No visas for low-skilled workers, says UK govt
With already low unemployment, firms in care, construction, hospitality, food and drink could be most affected
Home Secretary Priti Patel announced the launch of the UK's new points-based visa system, aimed at attracting the "brightest and the best" from the world, including from India, and cutting down numbers of cheap, low-skilled workers coming to the country. The new system will come into force from January 1, 2021 at the end of the transition period after the UK's exit from the European Union (EU) last month, which will formally end free movement of people within the economic bloc for the UK as a non-member. The new postBrexit system, which will apply equally to the EU and non-EU countries like India, is based on assigning points for specific skills, qualifications, salaries and professions, with visas only awarded to those who gain enough points.
“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,” said Patel, the senior-most Indian-origin Cabinet minister, in charge of the UK's visa and immigration system.
The UK Home Office said the new system is a direct response to the 2016 referendum in favour of Brexit, which was seen as a vote to end the country's reliance on cheap migrant labour and reduce overall levels of migration with tighter security.
"The new single global system will treat the EU and non-EU citizens equally. It will give top priority to those with the highest skills and the greatest talents, including scientists, engineers and academics,” the Home Office said.
The new points-based system will also expand the skills threshold for skilled workers. Those looking to live and work in the UK will need to be qualified up to A-level or equivalent, rather than degree-level under the current system. “It is estimated 70 per cent of the existing EU workforce would not meet requirements of the skilled worker route, which will help to bring overall numbers down in future,” the Home Office said.
Student visa routes will also be points-based and be opened up to EU citizens from next year. Those wishing to study in the UK will need to demonstrate that they have an offer from an approved educational institution, that they can support themselves financially and that they speak English.
So, migrants from the European Union (EU) will have to speak English and have a job offer under sweeping reforms to end Britain's reliance on cheap European labour. The measures are part of the biggest shake-up to border rules since this country joined the Common Market in 1973. Low-skilled immigration will be made virtually impossible under a points-based system as free movement rights are consigned to history. Instead, EU migrants' chances of getting a work visa will be the same as for applicants from elsewhere. They will need at least 70 points to work in Britain, with points awarded for speaking English, if the job earns a salary above £25,600 and if it is at a certain skill level. Highly skilled workers – such as scientists – will be able to come without a job offer as the Government re-aligns the immigration system to the 'brightest and the best'. But there will be no general visas for low-skilled migrants. There was an immediate backlash on Tuesday night with some industry leaders warning that the plans spelled 'absolute disaster' for the care system, and for farmers, builders and the hospitality sector. The announcement also opens up the prospect of a rush of EU migrants coming to Britain by the end of the year. The reforms will sweep away rights to work in Britain which date back to 1973 for nationals from countries such as France, Germany and Italy. All migrants will have to earn at least £25,600 a year and must hold an offer for a job which meets the 'skills test' equivalent to A-levels. The minimum salary is flexible, however, and an applicant could be set to earn as little as £20,480 a year if they meet other criteria – such as filling a job where there are shortages, such as nursing. All successful migrants will still be able to bring dependants such as spouses and children with them.