It was reported on 7 December 2018 that the Home Office (the Home Office is a ministerial department of Her Majesty’s Government of the United Kingdom, responsible for immigration, security, law and order) will be suspending the Tier 1 (Investor) Visa to new applicants with immediate effect.<\/p>\n
The Tier 1 (Investor) Visa is designed for high-net worth individuals who want to relocate themselves and their family to the United Kingdom.<\/p>\n
The Times, the Guardian and the BBC all quoted from a press release received from the Home Office in which the Immigration Minister cites the reason for suspension as abuse of the system \u2013 believed to be a reference to financial crime and money laundering.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe UK will always be open to legitimate and genuine investors who are committed to helping our economy and businesses grow. However, I have been clear that we will not tolerate people who do not play by the rules and seek to abuse the system. That is why I am bringing forward these measure which will make sure that only genuine investors, who intend to support UK businesses, can benefit from our immigration system.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite this, the Home Office have on 11 December confirmed that the Tier 1 Investor route remains fully open to all applicants. <\/p>\n
It remains to be seen whether and when the Tier 1 Investor route will be closed. <\/p>\n