YES, in 2011 we saw massive changes to Immigration Rules which resulted in a major fall in the numbers of Filipinos coming to the UK
by Cynthia Barker

As we say goodbye to a turbulent 2011, the year will be remembered for far reaching changes to UK Immigration Rules which have already seen a sharp decline in migration from the Philippines and other non-EU countries.
A key factor in the reversal of fortune for Filipinos has been a Conservative led coalition government determined to slash net migration, including international students, to the 'tens of thousands' from the hundreds of thousands under Labour.
In the last year, the UK Border Agency has introduced sweeping points-based system changes to Tier 1, Tier 2 working visas and Tier 4 student visas, not to mention the abolition of the Post Study Work visa (PSW) and the cap on immigration preventing employers from sponsoring non-EU workers.
Following important changes to the student visa rules in April and July it has become far more difficult to extend 'leave to remain' as a student (e.g. the ‘3 year’ rule) and sponsor dependants. I have seen a sharp rise in the number of appeals against in-country refusals in 2011.  Working hours for lower level students have been slashed or banned altogether for those applying to private colleges after 4 July 2011.
Hundreds of private colleges have had their Tier 4 Sponsor’s licence revoked or have gone out of business as new student numbers fell through the floor. I have seen countless numbers of Filipino students who have become victims of the crackdown on private colleges. Many have lost their money and no longer have the required funds to apply for a new student visa.
Historically, the vast majority of Filipino migrants have come to the UK under Labour administrations in the 1970’s and more recently when Tony Blair came to power in 1997.
Another issue for non-EU migrants is the expansion of the European Union, which has resulted in EU migrants taking more of the low skilled jobs.
With many European economies in recession, the immediate future for Filipino migrants may look bleak, but try not to be too discouraged. Like most things, immigration is cyclical depending on the host country’s economic needs. As one immigration wave comes to an end a new one starts somewhere else. Potential migrants need to be alert and ready to ride the next wave before it starts.
Perhaps it will be in Australia, Canada or in one of the emerging economic super powers such as Brazil or China which have overtaken Britain in the world economic rankings. New opportunities for skilled and talented people are boundless, so continuous professional development, training and education are the keys to your success. The question is do you have the right skills, qualifications and knowledge to take advantage of those opportunities?
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a happy and prosperous New Year!
If you have any general immigration enquiries, please email info@immigrationmatters.co.uk. For free immigration updates, register with www.immigrationmatters.co.uk