Best photos of June 2: From a tomato fight to fog over Sydney
Under the UK government's proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
10 hours ago
- The National
Nano-drones and DragonFire lasers: New tech blazes a trail for UK's modernising military
The science fiction of Star Wars is rapidly becoming a reality as laser weapons and attack drones feature heavily in Britain's evolving armed forces. With the ability to shoot down a £1 coin from 1km away, the DragonFire laser could become a major force in defending against missile and drone attacks, after the UK Ministry of Defence announced a £5 billion ($6.75 billion) investment in an array of new systems. Britain has drawn heavily on the lessons of the Ukraine conflict in its Strategic Defence Review, launched on Monday. The revolution in warfare is producing much more automation, essentially letting robots do the heavy lifting in warfare. Sources have disclosed to The National how the British have developed secret weapons, from nano drones and microwave weapons to autonomous submarines, that are all likely to have operated in Ukraine's defence. Breathing DragonFire The DragonFire system will receive nearly £1 billion in funding to install the laser-directed energy weapons on a Type-45 destroyer by 2027 as the UK seeks to become 'the leading edge of innovation'. Modern missile interceptors can cost more than $1 million per weapon, but the DragonFire will just be £10 a shot – while being invisible and silent. Trials have demonstrated that the laser's beams can within five seconds destroy drones or make mortar bombs explode mid-flight. The lasers travel at the speed of light and destroy incoming threats by turning metal surfaces into 3,000°C plasma at a range understood to be beyond 2km. The system, which has been in development for nearly a decade, could become powerful enough to intercept ballistic missiles. The army will also receive a lorry-mounted DragonFire before the end of the decade with prototypes sent to Ukraine earlier to test their effectiveness. While the DragonFire uses up to 100 kilowatts in energy, US warships are looking at a 300-kilowatt system that could be capable of taking down cruise missiles and aircraft, and will come into service in a decade. Lessons from Ukraine The extraordinary developments made by both Ukraine and Russia in drone warfare have changed the nature of warfare. Military tacticians will be studying closely the massed drone assault authorised by Kyiv in which 41 Russian military aircraft were destroyed, causing $7 billion in damage, according to Ukrainian intelligence. In Sunday's raid, lorries filled with suicide drones were driven into Russia, one as far away as Siberia, then parked before their roofs were remotely opened and the aircraft flew to military bases, slipping past Russia's air defences. Nanos, lasers and swarms A range of highly advanced weapon systems, many of them undergoing trials in Ukraine, will be developed at pace with £4 billion in funding, mostly at what will be called the UK Drone Centre. This, the Strategic Defence Review said, will apply battlefield lessons from Ukraine where drones now kill more people than traditional artillery. It is understood that the British army is developing personal laser weapons to take down small drones but is struggling to 'operationalise' them due to the huge amounts of power required. The Banshee Jet 80 kamikaze drone is likely to be upgraded, with a number of models already used in Ukraine, the defence source disclosed. The Banshee can carry a 7kg warhead an estimated 200km using its twin jet engines to travel at 720km/h. Microwave weapons are being developed against drones and have been deployed to Ukraine for testing. Swarm technology is also advancing, with the Magni X system of six aircraft that can operate autonomously to defeat Russian anti-drone systems. They are thought to be capable of carrying a 2kg payload to use against individuals or vehicles. Nano technology will be carefully studied, building on the success of the finger-sized 18g Black Hornet drones. These can carry three cameras and fly for about 25 minutes, sneaking into buildings or military camps. Scientists will use AI and autonomy to develop battlefield transport, getting ammunition and rations to the front line in driverless vehicles. Another system in advanced development is a quadcopter that can lift wounded soldiers out of combat zones. It is also likely to be in use in Ukraine. Sea and air According to the Strategic Defence Review, Britain and its allies will have to compete harder for control of the air, 'fighting in a way not seen for over 30 years', due to advances by adversaries. The RAF is developing the Tempest sixth-generation Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as its future fighter. It is understood that 216 Squadron is undertaking discrete trials for a system called CCA (collaborative combat aircraft), otherwise known as the 'loyal wingman', in which the mother aircraft operates smaller drone fighters. While the Strategic Defence Review stated that 12 new attack submarines will be built, the development of autonomous boats is already well under way. The Neptune automated submarine is able to carry out covert close reconnaissance and is likely to have been used in the Black Sea to target Russian warships.
