Topical:
As of 19 June 2006 a new application form will be available and required for Tier 2 work permit applications for postgraduate doctors and dentists.
Previously, an exemption was granted for all dental and medical graduates employed in "training positions" related to their field.
All non-EEA residents and those not graduated from a UK university will now be required to apply for work permits and visas in accordance with normal immigration policy.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has released its International Migration Outlook report for 2004. An estimated 3 to 3.5 million immigrants achieved official long-term residential status in the countries they have moved into. This statistic includes people who already were living there on temporary basis and changed their status.
A new work permit quota for the Sectors Based Scheme Food Manufacturing sector was agreed to and became effective as of 01 June, 2006. The new quota is now set at 1,840 total work permits and is subdivided:
• Fish Processing - 230
• Meat Processing - 1110
• Mushroom Processing - 500
First discovered six years ago, a loophole that allows immigrants to illegally use a fabricated National Insurance number toward their residency process has now been closed down.
Individuals who wish to work in Britain must have a National Insurance number. It is used to deduct taxes, determine national insurance contributions, and to generally track movement of an individual through the work force. Various benefits are also allocated based upon these statistics.
New arrivals to this country (U.S.) must adopt American values and learn English, President Bush said June 8, pushing anew for his proposal to overhaul immigration rules.
To gain passage during this midterm election year, Bush must win over many in his own party who are opposed to provisions he demands besides stepped-up border enforcement. Those provisions include providing a path to citizenship for many illegal immigrants and allowing additional work visas for foreigners. Stronger enforcement against employers who hire illegals is also creating friction between sides.
As of June 22 applications for extension of stay, indefinite leave and transfer of condition and no time limit applications will have to be made on new forms.
Production of the new form is a little behind schedule, but should be available in the week beginning 10 June 2006. Applications made before June 22 will have to be made on the existing forms (version September 2005).
The accompanying regulations contain a new transitional provision allowing applications to be made on the corresponding existing prescribed form for 21 days after the regulations come into force.