Skip to content

UK New Immigration Policy – UK’s New Skills-Based Immigration System

UK is preparing to start a skills-based immigration system soon to open doors for non-EU qualified professionals. UK has been a free movement zone as a part of the EU, but it is going to end due to ‘Brexit’. That is why UK is preparing an immigration system based on skills, experience, and talent without the nationality priority. The new immigration policy of the UK is mainly focused on the work visa relaxation and according to ‘Migration Advisory Committee’ (MAC) will come into force with the following changes:
  • issuance of work visas without the annual quota and cap on allowed numbers
  • no more requirements of labor market assessment test for the employers planning to sponsor a highly skilled worker from abroad
  • making it possible even for the less educated (but skilled) persons with a minimum qualification equivalent o A levels
These changes seem to be remarkable and making it possible for more and more skilled workers to make it to the UK labor market. *The new immigration program will not entertain lower skilled workers and separate pilot program may be started for those. The new immigration policy will begin after the end of ‘Implemented Period’ (the ‘Implemented Period’ is the maximum time allowed for EU Citizens to apply for EU Settlement Scheme which will continue till 31 December 2020) in phased approach in 2021.  This new immigration system will work for the whole UK, including Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England. The UK ‘Home Office’ is currently conducting a year long engagement programs and discussions across the Kingdom with businesses and communities. UK has been running a dual immigration program for work visas till now. The one for EU citizens for all skill levels and the other for all other non-EU nationals with only highly skilled levels. Therefore, the new immigration system will replace the old system and now skills, experience, and talent will be prioritized upon nationality. The UK government wants the flexibility for local labor market. Hence workers from lowest risk countries will be welcomed to work in the UK. This will help them not to make return journeys to make their applications. According to the MAC (migration advisory committee), applicants with the qualification of intermediate level skills, at RQF 3-5 level (A level or equivalent) as well as post-graduation and graduation will also be able to apply for work visa. One more recommendation by MAC is also to set the minimum salary threshold of £30,000 (annually) and UK government will try to set it after having discussions with the businesses and communities. MAC will will also revise the ‘Shortage Occupation List’ (SOL) to include the occupations of RQF 3-5 level (A level or equivalent). To address the shortage of workers in the ‘Construction’ and ‘Healthcare’ sector, UK is planning to start a time limited route for temporary short term workers. This will allow a 12 months stay in the UK with cooling off period of further 12 months. However, ‘Home Office’ will further carry discussions with businesses and communities on the duration and cooling off periods.  Applicants of this 12 months visa will be unable to stay in the UK permanently, getting public funds, switching to other visa routes, or sponsoring the family members. This visa program will be open for specific countries (low risk) with which UK will negotiate migration commitments and mobility proposals. This transitional program will be kept under observation and be reviewed in 2025 if it would have covered the requirements of UK economy and workers needs.   Read here full information about immigration system ‘White Paper’ published by ‘Home Office’ UK.