People visiting the UK on a regular basis whether as holiday makers, business travellers or to see family could now benefit from new long-term premium visas.

These new visas bring with them a wealth of advantages for both the UK and applicants. The new six month length will allow a person multiple visits within the allocated time-span of the visa, hence saving individuals time and expense in obtaining several short term visas.

In a statement the UK Home Office commented that “a long-term premium visa demonstrates our long-term commitment to valued and trusted customers.” This visa is the first step in making it easier for trusted individuals to visit the country on a regular basis.

The Home Office adds “In addition, customers can apply to enrol in the automatic iris recognition system at UK ports, which facilitates 'fast track' admission by the use of automatic booths, avoiding queues.”

In order to obtain the new long-term visa, visitors from certain countries will be required to undertake biometric tests; this includes a detailed ten finger print scan. These simple scans will only be required once, therefore reducing the need for regular testing and will help identify people as a ‘friend’ of the UK; in other words as someone which the UK both knows and trusts.

The Biometric tests will also play a key part in helping fight fraud and mistaken identity.

Liam Clifford from Global Visas says “ It’s great that the UK are actively thinking up ways of keeping people coming back to the country; the visa will make things a lot easier for frequent visitors, in particular those on business.”

The introduction of such visas is another part of the British governments’ plans for immigration reform. It follows the recent announcement regarding the introduction of a points based system, similar to that adopted by Australia Immigration.