Int'l Cricket Council
10 hours ago
- Int'l Cricket Council
West Indies name T20I squads as big name misses out
The tour will begin with a three-match T20I series against England from June 6 to June 10, followed by another three-T20I series against Ireland from June 12 to June 15. The England series will mark Shai Hope's first assignment as the T20I skipper of the West Indies. Veteran all-rounder Jason Holder returns to the T20I setup after last featuring in February 2024, while explosive all-rounder Andre Russell has also been named for the England leg of the series, making a comeback after injury cut short his last appearance against England in Barbados. Nicholas Pooran has been rested for both series following an extended campaign in the Indian Premier League 2025. A hat-trick of sixes from Shai Hope | T20WC 2024 West Indies batter Shai Hope hits three sixes in a row against USA at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. Test captain Roston Chase will feature in the England series before departing for the Test squad camp ahead of the upcoming Test series against Australia. He will be replaced for the Ireland leg by Jyd Goolie, a promising left-hander who earns his maiden call-up to the senior team after an impressive domestic season. Brandon King, who will serve as vice-captain against England, will miss the Ireland series due to personal commitments. Keacy Carty comes in as his replacement. Head Coach Daren Sammy and his assistants Floyd Reifer and Ravi Rampaul will leave the white-ball squad after the England series to prepare the Test team for the upcoming red-ball challenge against Australia that will mark the beginning of the next World Test Championship cycle for the two sides. Veteran coach Rayon Griffith will assume duties as interim head coach for the Ireland T20Is. Andre Russell gets his 50th T20I wicket | WI v PNG | T20WC 2024 Squad for T20Is v England Shai Hope (Captain), Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd Squad for T20Is v Ireland Shai Hope (Captain), Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Jyd Goolie, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd T20I series schedule v England First T20I: Friday, June 6 – Chester-Le-Street, Durham Second T20I: Sunday, June 8 – Bristol Third T20I: Tuesday, June 10 – Southampton T20I series schedule v Ireland First T20I: Thursday, June 12 – Bready Second T20I: Saturday, June 14 – Bready Third T20I: Sunday, June 15 – Bready
Khaleej Times
12 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Visax.co wins 'Best Immigration Agency in Asia' award
In a major industry recognition, has been awarded 'Best Immigration Agency in Asia' for its exceptional contribution to global visa consultancy and immigration support services. Headquartered in Sharjah, with a growing branch in Mawanella, Sri Lanka, is being celebrated for its legal transparency, personalised client services, and success in navigating complex immigration frameworks. This prestigious award comes as continues its upward trajectory as Asia's most trusted gateway to global visas, helping thousands of families, students, professionals, and investors realise their international dreams. The agency has earned praise for its high approval rates, strategic legal compliance, and multilingual, culturally sensitive client support. "Winning this award is a testament to the work our teams put in across borders every single day," said a senior spokesperson at Visax. "Our mission has always been to provide legal, ethical, and effective immigration solutions. This recognition reaffirms that we're on the right path." From European work permits and student visas to tourist visas and second citizenships by investment, Visax offers tailored, end-to-end visa solutions for nearly every country in the world. Its fastest-growing vertical — second citizenship programmes is helping high-net-worth individuals from countries like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the UAE gain global mobility, financial freedom, and security through legal citizenship pathways in Caribbean nations like St. Lucia, Dominica, and Antigua & Barbuda. "This isn't just about travel convenience," shared Arshad Nizam, branch manager of Visax Sri Lanka. "For many, it's about global access, business flexibility, and a better future for their families. We handle every case with confidentiality, compliance, and care." In response to the rising demand for skilled migration, Visax also facilitates legal work permit placements in countries like Croatia, Portugal, Poland, and Slovakia, by partnering directly with verified employers and offering comprehensive documentation services. This drastically reduces risks for applicants and shields them from fraud — a common issue in the immigration space. The agency is also a key player in student migration, offering full support for admissions, SOPs, financial documentation, and visa filing to countries like Canada, the UK, Australia, and Germany. "We're among the few in the region who integrate academic counseling with long-term migration planning," added Nizam. For tourist and visitor visas, Visax simplifies the process for destinations such as the US, UK, Canada, Schengen Zone, and Australia, ensuring professionally prepared applications with high approval potential. With physical offices in Sharjah and Mawanella, Visax operates through both in-person and virtual consultations, ensuring unmatched access and flexibility. "Whether it's a farmer in Punjab, a doctor in Colombo, or an entrepreneur in Dubai — we listen, we guide, and we deliver," the company stated. In a world where immigration is becoming more complex, award-winning service and client-first approach make it a beacon of trust and excellence in the global visa industry. As the company expands, it remains committed to turning visa applications into life-changing journeys.
