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Countdown to Points Based System for migrants begins

By TJ (06-12-2007)
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Learning and Development News - Countdown to Points Based System for migrants begins

Setting out plans to manage migration, the Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, announced new rules for highly skilled foreign workers applying to come to the UK.

Jacqui Smith said:

"Migration brings great social and economic benefits to this country. But people expect it to be managed robustly and in support of Britain's national interests. That's why we're launching the countdown to our new Points Based System which will begin in less than 100 days."

The Government's Australian-style Points Based System and the new independent Migration Advisory Committee, which will meet for the first time on 7 December, will provide new, robust machinery to ensure that only those who meet the needs of the UK will be allowed to enter and work.

The statement of intent for Tier 1 shows how the new tier will replace eight existing immigration routes for people who are highly skilled, entrepreneurs, investors or have undertaken studies to a high level and want to stay in the UK to work. Applicants will earn points for their skills and the potential they show for economic success, competence in English language and ability to support themselves and their dependents.

The new points based immigration system is fully justified, according to John Philpott, Chief Economist at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
 
Dr Philpott said:

“The acid test of any policy for managing migration is that it meets reasonable and legitimate employer need without detriment to the common good. The detail of the forthcoming points based system, as outlined by ministers, strikes a sensible balance even though it may frustrate some employers.
 
“The UK economy is now fully stocked with Eastern European migrants capable of performing unskilled jobs. Blocking entry of unskilled people from outside the EU may sound harsh but will be good news for disadvantaged jobseekers and many in existing ethnic minority communities in the UK, and will ease strain on housing, schools and social services.
 
“The Government’s points based immigration policy is both fair and economically sound – but ministers should be wary of overdoing the dog whistle rhetoric of ‘British jobs for British workers.”  

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