Today's announcement by UK Home Secretary Theresa May means that the Tier 1 (General) visa previously known as the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme will in effect be abolished.
Topical:
Call for paid service +44 (0)344-991-9222
UK Immigration News
Items tagged with "UK Immigration News":
The UK Government has announced a permanent cap of 21,700 on skilled immigration to take effect in April of 2011. Moreover, Tier 1 will be restricted to entrepreneurs, investors and 'exceptionally talented' individuals and Tier 2 will be restricted to graduate level occupations.
On 18 November 2010, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), a body set up to advise the UK Government on UK immigration including the UK's points based system, recommended that the UK Government reduce immigration by up to one-quarter.
The MAC said that Tier 1 visa and Tier 2 visa immigration numbers should fall to between 37,400 and 43,700. In 2009, some 50,000 work related Tier 1 and Tier 2 immigrant visas were granted.
Scotland which is part of the UK is claiming that tougher UK immigration controls will be detrimental to its economy and will hinder its ability to attract overseas students.
Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop stated in a speech at Edinburgh University that greater freedom for Scotland over immigration is needed to enable Scotland to bring in more skilled workers and students.
This is a reminder that UK visa fees are due to go up on 22 November 2010. Even if the visa fee increase is delayed again it seems likely that visa fees will go up very soon. Certain UK visa fees for dependents applying to remain in the UK will double or triple in price.
According to the Daily Telegraph, UK Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to significantly increase the number of non-EU immigrant skilled workers allowed to enter the United Kingdom each month.
Businesses have been among the groups criticizing the UK Government for imposing the cap, which they say prevents badly needed highly skilled immigrants from working in the UK.