исполнительный и командный инструктаж

Анализ человеческих ресурсов

Коммуникативные и презентационные навыки

Общие рекомендации и поддержка

Существуют десятки разных оценочных организаций и компания 

DRSI GLOBAL LAW подберет вам подходящую оценочную организацию, соответствующую вашему видению.

ВРЕМЕННЫЕ РАМКИ – 3-6 месяцев

  1. Стартап виза – 2 года
  2. Виза Инноватора -3 года
  3. Постоянный вид на жительство – после 5 лет
  4. Гражданство Великобритании – после 6 лет

Вы можете связаться с нами по электронной почте: office@drsi-global.co.uk


Startup or Innovator visa?? https://drsi-law.com/ru/startup-or-innovator-visa/ https://drsi-law.com/ru/startup-or-innovator-visa/#respond Mon, 08 Mar 2021 07:50:15 +0000 http://drsi-law.com/?p=2035

 STARTUP 2 year VISA OR Innovator 3 year visa aimed at finding potential Foreign Entrepreneurs to set up Innovative businesses in the UNITED KINGDOM

The “Startup” or the more advanced level “Innovator

 visa” are aimed at potential future foreign immigrants who have their own idea for a business that they wish to set up in the UK. 

The business that they submit to the Home Office should show a plan to set up a UK company that must be “innovative”, “viable” & “scalable”. 

Both visas require an ENDORSER to approve the business plan and agree to mentor you upon your arrival. DRSI Global Law will weed through the relevant endorsers from the hundreds of options available and match you with a suitable endorser. The Endorsers are usually professional mentorship associations and companies with a scheduled plan to help set up your business, teach you, introduce you, mentor you and escalate your company’s success in the UK. 

Innovative” meaning –  the applicant must have a genuine, original business plan that meets new or existing market needs and/or creates a competitive advantage; and

Viable” meaning -the applicant’s business plan must be realistic and achievable based on the applicant’s available resources; and

Scalable” meaning – the applicant must have, or be actively developing, the necessary skills, knowledge, experience and market awareness to successfully run the business; and

Job growth”  – there must be evidence of structured planning and of potential for job creation and growth into national and international markets.

START UP VISA – 2 year visa

 The applicant must be awarded a total of 70 points from the table below.

ENGLISH TESTThe applicant must show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in all 4 components (reading, writing, speaking and listening) of at least level B2.

FINANCIAL TESTIf an applicant is applying for entry clearance or has been in the UK for less than 12 months at the date of application, they must have funds of at least £1,270 and they must show that they have held the required level of funds for a 28 day period.

CONDITIONS for main applicant and children – 

The grant will be subject to all the following conditions:

(a) no access to public funds; and

(b) work (including self-employment and voluntary work) permitted except for employment as a professional sportsperson, including as a sports coach; and

(c) study is permitted, subject to the ATAS condition in Appendix ATAS; and

We recognise and understand the requirements that need to be put in place and will make sure that the proposed business venture has the greatest chance of success in gaining the initial visa. 

After 2 years – your business should be in a healthy stage to show the necessary criteria to escalate to the next level – the INNOVATOR VISA…..

The INNOVATOR VISA – 3 year visa

It is important to help build the business toward a successful Indefinite Leave to Remain ( ILR ) application at the end of Year 3. 

There are several milestones that should be targeted and achieved.

Your endorser will build a relationship with his clients in order to help him achieve success.

The company should target 2 milestones within 3 years:

  • The business has applied for intellectual property protection in the UK 
  • Business has generated annual gross revenue of £500k with at least £100k from export sales
  • The innovator has invested capital of at least £50,000 into the UK business.
  • Business has created the equivalent of at least 5 full-time jobs for resident workers which have an average salary of at least £25k a year
  • The number of business`s customers has at least doubled within the most recent 3 years and is currently higher than the mean number of customers for other UK businesses offering the comparable main products or services
  • Business has generated annual gross revenue of £1m
  • Business has created the equivalent of at least 10 full-time jobs for resident workers. 

As discussed it is a requirement that an endorsement is approved by an Endorsement company. 

Different endorsement organisations specialise in different areas and a client should find the correct endorser with their requirements. 

For Example: 

Pall Mall Members Club ( PMMC ) requires clients to register as a Pall Mall member before they can begin the assessment process. Fees range from  £8,900 per year ( X 3).

INVESTUK – fee range from around £35,000 to £50,000 to match your business ideas with current UK companies and escalate you case faster.

