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IMMIGRATION MATTERS
New points system for UK immigration starts for Tier 1 By Charles Kelly
3 March 2008
The Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) launched its flagship points scheme last week, the biggest shake-up of the immigration system in 45 years, with the introduction of Tier 1 for highly skilled migrants.
According to the BIA, the points scheme will ensure that "only the best can work in Britain" and "will attract the most talented with the skills the UK needs to remain a global leader in the fields of finance, business, and technological innovation".
During the lead in to the introduction of Tier 2 in September, the BIA will also begin licensing businesses that want to employ migrants form outside the European Union. There will also be on-the-spot fines of up to £10000 for those flouting the rules and caught hiring illegal workers.
The entire scheme will be rolled out over the next year or so, and kicks-off with new rules for highly skilled foreign nationals currently working in the UK who want to extend their stay.
Employers will need a licence to bring in Non-EU migrants
The Government will start the 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 can now start applying for the licence, as Work Permits will no longer be issued once Tier 2 takes effect this autumn.
Tier 2 could have serious consequenses for those workers, such as Senior Carers and possibly nurses, who, ity would appear, will not gain sufficient points to qualify for a visa extension under the points system.
Announcing the scheme last Friday Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said:
"The introduction of our Australian-style points system will ensure that only those with skills the country needs can come.
"Migrants benefit this country economically, contributing an estimated £6bn to our national output, as well as socially and culturally and it is right that we have a system which is fair but firm, accessible but controlled.
"Today's proposals are part of the biggest changes to British immigration policy in a generation which include a new deal for those migrants seeking citizenship here, a new UK Border Agency to strengthen controls at the border and the introduction of ID cards for foreign nationals."
Alongside the Government's plans to ensure Britain has access to the skills and talents it needs, rogue employers from today face civil penalties of up to £10,000 for each illegal worker they employ.
Those found to have knowingly hired illegal workers could incur an unlimited fine and be sent to prison. The change comes as BIA stepped up action in 2007 against illegal working by 40 per cent.
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