UK IMMIGRATION NEWS

Further Details of New Points Based Immigration Scheme Released

Friday, 20 April 2007

The UK Government plans to implement a new Australian style points based system to manage migration to the UK more effectively.

Mr Liam Byrne, Immigration Minister, confirmed that the new system will be implemented with a view that migration should support the UK's national interests.

The fundamental elements of the new points based system will include consolidating more than 80 existing work and study routes into five tiers:

• Tier 1 - highly skilled migrants, including scientists or entrepreneurs
• Tier 2 - skilled workers, including professions such as nurses and teachers
• Tier 3 - low skilled workers to fill specific temporary shortages
• Tier 4 - students
• Tier 5 - youth on working holiday visas

The points will be awarded to reflect aptitude, experience, age and also the shortages in any given sector. It will also require sponsorship by employers and educational institutions to ensure compliance with the immigration rules.

In addition specific visa categories might require evidence of financial securities to ensure that the migrants return back to their countries at the end of their stay.

The Home Office has also announced the setting up a Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to advise Ministers on where migration might sensibly fill gaps in the labour market.