Starting up the PROCESS 

  1. Preparing the Business Plan: Drill down assessment of Business plan with feedback and required changes communicated to the client, this process will be completed within four weeks of agreement being signed. 
  2. Endorsement agreed and letter issued
  3. Visa application submitted with Endorsing Letter and Innovator visa granted.
  4. Business is launched with accompanying mentoring services.
  5. ILR achieved and Pall Mall awarded 1% equity in the business. 

Mentoring services list: ( non-exhaustive )

  1. Monthly 1-2-1 mentoring sessions covering topic of the day 
  1. Growth strategy consultations 
  1. Registration of UK business 
  1. Introduction to professional connections 
  1. Sector specific networking 
  1. Quarterly review of progress including management accounts 
  1. Comprehensive review of intellectual property options 
  1. FX options 
  1. Directorship protection consultation 
  1. R&D tax credits 
  1. Capital raise support through private and institutional investors 
  1. Executive and team coaching 
  1. Human resources overview 
  1. Communication and presentation skills 
  1. General advice and support 

There are tens of endorsement organisations and

 DRSI GLOBAL LAW will match your vision with the correct 

endorsement organisation.

TIME FRAME – 3-6 months

  1. Startup visa – 2 years
  2. Innovator visa -3 years
  3. Indefinite Leave to Remain – after 5 years
  4. British Citizenship after 6 years

Please feel free to contact office@drsi-global.co.uk


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Post Brexit British Immigration options https://drsi-law.com/ru/post-brexit-british-immigration-options/ https://drsi-law.com/ru/post-brexit-british-immigration-options/#respond Thu, 28 Jan 2021 10:26:19 +0000 http://drsi-law.com/?p=1988
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BREXIT IS UPON US https://drsi-law.com/ru/brexit-is-upon-us/ https://drsi-law.com/ru/brexit-is-upon-us/#respond Mon, 04 Jan 2021 08:50:03 +0000 http://drsi-law.com/?p=1971

– As the clocks struck 11.00 PM  on New Years’ Eve of 2021, a new era of Immigration, Trade, and general political realms emerged, while an old order was farewelled.

The change – BREXIT- an independent United Kingdom, takes back its own rules and bows down to noone, with all the advantages and disadvantages that this may bring. A democratic referendum was respected and 51% of the people of Britain chose to leave the European Union and stand alone. 1st January 2021, history started to take effect. 

Although BREXIT was already an issue since the 2016 referendum, and while, throughout 2019 the UK and the EU have be in a so-called “transition period”, thereby enabling each other’s nationals to enjoy visa-free status and other “border-less” freedoms enjoyed prior to the referendum, such freedoms have now become a thing of the past as BREXIT has officially started. 

Furthermore, over the past few months the UK Government has been in continual dialogue with it’s EU neighbours and trade partners to resolve their trade issues and attempt on getting a “soft deal”.  Such a deal was finally brokered on 24th December, 2020 – an early Christmas present for all parties involved. 

The includes the following issues:


There will be no taxes on goods (tariffs) or limits on the amount that can be traded (quotas) between the UK and the EU.

Some new checks will be introduced at borders, such as safety checks and customs declarations.

There are some new restrictions on certain UK animal food products. For example, uncooked meats like sausages and burgers can’t enter the EU unless they are frozen to -18C.

What does that mean?

Having a deal in place means that the fear that some goods could become more expensive has been avoided.

However, businesses will still need to prepare for new procedures at ports, and if new paperwork is incomplete, it could lead to disruption.


Businesses offering services, such as banking, architecture and accounting, will lose their automatic right of access to EU markets and will face some restrictions.

There will no longer be automatic recognition of professional qualifications for people such as doctors, chefs and architects who wish to work in UK with a foreign European qualification.

Rather than following one set of rules for the whole of the EU, UK businesses will need to comply with the regulations in each individual country. (There are 27 other countries. )

It will be harder for people with qualifications gained in the UK to sell their services in the EU. 

Individuals will need to check each country’s rules to make sure their qualification is still recognised.

However, the UK and EU have pledged to keep talking to try to improve access for the service sector in the future.


UK nationals will need a visa for stays of longer than 90 days in the EU in a 180-day period.

UK citizens can no longer work in any European country without applying for a work permit.

UK citizens can no longer study in any European country without applying for a student visa.

Pet passports will no longer be valid. Pets will still be allowed in the EU, but it will be a more complicated process as owners will need to obtain an animal health certificate for each trip they make.

European Health Insurance Cards, (EHIC) cards will remain valid until they expire. The UK government says EHIC will be replaced with a new UK Global Health Insurance Card, but full details have not been released yet.

