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20 Feb New points based system

Posted on February 20, 2020 in Working in the UK by
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After much anticipation, Home Secretary Priti Patel has finally announced that a new points-based immigration system will be rolled out on 1 January 2021. The aim being to attract the brightest and the best from around the world, and bring an end to the UK’s reliance on cheap, low-skilled labour.

“Today is a historic moment for the whole country.

We’re ending free movement, taking back control of our borders and delivering on the people’s priorities by introducing a new UK points-based immigration system, which will bring overall migration numbers down.

We will attract the brightest and the best from around the globe, boosting the economy and our communities, and unleash this country’s full potential.”

-Home Secretary Priti Patel

As a result, migration levels will be reduced and there will be tighter security in place, the aim being to re-assert control of our borders.

The new points-based system will assign points for specific skills, qualifications, salaries or professions. Visas will only be awarded to those who gain enough points. Thus, treating EU and non-EU nationals equally and prioritising the brightest, including scientists, engineers and academics.

Under the points system, skilled workers will need to meet the relevant criteria such as specific skills, qualifications at A-level or equivalent (as opposed to the current requirement for a degree) and being able to speak English in order to work in the UK. They will also need to have a job offer which meets the minimum salary threshold of £25,600.

In turn, UK businesses will have access to a wider pool of skilled workers.

However, it is currently estimated that 70% of the existing EU workforce would not meet the requirements of the skilled worker route, which will help to bring overall numbers down in the near future.

In addition, a new Global Talent visa scheme will also open to EU citizens, allowing highly-skilled scientists and researchers to come to the UK without a job offer.

Non- visa nationals and EU citizens will not require a visa to visit the UK for a period of up to 6 months.

Those EU citizens resident in the UK by 31 December 2020 can still apply to settle in the UK through the EU Settlement Scheme until June 2021.

The content of this article is for general use and information only. Since each case should be prepared on its own merit and in light of the constant amendments to the Immigration Rules, it is important to note that the information provided must not be relied upon unless Migra & Co has either given written consent or has been officially engaged in relation to a specific immigration matter. As a result, Migra & Co will take no responsibility for any damage, cost or loss resulting from relying on the information contained in this article, blog and website.