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Turkish Nationals establishing themselves in business

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The Home Office Guidance of January 2006 covers those who wish to apply from within the UK under the Association Agreement between the European Community and Turkey (the Ankara Agreement or ECAA agreement). 

UKvisas publish new report on visa applications abroad

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On 19 June 2007, Ukvisas, the joint Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and Home Office department dealing with applications for entry clearance (visas) at British posts abroad, published the 14th Report of Ms Linda Costelloe Baker, the Independent Monitor for entry clearance applications without right of appeal except on grounds of human rights and race discrimination.

British Citizenship Ceremonies: oath and pledge in Welsh

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Citizenship ceremonies have been an integral part of the process of naturalising as a British Citizen since January 2004 when it was decided that private affirmations of allegiance to the British Crown (the Queen) were not celebratory enough to mark such a momentous occasion.  It was felt that public ceremonies were a much more fitting way of marking a person’s welcome into British society. Until 1 June 2007, these ceremonies were conducted in English. Now, however, it is possible to make the oath or affirmation and pledge in Welsh if you naturalise or register in Wales. The wording of the affirmation or oath and pledge in Welsh are as follows:

Sole Responsibility: Children joining one parent in the UK

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If you are a parent living in the UK or entering the UK with a view to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain, ILR), you may wish for your child to join you in the UK, possibly also for settlement. However, if the child’s other parent continues to live in another country, then you will have to satisfy the Home Office that you 'have had sole responsibility' for that child.

Refugee Week 18-24th June 2007

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The United Nations has designated 20 June World Refugee Day, an opportunity to focus attention on those forced to flee persecution and seek protection in a country of exile.

For several years the UK has used the week around World Refugee Day to focus on those fleeing persecution in different parts of the world, and in particular the lives and contributions of those in exile in the UK.

Unmarried & Same-Sex partners: the Two Year Cohabitation Requirement

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This short article discusses the Home Office’s interpretation that there is a requirement for unmarried and same-sex partners to demonstrate that they live in a relationship akin to marriage, normally by demonstrating that they have co-habited as a couple for a two year period, in order to be granted leave to enter, remain or receive entry clearance.

New Report on Child Trafficking

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The UK Child Exploitation and Online Protection Agency (CEOP) released a report A scoping project on child trafficking in the UK on 11 June 2007. The research is endorsed by the Home Office. 

Retired persons of independent means

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The Immigration Rules provide a means for those who are truly financially independent to establish a permanent home in the UK.  The primary requirements are that: the retiree must be 60 years or over; have a minimum annual disposable income of £25,000 under their control in the UK; be willing and able to maintain themselves and any dependants indefinitely in the UK solely using their own resources; be able to demonstrate a close connection with the UK; intend to make the UK their main home and hold a valid entry clearance (a visa) in this capacity.

Changes to Visa Services in Zimbabwe

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UKvisas, the joint Home Office and Foreign and Commonwealth Office department dealing with applications for entry clearance (visas) at UK posts abroad and the British Embassy in Harare, has given advanced warning of changes to the visa service.

Earning British Citizenship?

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Two UK government ministers have suggested that immigrants could have the chance to "earn" British citizenship under a points-based system. This comes just four months after the British Chancellor and future Prime Minister, Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP, suggested on 27 February 2007 that immigrants should do community work to help them settle before being granted British citizenship. Mr Brown was reported as saying:

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