Plans for the UK’s new migration system have been revealed
Britain is to close its borders to unskilled workers and those who do not speak English as part of a fundamental overhaul of its immigration laws. The government hopes the new system will end what it has called the distortion of the labour market caused by EU freedom of movement.
As a member of the EU, the UK was only able to limit migration from non-EU countries but this has now changed. From January 1, 2021, Britain’s new points-based system will restrict migration to English-speaking skilled workers with a job offer of more than £25,560 per annum in a move that is designed to see the end that country’s reliance on cheap EU labour. Businesses are instead being encouraged to hire British workers, retain staff, improve productivity, and invest in technology and automation, but industry leaders have called the move disastrous and fear the new requirements will create a critical shortage of workers, job losses, and the closure of factories and retailers. Both Labour and the Liberal Democrats have also condemned the plans.
Some highlights of the new policy as set out in a briefing document include:
- UK borders will be closed to non-skilled workers
- All migrants will have to speak English
- Migrants must have a job offer with a salary threshold of £25,600 although a minimum salary of £20,480 may be permissible in special cases, for example, in sectors where there might be a shortage of skills
- Self-employed people will no longer be allowed to come to the UK
- Stricter identification requirements will be implemented therefore ID cards from countries such as France and Italy will no longer be accepted
- The cap on the numbers of skilled workers is being removed meaning a small number of highly-skilled workers will be allowed to enter the UK without a job offer
- Waiters, waitresses, and “elementary” agriculture and fishery workers have been added to the list of low-skilled workers
- The right of artists, entertainers, sports people and musicians to enter for performances, competitions, and auditions will be retained
- Seasonal agricultural workers have been allocated 10,000 places
To be eligible to apply to come to the UK, an overseas citizen will need to secure a minimum of 70 points allocated as follows: a job offer (20 points), a skilled job (20 points), fluency in English (10 points) a salary of £25,600 or above (20 points).
The new law will be introduced in March pending approval by parliament. Businesses will then have 10 months to prepare. The government has said it intends to launch a “comprehensive campaign” to prepare employers.
