New immigration strategy to reward skilled workers

Byrne unveils points-based immigration system

Wednesday, 18, Apr 2007 12:00

All foreign workers or students coming to the country will soon require a domestic sponsor, as a part of a new initiative designed to manage migration into the UK.

Apart from an elite group of highly skilled migrants, all workers coming to the UK will need an employer or university to vouch for them and ensure they abide by immigration rules.

Immigration minister Liam Byrne outlined the restriction today as part of a new initiative to upgrade the UK's immigration system.

Mr Byrne announced a timetable to introduce a points-style immigration system, modelled on the Australian system and designed to attract the most talented workers and tackle immigration abuses.

"Migration has to support Britain's national interests," Mr Byrne argued.

"A new Australian style points based system will be simpler, clearer and easier to enforce. Crucially it will give us the best way of letting in only those people who have something to offer Britain."

Potential migrants will be awarded points based on aptitude, experience, age and level of need. As a result of this, low skilled workers from outside the EU will not normally be granted a visa to work in the UK, except in instances of labour shortages.

The new points-system will be phased in from early 2008, Mr Byrne confirmed today. The immigration minister is currently on a fact finding mission to Sydney where he has been touring Australian border controls with Australian immigration minister Kevin Andrews.

My Bryne also announced plans to streamline points of entry into the UK. By 2009, migrants will enter the country under one of five tiers, to replace 80 points of entry at present. Tier one will cater for highly skilled workers such as scientists and entrepreneurs, down to tier five for youth mobility and temporary workers.

The tiers will roll out from 2008 but students (tier four) will not be affected until the beginning of 2009.