On 11 June 2012, the Home Office announced changes to rules governing family migration that will come into force on 9 July 2012. These changes will affect anyone wishing to bring family members from a Non-European Economic Area (Non-EEA) country to the UK.
Transitional arrangements have been put in place to ensure serving members and their families will not immediately be affected by the changes until the Home Office and the MOD have completed a review and implemented changes by April 13 into the impact on the Service Community.
UK tax payer
The Home Office measures are designed to ensure sustainable family migration into the UK which does not become a burden to the UK tax payer. These changes will affect anyone wishing to bring family members from a Non-European Economic Area (Non-EEA) country to the UK.
Serving members of the UK Armed Forces and their families will not immediately be affected by these changes. They will continue to apply under the immigration rules that existed on 8 July 12 as a transitional arrangement.
This transitional arrangement will last until April 13 while the Home Office in conjunction with the MOD review the impact of the changes on the Service Community. Individuals being discharged (or made redundant) after 9 Jul 12 may be affected by the new changes.
The review will start after 9 July 12 and will take account of the core principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, which are now embodied in legislation. These are “no disadvantage” and “special treatment where appropriate”. The Home Office in conjunction with MOD will consider what, if any, special treatment is appropriate during the review. A further ABN will appear when the results of the review are known.
Immigration matters
Those seeking more information can use the information on the UK Border Agency (UKBA) website. If you are in the UK you can telephone the UKBA contact centres. Always use a qualified immigration advisor in the UK these are regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) and you can search for an advisor on their website.
The Law Societies of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and the Institute of Legal Executives can provide a list of law firms who can advise on immigration matters. They cannot provide direct help or advice on visa applications. You can find out more at the DirectGov external link on 'Getting Legal Advice' under sources of information.