The Guest of Government Visit to the United Kingdom of President Victor Yushchenko highlights the close friendship between our two countries, and the willingness to cooperate closely across a broad spectrum of mutual concerns. Our relationship is based on shared values and interests: expanding economic freedom and democracy; protecting security; respect for human rights and the rule of law; supporting innovation and technological advances particularly to promote sustainable development. Our discussions today have highlighted our common priorities, which we intend to pursue together.

 

More

From today all highly skilled workers, entrepreneurs and investors wanting to come to the UK will be able to apply for their UK visa under a new Australian style points based system. 

 

Under the new system, applicants will need to amass points to satisfy the visa service that they can make a positive contribution to the UK. Points will be awarded for objective criteria such as qualifications, previous earnings, age and UK experience. Only those with enough points will be able to get a visa.

 

More

From 1 April 2008, visa cheats who try to access to the UK by using false documents or deception will from today face an automatic ban. Applicants who have previously breached UK immigration laws by staying in the UK illegally or working without permission will also be banned from coming to the UK.

 

More

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office today launched a new blogging platform to provide a place for Ministers and officials to engage in a dialogue with the public about international affairs and the work of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

 

More