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7 November 2006
The first step towards a points based system for managing migration was launched today with the introduction of new rules for highly skilled foreign workers applying to come to the UK.
The new test means that entrepreneurs and professionals will face a rigorous but clear test of their capability to work here and will help select migrants who will be the most successful in benefiting Britain’s economy.
The change to the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) come as Immigration Minister Liam Byrne launched an Employers’ Taskforce made up of representatives from businesses and colleges working with Government to develop and eventually implement the points based system’s tough new sponsorship rules. These will play a vital role in preventing abuse of the immigration system by ensuring industry checks that their overseas staff and international students have a right to work.
Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said:
“Today’s announcement reinforces the Home Office’s firm but fair immigration policy by ensuring that only those who can benefit Britain through work or study will be allowed to come here.
“Our new Employers’ Taskforce will help good employers set the rules that drive out the bad apples. Businesses and colleges benefit from having foreign nationals work or study with them so they have a special responsibility to help us get the rules right.
“As announced this summer in our review of the Immigration Nationality Directorate we intend to double our enforcement budget by 2009/10 and we will increasingly expect businesses and colleges to play their part to make sure the system is as strong as it needs to be.”
As part of the work of the Taskforce members will be asked to discuss a range of issues around their sponsorship responsibilites.
Supporting today’s announcement the CBI’s Deputy Director-General, John Cridland, added:
"Employers want to see a streamlined and transparent points-based migration system that will attract highly-skilled migrants to the UK for the benefit of the economy.
“We welcome the Home Office's new Employers’ Taskforce and hope that it gives employers a clear voice in this debate moving forward."
The Government’s points based system for managing migration was launched in February this year and forms a central strand of the Home Office’s review of immigration announced by the Home Secretary in July.
Notes to Editors:
1. The introduction of the new rules will pilot the kind of criteria skilled workers will eventually have to meet when applying to come to the UK under the new points based system.
2. The revised HSMP criteria will allow applicants to score points against the following criteria: qualifications;
- previous earnings;
- prior UK experience as a student or employee;
- age; and
- participation in an MBA scheme.
A mandatory English language requirement has also been added to the programme, when an initial application is made and again at extension stage, which applicants must pass if they are to be successful. For more detailed information on the new HSMP criteria, please visit our website, at www.workingintheuk.gov.uk
3. The taskforce, will be chaired by Alan Bucknall, Director of Customer Services at the Immigration and Nationality Directorate. The group will hold its inaugural meeting on 4 December and will provide a joint forum for the Home Office and representatives from industry to consider the development and implementation of the points based system. As well as the obligations of UK businesses and colleges who will be required to sponsor migrants and help to ensure that those they sponsor adhere to the terms of their entry.
4. The Command Paper 'A points-based system - making migration work for Britain' is available on the Home Office website at: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/command-points-based-migration
5. Information about the HSMP application process and criteria can be found at: http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk/working_in_the_uk/en/homepage/news/archive/highly_skilled_migrant.html
6. The immigration rules change can be found at: www.homeoffice.gov.uk
7. The HSMP will be suspended until 5 December to manage the transition to the new arrangements. Applicants for further leave made during the suspension will be accepted as valid and decided after the new rules come into effect, with applicants given the opportunity to submit new information where necessary. Entry clearance and settlement applications under HSMP will continue to be decided as normal.
8. The Home Office also engages business and employers via the Illegal Working Stakeholder Group (IWSG), which meets to discuss practical ways to address illegal migrant working in the UK and is chaired by the Minister for Immigration and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Department for Trade and Industry, the Education Taskforce and the Arts and Entertainment Taskforce.
