Tier 1 - New Points System Goes live
29/02/2008
The first stage of the new Points Based System (PBS) for foreign workers comes into effect today as UK immigration law continues to change. Tier 1 visas are introduced from today for all clients switching from another UK visa status from within the country.
Over the last four years the Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) has been working on the UK Points based System (PBS) similar to that which has already been implemented in countries such as Australia. The new tier system is modelled on the Australian points system, which is considered one of the simplest and most efficient in the world.
The move rationalizes around 80 different UK visas which have been seen to complicate the immigration system making it difficult for the Government to keep track of immigrants who are in the country legally and/or illegally and those changing visa status whilst within the country. Hence the introduction of one simple, uncomplicated system to make entry into the UK simple and clear for both immigration authorities as well migrants.
According to the Home office, the new tier 1 system which replaces the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (HSMP) aims to guarantee that only those with skills needed in the UK will receive entry. The more skills you have, and the more those skills are in demand, the more points you will gain, increasing your likelihood of entry to the UK. Tier 1 is designed to lure talented and skilled workers to the UK under the fields of finance, business and technological innovation. At present tier 1 will only be used for thsoe applying within the UK, however the rollout will continue throughout 2008 eventually replacing the HSMP altogether.
Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said: "Today sees the start of our points system and the beginning of on-the-spot fines for businesses that employ illegal workers, introduced a day ahead of schedule. New £10,000 penalties mean instant justice for those firms who try and undercut others by employing illegal immigrants".
While Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: "Migrants benefit this country economically, contributing an estimated £6bn to our national output, as well as socially and culturally and it is right that we have a system which is fair but firm, accessible but controlled".
Ministers say the changes are the biggest for a generation in fact; this is the biggest immigration law change in 45 years. The BIA has introduced new licenses for businesses who want to employ skilled foreigners and they are going to be strict on employers who hire illegal immigrants.
The Border and Immigration Agency will not grant a sponsor's license to employers without being approved in advance by the BIA. Employers bringing in skilled workers under Tier 2 of the scheme which takes effect this autumn can now start applying for that license.
This year the immigration system is determined to tighten UK immigration laws and they will establish a new Border Agency to ensure the UK has one of the toughest borders in the world. According to BIA more systems will be put in place to count people in and out of the UK and ID cards to strengthen the UK border and help keep out those who don't have the right to be in the UK.
To find out if you qualify on the new Tier 1 System, please visit our online assessment test now and take the eligibility test. Upon receipt one of our consultants will be contact you to discuss your application further.
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