BBC News has reported on the list of UK jobs likely to be available to workers from outside the EU and how it will effect various industries.

Rediff India Abroad has reported that surrey-bound Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar was sent home by UK immigration officials after arriving in Heathrow without a valid working visa.

The Institute for Public Policy Research's (IPPR) Economics of Migration project has released it's first working paper. The project aims to improve understanding of the economic impacts of migration in the UK, and how policy should respond to that migration in order to maximise its economic benefits, and minimise its costs. The paper underlines the importance of looking at migration’s longer-term impacts in local areas, as well as its short-term effects.

The UK Border Agency has announced that from 25 November 2008 they will begin to issue identity cards to foreign nationals applying for further leave to remain in the United Kingdom under certain categories. The first cards will be issued to migrants applying as:

• A student; or
• The husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner of someone holding permanent residence in the United Kingdom.

From November 2008, fingerprints and facial images will be captured at six centres around the UK as part of the process of making a decision about an individual's right to be in the country.

The card provides evidence of the holder's nationality, identity and status in the UK. It will provide information that will help public agencies; employers and educational establishments understand the migrant's entitlements more easily.

Employers will be able to see the card which will detail applicants entitlement to work, study or access public funds.

When a foreign national, who has already been granted further leave to remain and is issued with an identity card, returns to the UK, they will be required to show their identity card at the border together with their national passport to confirm their immigration status.

By 2014-15 90% of foreign nationals will have an identity card.

In 2010 voluntary identity cards will be offered to young people and in 2011-12, voluntary identity cards will be offered to large numbers of the British public.

The identity card will help businesses:

• Reduce administrative burden.
• Make it easier for employers, sponsors and others to check entitlements.
• Ensure those who are here illegally do not receive benefits and other privileges of living in the UK.

For the individual it will make it easier to:

• Provide proof of their right to live in the UK .
• Prove their identity safely and quickly wherever and whenever this is required.
• Get a job - as potential employers can use the card to check future employees identity and employment status quickly and easily.

Intellegal has reported the UK Home Office's announcement of two new visitor visas for Sports people and entertainers, allowing people who fall under these category to visit the UK for up to six months. 

Immigration and work permit news has reported that the UK Border Agency has published statistics showing the number of Eastern European immigrants coming to the UK has continued to decrease. This can be good news for non-EU nationals hoping to live and work in the UK. Fewer Eastern European immigrants in the UK could mean improved labour market prospects for third country nationals.