Immigration shake-up

New arrivals to the United Kingdom from outside the European Economic Area face a big shake up later this year when the Government begins the phased introduction of the Points Based System (“PBS”) for immigration control. The PBS is being brought in to attract intellectual and financial capital to the UK, which means that migrants to the UK will face a rigorous test of their capability to work or study here.

The Government is hoping that when fully implemented, the PBS will replace the entire existing immigration regime and reduce the more than 80 existing routes of entry into the UK to just 5 tiers, which are currently listed as:

1. Highly skilled migrants
2. Skilled workers with a job offer to fill shortages in the labour market
3. Unskilled workers
4. Students
5. Temporary workers.

Highly skilled migrants will be awarded points based on their qualifications, age, previous salary or proposed investment in the UK economy. Details of the points system for skilled workers, students and temporary workers should be announced later this year.

The PBS will limit the number of unskilled workers from non-EEA countries seeking work in the UK, as the Government feels that Britain’s needs for low–skilled workers can be fulfilled from within the EEA. This will affect wealthy families hoping to move their existing household staff to the UK, a potential own goal that could actually alienate the overseas investors the Government is so keen to attract.

Fortunately, talks are still open on this particular aspect and active lobbying of the Government is taking place as part of the consultation process.

For further information, please contact:

Jennifer Lambe
Tel +44 (0)20 7440 7136
jennifer.lambe@mishcon.com