As part of this overhaul, the government is introducing Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) for visitors who do not need a visa for short stays or lack UK immigration status. This digital system will help streamline border processes, enhance security, and speed up the arrival experience for travellers. 

Starting 27 November 2024, non-European visitors can apply for an ETA, which will be required for travel to the UK from 8 January 2025. European visitors will be able to apply on 5 March 2025 and will need an ETA for travel on 2 April 2025. Visitors from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries already require an ETA to enter the UK. This change aligns the UK with countries like the US and Australia, enhancing its border security measures.

The ETA will be mandatory for all visitors, including children, who do not require a visa for short stays or transit. However, British and Irish citizens will not need an ETA. It’s important to note that an ETA is not a visa—it merely authorises travel to the UK. Once issued, an ETA costs £10 and allows for multiple trips of up to six months at a time over a period of two years, or until the holder’s passport expires.

The application process for an ETA is simple and can be completed online or via the UK ETA app, available on the Google Play and Apple App stores. Applicants can apply on GOV.UK if they don't have access to a smartphone. Decisions are typically made within three working days, though users of the app may receive quicker responses. To apply, travellers must provide contact and passport details, a valid photo, and answer a series of questions. The fee for an ETA is £10, and the traveller must use the same passport when applying for and travelling with the ETA.

For those unsure whether they need a visa or an ETA, visitors staying longer than six months, or those coming for purposes other than visits, transit, or short business trips, will require a visa. A visa-checking tool is available on GOV.UK to clarify this. If an ETA application is rejected, applicants will be informed of the reason and may reapply. If refused, they can apply for a visa but cannot appeal the decision.

The introduction of ETAs marks a significant step in improving the UK’s immigration process, making travel simpler, faster, and more secure for millions of visitors.

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Read our full interview with Chris and find out more about Melbourne Capital Group here. 

Known for their expertise in real estate, they provide tailored solutions and have strong connections with major banks. Ling & Theng Book offers practical legal support to businesses and individuals, ensuring professionalism, attention to detail, and added value through their extensive network and commitment to client success.

Their team takes a full-service approach to every project, ensuring they truly listen to their clients' needs and preferences. They are committed to exceeding their clients' expectations, and their capacity to deliver on the promise of our ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and sustainability strategy is a testament to their dedication.

"At NXS, we are passionate about creating beautiful, functional spaces that promote productivity and well-being. We believe that design has the power to transform the way people work and live, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this exciting industry."

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Also present at the event was Caesar Loong, Managing Partner at Raslan Loong, Shen & Eow, a valued member of the BMCC.

We recently had the honour of hosting the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) London team alongside the British High Commission team from Kuala Lumpur for an engaging roundtable session on sanctions delegations. 

This session was an opportunity for the UK delegation to directly engage with BMCC members and discuss how they can best operate in accordance with sanctions placed by G7, and how to avoid business disruptions in the region.

The FCDO London team was led by David Reed, Director of Sanctions, and consisted of Jenna Holmes, Team Leader for Sanctions International Strategy; Natalie Moss, Team Leader for Trade Measures Policy; and Alexander Simm, Strategic Trade Controls Regional Advisor. 

The British High Commission Kuala Lumpur team consisted of Tom Shepherd, Acting Deputy High Commissioner; Ruzina Hasan, Counsellor; and James Schmidt, 2nd Secretary. 

To ensure a seamless process and assist you in managing your applications, several reminder mechanisms will be implemented, such as email notifications, a permanent notification window in the company's ESD Online account, a countdown column, and a disclaimer banner located in the system's returned inbox.

Find out more here.

Real estate transparency is more critical than ever in times of uncertainty, and markets emerging as the most transparent are pulling further ahead based on investments in technology integration and AI, data availability and sustainability.

This is according to JLL and LaSalle’s (NYSE: JLL) biennial, proprietary Global Real Estate Transparency Index (GRETI), which benchmarks market transparency to help inform how real estate is invested in, developed, and occupied in different regions around the globe.

Access the full report here.