Two men were convicted this week of running an elaborate scam to help people cheat on Life In The UK tests using spy technology, in what authorities believe to be the first case of its kind.

There is a “hidden risk” for those who are thinking of applying for an extension of leave under Tier 1 of the Points-Based System from outside the UK.

A new hi-tech centre for e-Borders will be based in Manchester, and by 2010 staff there will monitor almost every foreign passenger travelling in and out of Britain.

From 25 November 2008 the Home Office will begin issuing identity cards to those applying for further leave to remain as a student or the husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner of someone holding permanent residence in the UK.

Migrants do jobs British workers do not want but they tend not to settle in the UK and local authorities should do more to encourage them to stay, the Institute of Public Policy Research has said.

The Home Office is launching a consultation on the proposal to reform the immigration appeals system. The reform aims at making the appeals system faster and final, with decisions that are not litigated over in the higher courts.

The Government’s electronic border system - e-Borders - will see every passenger being counted in and out of Britain by 2010 and checked against immigration and security watch-lists by 2014.