On 29th February the government introduced a radical
shake up of the immigration system. The new system is based
on the Australian points-for-skills procedure.
Under the old system there were 80 different routes into the
UK for the purposes of work, training or study. However,
the new system restricts workers from outside of the EU from
coming into the country, unless they are accredited with enough
points. Workers from the EU are exempt from the system
on the basis that members from EU countries enjoy a reciprocal
relationship where they can move freely between participating
nations.
The UK’s new points-based system works on a tier basis,
examining the type of worker you are, and then controlling your
entry through one of five types of permission.
Tier one was introduced on 29th February 2008. This applies
to highly skilled workers such as entrepreneurs and scientists. They
are entitled to come into the country and look for work or set
up in business, as they are deemed to have the highest potential
for the generation of revenue.
Tier two is expected later in 2008, and applies to workers who
have already secured a job offer in an area that the government
deems as having a shortage of skilled workers. Their employer
must register as a sponsor for them. This is where the
system is most flexible, as the government can award more points
to workers in an industry with a skills shortage, and reduce
the points when the gap has been filled.
Tier three applies to low skilled workers, and does not yet
have a date of expected implementation. The government
wants EU members to be given priority when it comes to filling
these vacancies in sectors such as hospitality and agriculture.
Tier four applies to students. Fee paying students are
allowed to remain in the country for the duration of their study. This
is expected in 2009.
Tier five is expected before the end of the year and allows
a limited period of stay for participation in sporting or musical
events, or in cultural exchanges or working holidays.
As would be expected, this new system has been met with disdain
from the opposition, with the opinion that the system will not
be effective in reducing the number of applications to enter
the country. However, the roll out of the system has begun,
with the simultaneous introduction of heavy fines and a possible
term in prison for employees hiring illegal workers. |
