Changes to UK immigration points-based system to help sponsors

August 10 2009 by Mark Johnstone

UK visa system set to change

Following concerns raised by employers and educational institutions, who are responsible for sponsoring UK visa applications, the UK points-based system is being altered.

Changes to the system include the launch of a ‘dedicated mailbox’ for urgent incidents reported by university vice-chancellors and registrars. Any concerns submitted through this ‘escalation route’ will be dealt with within 72 hours.

The rules on student maintenance requirements have been changed and several other alterations have been made to the requirements for sponsors of student and UK work visas.

Employers are to benefit from several other changes including the development of the UK Border Agency’s IT system, which will be easier for sponsors and customers to use.

The Border Agency is also introducing guidance for ‘milkround’ recruitment campaigns. This is intended to ensure that resident labour markets are thoroughly considered while businesses still receive their required number of oversees employees.

In addition, an employer-led internship route is to be established which is going to complement the existing Government Authorised Exchange Scheme.

The UK Border Agency website says the changes will, ‘demonstrate our continuing commitment to building a system that controls the numbers of people who move to the UK while also facilitating trade and travel.’

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