Points-based immigration system (United Kingdom)

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The points-based immigration system is currently being phased in as the means of regulating immigration to the United Kingdom from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).

The scheme is composed of five 'tiers'. Tier 1 is for highly skilled workers and is currently being phased in to replace the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP), the International Graduates Scheme, the Innovators scheme and the Entrepreneurs scheme.[1] Tier 2 is for skilled workers with a job offer in the UK, replacing the current work permit arrangements in late 2008. Tier 3 is for low-skilled workers and will not operate initially because the British government believes that demand for low-skilled workers can be met from the existing EEA labour force. Tier 4 will start to operate in 2009 and applies to students, and Tier 5 will become operational in late 2008 for temporary workers such as musicians or sports people visiting the UK.[2]

Contents

[edit] Structure

[edit] Tier 1 (General)

Tier 1 (General) applies to highly skilled potential migrants looking for a job or wishing to become self-employed in the UK, and has replaced the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). [3] Applicants to Tier 1 (General) are awarded points for attributes including age, previous or prospective salary and qualifications. Applicants must score at least 95 points, including at least 75 points scored for primary attributes and 10 points each for English language and having the necessary funds to ensure maintenance in the UK.[3]

The current Highly Skilled Migrant Programme is being phased out over the course of 2008. Highly skilled migrants already in the UK now come under Tier 1 of the new points-based system. The HSMP will be phased out on a country-by-country basis, with applicants from India the first to move to the points-based system on 1 April 2008.[1]

[edit] Tier 1 (Post Study Work)

Tier 1 (Post Study Work) is due to launch on 30 June 2008.[4]. The scheme will replace and expand the current International Graduates Scheme (IGS) and Fresh Talent - Working in Scotland Scheme (FTWiSS) as a single UK-wide 2-year work scheme. Under Tier 1 (Post Study Work), students who have successfully completed a degree, postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma at a UK institution can apply for permission to work in the UK for 2 years without needing a Work Permit. Those working under the IGS can switch into the new scheme for a maximum total leave of 24 months[5]

[edit] Tier 1 (Entrepreneur), Tier 1 (Innovator)

These categories are due to be introduced in the summer of 2008.[6] The Statement of Intent includes details of how points will be allocated in these categories.[7]

[edit] Tier 2

Tier 2 will be phased in during the third quarter of 2008, and will replace the existing provisions for work permit employment, ministers of religion; airport-based operational ground staff, overseas qualified nurse or midwife, Student Union sabbatical posts, seafarers, named researchers, Training and Work Experience Scheme (TWES), Jewish agency employees, and overseas representatives (news media)[8].

[edit] Tiers 3 to 4

Tier 3 is not expected to be required while low-skilled labour demand can be met from within the European Economic Area.[2]

Tier 4 is currently not operational.

[edit] Tier 5

Tier 5 will be phased in from autumn 2008 and will cover temporary workers and youth mobility.

The UK Border Agency has announced that from autumn 2008, a number of current schemes will be combined into a Tier 5: Youth Mobility. The schemes are the Working Holidaymaker scheme, au pairs, BUNAC, the Gap Year entrants concession, the Japan: Youth Exchange Scheme and the concession for research assistants to MPs.[9].

[edit] Public reception

One of the justifications for the move to a new immigration system has been the perceived need to restore public trust in immigration law and controls.[10] The system has been criticised by the opposition Conservative Party because it lacks an overall cap on the number of people who can qualify under the points criteria.[10] There have also been concerns that, in failing to provide for the possibility of low-skilled migration from outside of the EEA, the system might cause skills shortages in sectors such as the construction industry in the run-up to the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.[11]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Highly Skilled Migrant Programme. UK Border Agency. Retrieved on 2008-03-16.
  2. ^ a b Dominic Casciani. "Migration: How points will work", BBC News, 2008-02-29. Retrieved on 2008-03-16. 
  3. ^ a b The points-based system: How it works. UK Border Agency. Retrieved on 2008-03-16.
  4. ^ http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2008/draft/pdf/ukdsi_9780110814582_en.pdf
  5. ^ Transitional arrangements for migrants on the International Graduates Scheme and the Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme. UK Border Agency. Retrieved on 2008-04-27.
  6. ^ Timetable for PBS launch. UK Border Agency. Retrieved on 2008-04-09.
  7. ^ Highly skilled migrants under the points-based system: Statement of intent. Border & Immigration Agency. Retrieved on 2008-04-27.
  8. ^ http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/managingourborders/pbsdocs/statementofintent/skilledworkersunderpbs.pdf?view=Binary
  9. ^ http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/managingourborders/pbsdocs/statementofintent/temporaryworkersunderpbs.pdf?view=Binary
  10. ^ a b Patrick Wintour. "Smith seeks to restore trust in immigration system", The Guardian, 2007-12-06. Retrieved on 2008-03-16. 
  11. ^ "Games 'may need non-EU workers'", BBC News, 2008-01-22. Retrieved on 2008-03-16. 

[edit] External Links