D&A Solicitors | BLOG

This white paper, presented by HM Government in May 2025, outlines proposals to bring down net migration and restore control and order to the immigration system . The government's Plan for Change includes delivering such an immigration system, coupled with strong border security, as one of its foundations. The Case for Change The white paper argues that proper control and management of the immigration system have been lost in recent years. Under the previous government in 2023, inward migration is stated to have exploded to over a million people a year, which is four times the level compared with 2019. This is described as a political choice never put before the British people, despite repeated promises that inward migration would be brought under control. The previous government is also stated to have replaced free movement with a "free-market experiment" that incentivised employers to recruit from abroad rather than train at home, allowed unlimited expansion of oversea...

  The UK government is introducing a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, a significant development in the country’s immigration and border control policies. Designed to enhance security and streamline travel processes, the ETA will apply to visitors who do not currently require a visa for short stays or who do not already hold UK immigration status. This blog provides a comprehensive overview of the ETA system, its requirements, and its implications for travelers. What is an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)? An ETA is a digital travel permission that authorizes eligible individuals to travel to the UK. It is not a visa and does not guarantee entry into the country. Instead, it serves as a pre-travel clearance, ensuring that travelers meet the necessary requirements before arriving at the UK border. The ETA system is part of a global trend toward digital travel authorizations, similar to systems already in place in countries like the United States (ESTA) and ...