UK IMMIGRATION NEWS

New immigration rules will give UK a boost

Tuesday, 4 March 2008

The new points-based system for immigrants, which has come into force on last week Friday, the 29th of February, will let the right people into the UK, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown had stated.

Based on the Australian points system, this new five-tier points system replaces 80 existing migration routes to the UK, and favours skilled and qualified immigrants. It only applies to people from outside the EU.

Immigration applicants will receive a score based on factors such as their age, education, work experience and command of English.

In fact, all applicants will have to pass an English test, unless they have £1m or more to invest.

Under the new system, skilled workers in occupations where there is a shortage will also be able to enter, as long as they have a job offer lined up.

"The whole country wants a system of managed migration but needs to feel confident that people coming into our country have the skills to offer," the Prime Minister said further.

"It is right that we have a system which is fair but firm, accessible but controlled," added Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.

Smith also said the move was part of the biggest shake-up of UK immigration procedures in nearly 50 years.

Even though critics have said that immigration stretches public services, the government has argued that it contributes an estimated 6 billion pounds a year to the UK economy.

Initially, the new system will first apply to skilled foreigners who want to extend their stay and are already working in Britain. Within a year's time, it'll cover everyone else as well.

The top tier will be for highly skilled immigrants, such as doctors and financial experts. They'll be able to come to Britain even without a job offer. Their earning potential and skills will be taken into account, although much will depend on the country in which the applicants live.

Temporary employees, such as au pairs and young people on working holidays will fall into the bottom tier. They'll be allowed to stay in Britain, but only for a limited period of time.

The three tiers in between will be reserved for skilled and low-skilled workers, as well as students.

Tier two will focus on filling gaps in the labour market. An independent committee will advise ministers on which skills the economy needs.

If businesses would like to bring in skilled workers, they'll need licences.

As part of a move towards more managed migration, Immigration Minister Liam Byrne has introduced new fines for those found to be employing illegal immigrants.

Byrne said the changes offer enough flexibility to respond to changing economic conditions.

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