Opinion

Understanding Selective Mobility, Visa Restrictions And COVID-Permitted Traveling

Various countries, including the US and UK, have introduced measures to make visa acquisition more difficult for the general public to discourage people from traveling in light of the pandemic. The word “lockdown” defined the dominant rhetoric for the pandemic and became instrumental to global policy formation. While the government of the United States was more drastic with their approach that was politically motivated and barred certain countries from entering, other countries such as the UK simply reduced the number of approved visa applications on a general level. It is understood that the erratic nature of changes to visa policy is caused by the uncertainty of the situation, nonetheless, how can one explain the frequent traveling of members of the elite, apart from those who are passport holders? Perhaps the answer lies in the fact that both these approaches have one commonality: they perpetuate exclusive mobility, only available to those who can afford ‘special flights’ with room for social distancing. However, it is important to note that visa only becomes a concern when the airspace is open. "Where does all this leave people who are bound to a single country due to these structural hindrances? Students, expats, overseas workers?"

Undergraduate and Post-Graduate Deadline for UCAS Applications Approaches Soon!

UCAS has announced their deadline for the upcoming academic year of 2021-22. Post graduate programs are scheduled to close on 31 May 2021. The announcement for undergraduate applications is as follows: 21 September 2021- The final deadline for applications to 2021 courses. Applications must arrive at UCAS by 18:00 (UK time). Since undergraduate applications open in September, right now would be a great time for searching universities that will serve as the best fit and creating your ‘list.’ The application process can prove to be burdensome and pressurizing when left to the last moment. Consult your college counselors to make sure that you have access to everything that you may need. We also suggest that you start brainstorming on potential topics for your personal statement and gather all application materials beforehand to eliminate chaos. You can count on LDPK to assist you with all your visa related needs! We work with our immigration lawyers based in the UK irrespective of the time difference so they can assist you from the moment you land. If you are looking to apply for postgraduate programs, you want to make sure you have all your application materials ready and posted before the deadline - 31 May 2021 by 18:00 (UK time). Be sure to visit www.ucas.com/finance/additional-funding and review the necessary requirements for a scholarship, financial aid, or grant.

Understanding Employment Contracts

Employment Law, Louis Chiu Whether you have just received a new job offer or you are hiring employees, this article provides an overview of some essentials that you may need to know regarding employment contracts. What is an Employment Contract? Employment contract is a legally binding agreement setting out the terms agreed between the employer and employee during the course of employment. Types of Employment Contracts: Oral Contract: Where the employment contract was made and agreed orally. This form of arrangement is most undesirable as nothing is formally recorded and it exposes both parties to potential disputes and misunderstandings in the future. Written Employment Contract: This can be distinguished into fixed term contract and indefinite contract. A fixed term contract is to be used when the period of employment is fixed, i.e. one-year contract, the period shall be specifically stated. An indefinite contract is a continuing contract until it is terminated by either party providing sufficient notice period. Both types of contracts can be used for full-time and part-time employees. Read the complete article here_____ Understanding-Employment-Contract

UK Government Opens Route for Graduating International Students on 1 July 2021!

Source: Home Office, UK Visas and Immigration, Kevin Foster MP The new Graduate route will open for applications on 1 July 2021, allowing the UK to retain the brightest and the best international students to continue to contribute to society and the economy post-study. International students must have completed an eligible course at a UK higher education provider, with a track record of compliance with the government’s immigration requirements to apply to the Graduate route. Students on the Graduate route will be able to work or look for work after their studies for a maximum period of 2 years, or 3 years for Doctoral students. The launch of the new Graduate route shows that the government is continuing to deliver on its key manifesto promise to implement a points-based immigration system, which will attract talent and ensure that businesses can recruit the most highly qualified from across the globe to drive the economy forwards. The Graduate route will work for all corners of the UK, ensuring that communities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can benefit from talented individuals who want to stay after their studies. Minister for Future Borders and Immigration Kevin Foster said: As we rebuild from the global pandemic we want the world’s brightest talent, who aspire to a career at the highest levels of business, science, the arts and technology to see our United Kingdom as the natural place to fulfil their aspirations. The changes announced today will ensure once they have received a gold standard qualification from one of our world leading education institutions they can easily secure the status they need to continue living, working and fulfilling their dreams in the UK. As detailed in the Immigration Rules laid in Parliament today (4 March), the new route will open for applications on 1 July 2021, to international students who successfully complete a degree at undergraduate level or above in the UK. The Graduate route will be unsponsored, meaning applicants will not need a job offer to apply for the route. There will be no minimum salary requirements nor caps on numbers. Graduates on the route will be able to work flexibly, switch jobs and develop their career as required.   The new route will help the government to achieve the ambition set out in the International Education Strategy to increase the number of international students in higher education in the UK to 600,000 by 2030.