You may be wondering what the fuss is about the UK Points-based Immigration system, a topic that trended across social media platforms early this month. While I am sure you may have seen it in passing or perhaps, even read about it somewhere, I am here to break it down and give you a simplified summary.
So, here’s the gist:
Previously, people from EU countries had an automatic right to live and work in the UK. And then Brexit happened! Consequently, the Boris Johnson Administration revealed plans to cut the influx of “cheap”, low-skilled labour that the UK has come to depend on. This is expected to end the unrestricted system of labour migration from the EU that has been in place since 2008.
The new plan births the points-based immigration system which came into effect on January 1st, 2021 where EU workers will be treated the same way as the rest of the world. Most of the rest of the world anyway. The UK’s new policy applies to everyone outside the UK who wishes to live and work there, but excludes the Republic of Ireland.
Owing to this new development, work visas will be issued based strictly on points anchored on skill sets, academic qualification, English language proficiency, job offers and prospective salaries. It is aimed at reducing overall migration numbers, while attracting highly skilled workers from around the world into the country, thus improving the experience of both employers and employees.
To be eligible for the UK point-based immigration…
It is important to understand that you must have a valid certificate of sponsorship, with a job that meets the required skill level to gain full points. As is the case in general migration requirements, evidence of English Language knowledge is a must, alongside travel history and a criminal record certificate from countries you have lived in for a year or more. For NHS workers, applicants must have at least £1,270 in savings as the main visa applicant.
You can apply to work in the UK via online submissions. Alternatively, you can visit a visa application centre to show the required documentation and confirm your identity.
The standard application fee for skilled workers outside the UK is £610. However, discounts are awarded for Health and Care Visa. Professionals qualified for this discount include: Biological Scientists and Biochemists, Physical Scientists, Medical Practitioners, Psychologists, Pharmacists, Physiotherapists, Nurses, Social Workers, Dentists, among others in the health care sector.
How are these points awarded?
The minimum point tally to qualify for a visa for migrant workers who wish to move to the UK is 70. This total is gathered from the various requirements which attract their different scores.
Your ability to communicate in English (demonstrated by passing an exam) gives you ten (10) points. Receiving a skilled job employment offer from an approved employer earns you a whopping 40 points. Applicants who are due to be paid at least £25,600 a year will gain a further 20 points.
However, there are some jobs in health or education that can earn you 20 points, despite the pay being less than £25,600. Still, the minimum pay is £20,480 and in line with set amounts for those jobs in UK’s four nations.
Added points can be claimed for higher academic qualifications. For instance, a Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.) earns you 10 points, and if the degree is in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics, you get 20 points. That’s not all. You can get an extra 20 points if you get an offer for a job the UK has a shortage of employees despite the pay offered.
Additional Takes
Some UK businesses have begun voicing warnings that this new system may trigger possible worker shortages if some of their workers do not meet the requirements. A government advisory group estimated last month that about 70% of EU workers currently in the UK will not qualify for visas under this rule.
One thing is certain though, this will put more demand on businesses to equip their domestic workforce with the necessary skills and training needed for them to be at par with overseas skilled workers. Some companies are already being proactive by investing heavily in home-grown talent across the UK to deal with this, but there may still be acute labour shortages.
Oppositions to this development, representing sectors like social care, hospitality, and the food sector have promised to strongly challenge the proposal as it goes through Parliament. The President of the National Farmers’ Union, Minette Batters, shared concerns that the development of restricting visas for low-skilled workers could adversely affect the sector, to a critical level.
This is only a summary, so we may have to draw the curtain here. However, you can check out their official site: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-points-based-immigration-system-further-details-statement for a more in-depth breakdown of each step towards getting a visa under the new development.
So what do you think? Will you be exploring this immigration system?