HM Passport Office Updates Guidance on Name Changes for Passport Applications

What changed

The United Kingdom and Nigeria have finished their 2026 Migration, Justice, and Home Affairs Dialogue, confirming they will work more closely together on managing migration, justice matters, and serious organised crime. This meeting, held in London on 6 October 2026, builds on earlier agreements. It focuses on shared goals to effectively manage migration and strengthen border systems. Key outcomes include new programmes for checking visa applications, practical cooperation, and working together judicially to tackle organised immigration crime and help with returns. An expert legal meeting is also planned to discuss sentencing for organised immigration crime. This strategic alignment will affect government agencies, legal professionals, and anyone involved in migration between the two countries.

What changed

The Public Services Agency (PSA) of the Republic of Moldova is introducing a new passport model for its citizens, to be put into circulation from 15 October 2026. This updated document incorporates approximately 100 advanced security elements, bringing it into line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Doc 9303 and European Union security standards for travel documents. The fee for a standard passport issued within 20 working days will increase from MDL 650 to MDL 790, exclusively covering the increased production costs associated with these new security features. Citizens holding valid older passports are not required to replace them until their current document expires.

What changed

The UK Home Secretary has announced that, from 15 October 2026, Eritrean VIPs and government officials will no longer have fast-track access to UK visas. This action, along with new travel restrictions for Eritrean diplomats in the UK, is aimed at Eritrea because it is not cooperating with the return of its nationals who are in the UK without permission. The Home Secretary has also threatened a complete ban on visas for all Eritrean citizens if Eritrea does not quickly improve its cooperation on returns.

What changed

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has updated its guidance concerning Secure English Language Test (SELT) centres, revising the lists of approved testing locations both inside and outside the United Kingdom. This update, effective from 12 October 2026, provides current information for individuals who need to demonstrate their English language proficiency for visa or citizenship applications. The changes primarily involve adjustments to the availability and details of authorised test centres, impacting all applicants required to take a SELT.