UK Immigration News

The so called "independent" Migration Advisory Committee's (MAC) long-awaited review of Tier 2 immigration was released on 19 January 2016; It recommends that the UK government impose even tighter immigration controls for Tier 2 Visas. The MAC recommendations have been greeted with criticism from many UK employers, who say that the measures will lead to increased costs and make recruiting more difficult.

It has previously been reported by Workpermit.com - that the Tier 1 Post-Study Work Visa would not be re-introduced. However, the Scottish Secretary of State now says that the UK government has 'not shut the door' on the introduction of new, post-study work visas in Scotland.

The UK, South-West Regional Director for CBI, Deborah Waddell, has described the Tier 2 visa and skilled immigration in general as crucial to the counties of Devon and Cornwall. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) is one of the UK's leading independent employers' organisations, representing over 250,000 public and private sector companies.

As expected, the UK government has said it will not be re-introducing the Tier 1 Post-Study Work Visa, a decision that the Scottish government has described as 'deeply disappointing and damaging.' As previously reported by workpermit.com, the Scottish government has been trying to persuade Westminster to bring back the Tier 1 Post-Study Work Visa, which enabled international students on Tier 4 visas to remain in Scotland and work following graduation.

According to SJD Accountancy, the UK financial services sector needs more non-EU workers due to a worsening skills shortage. The increase in demand has occurred at a time when recruiters across the financial services sector are experiencing greater difficulties in obtaining Tier 2 visas. The tier 2 visa cap of 20,700 means that there are not enough Restricted Tier 2 (General) Certificates of Sponsorship (COS) available to meet demand.

The CIPD – the professional body for those in HR and people development – has warned UK businesses to make contingency plans for recruiting staff. The CIPD warns that UK immigration rules are going to make it increasingly difficult for companies to employ migrant workers from outside the European Union/European Economic Area.