https://legal.excellentwiki.com/uk/immigration-law/ Recent content in immigration law on ExcellentWiki - Legal Encyclopedia Hugo en-US Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://legal.excellentwiki.com/uk/immigration-law/uk-immigration-law/ Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://legal.excellentwiki.com/uk/immigration-law/uk-immigration-law/ <h2 id="the-immigration-act-1971-and-the-immigration-rules">The Immigration Act 1971 and the Immigration Rules</h2> <p>The Immigration Act 1971 is the foundational statute of modern UK immigration law, establishing the framework for the control of entry into and stay in the United Kingdom. The Act distinguishes between the right of abode (held by British citizens and certain Commonwealth citizens) and the requirement for leave to enter or remain for all others. The Immigration Rules, issued by the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the 1971 Act, provide the detailed eligibility criteria and procedural requirements for different categories of entry and stay. The Rules are not primary legislation but are laid before Parliament and subject to the negative resolution procedure. They have been amended extensively over time to reflect changing policy priorities and are interpreted by the courts as having the force of law.</p>