Introduction to the proposed points based system
The UK’s points based system for migration forms a key component of the Home Office's five year immigration strategy – a strategy designed to enable the UK to more effectively control migration, tackle abuse and identify the most talented workers who can best contribute to the success of the UK’s economy.
The points based visa system has been developed following extensive consultation with employers, education providers and users of the existing immigration system. The points based system mirrors similar systems already in use in other industrialised countries. One such country is Australia, where supporters of this type of ‘entry through skills’ migration process believe it to be much more transparent and responsive to the needs of the economy.
To help develop the proposed system and ensure it fits the requirements of all users, the UK Government has also called on industry and education sectors to play their role in making migration work for Britain, and reminded them that they have a responsibility to help make the new scheme a success.
The desired key outcomes of the new system include:
- Better identifying and attracting of migrants who have the most to contribute to the UK.
- A more efficient, transparent and objective application process – for example, consolidating entry clearance
and work permit applications into one transparent single-stage application rather than the complicated two stage approach currently in operation. - Increased support from employers and education providers to improved compliance and reduce the scope for abuse.
- Ending employment routes to the UK for low-skilled workers from outside the EU, except in cases of short-term shortages.
Consolidation of the current entry routes
At the core of the move towards points based migration is the need to consolidate the 80 plus existing work permit and study routes into five manageable tiers. To facilitate this, all of the different work permit and UK entry schemes will be replaced by a single points-based system that is intended to only allow entry to those whose skills will benefit the UK. In essence the more skills you have and the more those skills are in demand, then the more points you will score and the more likely you will be allowed to enter the UK.
The proposed points based system is intended to be quicker and simpler for employers and educational institutions to bring in the migrants they need. The new system is also intended to provide more certainty regarding which prospective migrants will be able to come to the UK. In addition, the public will be able to better understand who is being allowed to enter or remain in the UK and why.
Responding to labour shortages and identifying skills gaps
As part of the new points based migration system, the Home Office will establish an independent Skills Advisory Board which will aim to provide accurate information about where the skills gaps exist within the UK labour force. The Skills Advisory Board will then be in a position to recommend changes to the system in order to fill these gaps.
As an example, if it is found that in one year there is a shortage of electricians in the UK, the Skills Advisory Board may recommend granting more entry points to foreign electricians. Once the labour shortage has been rectified, the Skills Advisory Board may then recommend that the points awarded to foreign electricians are reduced.
Combating overstayers
To ensure that migrants comply with their leave to remain and go home at the end of their stay, workers in sectors that are prone to abusing immigration rules may be expected to hand over a financial bond upon their visas being granted. This bond is then repaid when the visa holder leaves the UK at the end of their visa.
Foreign workers or students may also need a UK sponsor to vouch for them, ensuring that businesses and colleges take responsibility for making sure foreign workers and students comply with visa rules.