UK Immigration News

Britain has a skill shortage of engineering specialities, and it's growing. However, the supply of qualified engineers (so far) has not. Especially for the development of new and innovative technologies, this is critical problem that needs to be solved.

Recently, the shortage of medical professionals, such as doctors, dentists and nurses was abated somewhat by an intense recruiting program to draw in foreign born professionals. A similar push is on to bring in engineering professionals.

Current UK skills shortage listing

Following is a reproduction of the Home Offices current skill shortages listing. This list focuses mostly on the HSMP category, although some more general skill categories that can fall under a different visa are mentioned.

_______Work Permits (UK) Shortage Occupation List, April 2006

Engineering occupations:

The Home Office has not ruled out an amnesty for illegal immigrants, despite previously denying one would go ahead.

Home Office minister Liam Byrne said it is too early to tell whether he will allow the controversial move, adding he wants more information before he makes a decision.

Estimates put the number of people living in Britain without permission at about 500,000.

Effective 07 June, 2006, the British High Commission in Bangladesh will not accept any further applications for the working holidaymaker visa. The decision is technically indefinite, but will be reviewed in six months.The applications for new visas of this category are far outstripping the availability, something that is unprecedented at this current magnitude. The burden on the general visa system by this spike in applications is causing other problems and is draining resources.

Immigration Rules were changed on 09 January, 2006 with several updates. One that becomes effective on 19 June is a new category that does not require a work permit.

Beginning 22 June, 2006, all of the following forms are updated to Version 06/2006 of their respective designation: BUS, FLR(M), FLR(O), FLR(S), FLR(SEGS), FLR(FT:WISS), FLR(IED), SET(F), SET(M), SET(O), ELR, NTL and TOC. Any older versions of these forms filled out and submitted on or after 22 June will be rejected; forms submitted by post with a 22 June post-mark must be the new version. Fees generally are not refunded for rejected applications since the fees are for the consideration process rather than actual approval.