The UK Border Agency has published an addition to the policy guidance for Tier 2 of the points-based system 

(version 04/10). This clarifies the length of the permission to stay in the UK that may be given to all Tier 2 

applicants, except those applying under the Graduate trainees and Skills transfer sub-categories of Tier 2 

(Intra company transfer). 
 

Volcanic ash and its impact on UKBA visa services  

The UK Border Agency would like to reassure travellers who have been unable to leave the UK and whose visas

 have now expired.  They appreciate that this is due to exceptional circumstances beyond anyone's control.

A veritable act of God. They ask that travellers retain proof of planned travel that would have enabled 

them to leave the UK before their visa expired. This advice will be updated as the situation develops. 

In another twist, flight cancellations due to to the Volcanic dust  have caused disruption to courier schedules

leading to delays in transporting passport and visa applications to and from UKBA processing centres in Europe.