New points system goes live

News: 29 February 2008

The government has launched the first stage of a new points-based system for migrants from outside the EU.

On Friday 29 February 2008, a new immigration system was launched to ensure that only those with the right skills or the right contribution will be able to come to the United Kingdom to work and study.

Border& Immigration Agency assures that the points-based system helps them to control migration more effectively, tackle abuse and identify the most talented workers.

‘Biggest change’

• 80 work permits and entry schemes are being replaced by 5 tiers
• Points are awarded on workers’ skills to reflect aptitude, experience, age and also the demand for those skills any given sector.
• The more points you earned, the more likelyhood to entry to the UK.

The government says it is the biggest change in UK immigration policy “in a generation” and will attract migrants with the right skills to boost Britain’s economy while easing pressure on local public services. The new rules are very closely modelled on the Australian points system which is considered to be the most efficient one in the world.

English tests

The first phase – Tier One – replaces the existing highly skilled migrant programme, which is also based around points.

It designs to attract entrepreneurs who are highly qualified people.All applicants will have to pass an English test – unless they have £1m or more to invest. Government believe these people will be able to boost the british economy.

Skills and earning potential will also be taken into account – although much will depend on the country in which applicants live.

Tier2 for skilled worker will be introduced this autumn

The Government is also today introducing a licensing system for employers who want to recruit from overseas and bring skilled workers into the UK. No company will be granted a sponsor’s licence without being approved in advance by the Border and Immigration Agency. Employers bringing in skilled workers under Tier 2 of the scheme which takes effect this autumn can now start applying for that licence.

Again, the government confirmed that “new UK Border Agency to ensure the UK has one of the toughest borders in the world”.

BBC news has summarised 5 tiers of entry (www.bbc.co.uk/news,2008)

THE FIVE TIERS OF ENTRY

There are five “tiers” within the points scheme within which people applying to work in the UK would be categorised.

Tier One: Highly skilled
The most skilled professionals will automatically have enough points to come to the UK without a job offer and seek work or set up a business. This tier includes entrepreneurs, top scientists and business people. Tier One is the first part of the system to be rolled out with ministers saying it will be fully operational worldwide by the end of summer 2008.
Workers in this category have the most flexibility in the UK and greatest opportunities to settle for good because the system regards them as having the most potential for generating wealth benefiting Britain.

Tier two: Skilled with job offer
This covers people with qualifications or important work-related experience in a huge range of sectors from health service workers to white collar jobs and the trades. People in this category will be given points on their talents and will be allowed into the UK if they have a job offer in a “shortage area” such as nursing. Tier two will come into force from late 2008 and employers will need to register as a sponsor. The government says that employers who don’t meet strict criteria could be barred from bringing in foreign workers.

Tier three: Low skilled
Until now, the government has allowed temporary migration to jobs in hospitality, food processing and agriculture from all over the world.
It is has now cut these permissions in favour of workers from the expanded European Union, who do not need prior permission to arrive. No date has been set for this tier to be activated. Officials say they believe vacancies can be filled with EU workers.

Tier four: Students
This will come into force in 2009 and covers those paying for tuition in the UK. Universities and colleges increasingly depend on the income from overseas students – and many institutions have developed formal links with counterparts abroad. In previous years student visas have proved controversial, with allegations that it was a route open to abuse.

Tier five: Temporary workers, Youth mobility
This will include professional sports people or professional musicians, who want to “work” in the UK for an event such as the Olympics or a football match, or a concert. The youth mobility aspect is intended to cover cultural exchanges or working holidays by young people. This will be in force before the end of 2008.

For more visit Border & Immigration Agency website

CJ