Released on: May 26, 2008, 2:27 am

Press Release Author: 1st Contact Visas

Industry: Consumer Services

Press Release Summary: The UKBA announced on 6th May 2008 that foreigners wishing to
migrate to the United Kingdom (UK) to fill skilled positions will be subject to a
more stringent UK visa application process.

Press Release Body: More stringent visa rules for skilled UK immigration.

The UKBA announced on 6th May 2008 that foreigners wishing to migrate to the United
Kingdom (UK) to fill skilled positions will be subject to a more stringent UK visa
application process.

Roll out of the Government's new 5 tier Points Based System (PBS) for immigration
was launched in late February with the highly skilled migration visa, Tier 1
(General). Proposals for Tier 2 and 5 of the PBS were recently published outlining
the strict new criteria that both immigrants and their sponsors would need to meet.
Under these tougher new conditions, prospective skilled foreign migrants will need
to meet a certain defined point score to be eligible for Tier 2. Tier 2 will be the
direct replacement of the work permit category. Points will be awarded for
qualifications, English ability, earning capacity and the essential requirement of
an offer of employment from a UK based company.
Employers too will need to meet new criteria to become licensed sponsors. They will
also be required to prove that they have not been able to source from the resident
labour force before offering sponsorship to a foreign worker. This requirement is
waived if the position on offer appears on the Government's shortage occupation
list.

Border and Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said:

\"Our new points system means that British jobseekers get the first crack of the whip
and that only the skilled migrants we actually need will be able to come.
\"By moving points up or down, we can make sure the numbers we allow in to the UK are
in line with the needs of business and the country as a whole.
\"When we set the points pass mark, we will listen to independent advice - the
Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) on the needs of the economy, and the Migration
Impacts Forum (MIF) on the effect of migration on society.\"

The Government also today announced its proposals for Tier 5 of the PBS. This tier
covers those travelling to the UK for primarily non-economic reasons, such as young
persons, sportspeople, entertainers and charity workers.

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