The UK is no longer subject to the ban on additional roaming charges, although both sides will encourage operators to have “transparent and reasonable rates” for roaming. UK mobile operators will be able to charge for roaming, so people should check with their mobile phone company before travelling.

You can find all the details regarding the new Deal here: https://ec.europa.eu/info/relations-united-kingdom/eu-uk-trade-and-cooperation-agreement_en 

So, what are the effects of EU families already living in the UK?

EU nationals – and their families – who are already living in the UK, who have not already applied to the EU Settlement Scheme, need to do so by 30 June 2021.  This scheme allows for all those EEA citizens and their respective spouses/family members to enjoy their current legal status as lawful residents with full working rights. 

It needs to be added though, that if an EU citizen has successfully applied and been granted Pre-settled status, they will be considered having Limited Leave (i.e. not permanent residents) and will need to apply for Permanent status after having living in the UK for 5 years; while those who have already been living in the UK for 5 years, they may apply for Settled Status, thereby being considered Permanent residents (ILR). 

No longer any Freedom of Movement between UK and Europe 

The policy of Free Movement will cease to exist, thereby enforcing the newly established border and Immigration controls.   

EU citizens will no longer be able to freely work, study or live in the UK without applying for a visa prior to entry.  EU citizens will now face the same scrutiny as any other worldwide citizen and there will be no discrimination between a French foreigner, a Chinese foreigner or an American foreigner. All foreigners will need to abide by the new UK immigration rules 2021.

New UK Points-based Immigration system

As of December 1, 2020, the UK Government put in place a Points-based immigration system to help establish a new Visa Immigration scheme for Europeans and other nationals, as one. 

EU citizens moving to the UK on or after 1 January 2021 will need a visa to be able to work. The same goes for other European Economic Area nationals and Swiss nationals. 


The annual cap on skilled workers entering the UK has been suspended. This means that, for the time being, there will no longer be a limit on the number of migrant workers who can come to the UK under this category each year. This may be subject to review by the government at a later date

The skills education threshold for roles eligible for sponsorship has been reduced from RQF 6 (degree level or equivalent) to RQF 3 (A Level or equivalent). In practice, this opens up a large number of new roles that will now qualify for sponsorship from December such as construction workers, butchers, farmers and even nannies. 

The Resident Labour Market Test has been abolished, but Sponsors still need to demonstrate a genuine need for the role in question and that the migrant they wish to sponsor has the necessary skills, qualifications and experience – Do you really intend to employ this foreigner and why?

The overall minimum salary threshold has been reduced, although the role will still need to meet the ‘going rate’ for the relevant job, if higher. This will permit UK employers to offer lower salaries to attract foreign workers.

There is scope to earn extra ‘tradable’ points for those earning below the minimum threshold/going rate for their role, where an applicant is offered a job in a specific shortage occupation, they hold a PHD relevant to their role, or they are deemed to be a ‘new entrant’.

The cooling off period no longer applies and it will be easier to switch into this route from within the UK such as Tier 2 ICT used to have.

“DEFINED” CoS has replaced the old term known as ‘Restricted’ CoS for Entry Clearance applications – but the process is quicker with requests typically being processed daily rather than monthly as before.


The Intra-Company sub-categories remain largely the same with routes for Intra-Company Transfers and Intra-Company Graduate Trainees. 

Existing ICT visa holders will be able to switch into the Skilled Worker route from within the UK, providing a route to settlement (also known as ‘Indefinite Leave to Remain/ILR’).

The cooling off period has been relaxed to allow a migrant to hold Intra-Company Transfer status for up to five years in any six year period. 

There is now a single high earner threshold of £73,900 that provides an exemption from the requirement for 12 months previous overseas employment and which allows a migrant to hold Intra-Company Transfer status for up to nine years in any ten year period.

This is really a historical time for immigration and will create many opportunities for Britain and many exciting opportunities for non Europeans who will now be more interested to come to the UK and contribute their skills because there are less competition in their European counterparts.

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UK Travel Ban https://drsi-law.com/ru/uk-travel-ban/ https://drsi-law.com/ru/uk-travel-ban/#respond Mon, 28 Dec 2020 11:27:46 +0000 http://drsi-law.com/?p=1950

Starting from December 19, the UK authorities imposed a Tier 4 lockdown in London and southeast England. The reason for these new restrictions is a novel variant of Covid-19 which has been identified which has spread rapidly within the UK. The Public Health England has assessed this variant as having substantially increased transmissibility with high confidence. Further studies are underway to characterise the variant and updates will be provided.

