The story that first broke in April about a High Court ruling that allowed migrant professionals back into Britain is still rolling in the Indian media, mainly because that country has so many professionals affected by the change in law.

The Economic Times reports thousands of Indian professionals are rejoicing with the news that they can return to the UK after the High Court ruling. The professionals had emigrated to the UK under the old HSMP (highly skilled migrant programme), but when the new points-based system was applied, in November 2006, more than 5,000 professionals – mostly Indians – had to leave the UK because the new rules were to be applied retrospectively.

In April, the High Court ruled the retrospective application of new rules was unlawful, so the professionals can return to the UK and resume their lives. One area that had a particular impact was stricter extension tests on permits. But migrants already in the UK, whose extensions were refused after the November 2006 changes came into force, will not have to pay another application fee again for a review of the decision under the old HSMP criteria.

The home affairs committee is conducting a review into the new points based immigration system that should be published by the end of this year.