Changes to the Points-Based System
Aug 7, 2009
The UK Border Agency has recently announced a number of changes to the Points-Based System and published revised guidance for employers and education providers sponsoring skilled migrant workers and students.
The changes were introduced in response to concerns raised by number of sponsors. The UKBA finally agreed that whilst it is important to prevent abuse of the immigration system, it is also crucial that the Points-Based System continues to facilitate the trade and travel that benefits the United Kingdom.
Some of the major changes to the system will include:
- Exemption from advertising in JobCentre Plus where the role is at the director, chief executive or legal partner level and the salary package exceeds £130,000; or when the migrant has been recruited as part of milkround and COS was assigned prior to end of August 2009
- Introduction of new requirement for ICT - a new migrant must not be replacing directly a settled worker; amendment of rules concerning allowances paid to a migrant
- Creation of an escalation route for University Vice-Chancellors and Academic Registrars through the use of a dedicated mailbox for urgent incidents requiring immediate attention, with a guaranteed response within 72 hours
- Amendment of rules on students' maintenance requirements as well as several other alternations made to requirements for sponsors under Tier 4
- Employers are to benefit from several other changes including the development of the UK Border Agency’s IT system, which will be easier for sponsors and customers to use
- Introduction of new rules that deliver a more responsive and straightforward system for bringing researchers and academic visitors to the UK
- Possibility of creating a new employer led route for bringing the interns to the UK
For more information regarding the changes and how they might affect your business please contact us.
If you have an enquiry relating to your immigration status or you ability to work in the UK, we can assist you in your application. Please contact us or book an appointment.
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