At least 40 countries have announced new restrictions or a ban on travel from the UK. European countries have begun to impose travel bans on the UK after it’s announcement of a more-infectious and “out of control” Covid-19 variant. Germany, France, Italy, Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands are all halting flights. The measures are initially short-term and are different for each country. However, the EU Commission has urged member states to lift any travel bans to the UK to allow for essential journeys and to minimise trade disruption. 

Among other European countries the reaction of the French authorities has been the most consequent. Since 21st December 2020, most types of travel from the UK to France have been totally banned. After having closed its borders for 48 hours, France, Britain’s closest neighbour reopened the border to certain groups of travellers on December 23rd – French or EU citizens, Permanent residents of France or another EU country, or those travelling for essential purposes such as hauliers and truck drivers who do not leave their trucks. However, because of the French restrictions, the ferry terminal at Dover is now closed for all accompanied traffic leaving the UK until further notice. On Friday, the French Ministry of Health reported the first case of the UK Covid variant in France.

Belgium has blocked the tunnel and airports from all passenger movements, even transit, for 24 hours from midnight Sunday as a precautionary measure. Turkey and Switzerland have temporarily banned all flights from the UK until the New Year. Switzerland imposed compulsory quarantine for travellers arriving after December 14. Ireland moved to put in place an all out ban on travel from the UK into Ireland, however this ban will be removed after December 31.

German Health Ministry has confirmed the UK variant had not yet been detected in Germany. The Ministry of Transport has announced that planes from the UK would not be allowed to land after midnight on Sunday, that means that passenger flights are canceled from the UK until at least December 31.

Italian Health Ministry has reported the first case of the UK variant detected in Italy. All the flights from and to the UK are suspended until 6 January, while blocking entry for anyone who has been in the UK in the last 14 days. Austria and Bulgaria have also issued a ban on all flights to and from the UK until 31th of January. Portugal has imposed restrictions on flights from the UK, the government announced that only Portuguese nationals will be allowed to travel, and they must have a negative Covid-19 test.

Netherlands have set the travel bans for travelers coming from the UK or South Africa which were supposed to remain in place until at least January 1. However, on December 22, the Dutch government lifted the flight ban. Starting from December 23 all passengers will have to present proof of a recent negative coronavirus PCR test before they will be allowed to travel. 

In Spain the government has confirmed the detection of at least 4 cases of the UK variant. Flights from the UK have been suspended indefinitely from December 22, except for Spanish nationals and residents. Norway also discovered the UK variant in two people who had arrived there from the UK and the government has issued a ban on all incoming flights from the United Kingdom which has been extended until December 29th and may eventually be extended into January. 

Following these events, the Swedish authorities also detected the new UK variant on Saturday. Sweden’s government issued a ban on travel into Sweden from both the UK and Denmark for at least one month. After discovering the first UK variant case in Denmark, the national authorities have imposed a ban on entry for passengers from the UK from December 25 to January 3. Danish citizens and residents can return home but the government strongly advises 10 days of self-isolation, with an option to test after four days.

Some countries didn’t ban the travelers arriving from the UK but imposed restrictions. Greece has imposed a seven-day quarantine for all travelers arriving from the UK starting December 22. Additionally, all passengers coming from the UK will be tested on arrival and if the result of the test on arrival is negative, you must still quarantine for 7 days. 

The United States had announced on Wednesday that UK travelers arriving in the city will be required to quarantine or face a daily $1,000 fine. 

Israeli authorities approved new travel restrictions on December 27 afternoon which stipulate that until further notice, foreign nationals will not be allowed to enter Israel from South Africa, Denmark and the United Kingdom. Israeli citizens returning from those three countries will now be obligated to remain in quarantine at mandatory Coronavirus hotels upon their return, unlike Israelis who return from other countries, who have the option to self-isolate at home.

Other countries in the Middle East have suspended entry from the UK. Oman has announced a ban for all entry to the country by foreigners and halted international passenger flights, starting for one week, cargo flights are excluded.

Saudi Arabia paused all international passenger flights and land and sea arrivals for a week or until clearer details emerged about the COVID variant, with cargo flights and supply chains exempt. Hong Kong suspended all flights from the UK.

In the light of the spread of the Covid-19 new UK variant, each person intending to travel from the UK must check the destination country’s travel restrictions in place. These restrictions are published and updated on the Home Office website. 

Posted by D. Sklar Law Office

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