February 17th 2011 - "High Earners Exempt from UK Immigration Quota"
Source - Skynews
Anyone who earns more than £150,000 a year can come to the UK to work and will be not be counted as part of the immigration quota,
the Government has announced. Such people could include foreign bankers, lawyers and consultants.
There'll be no restrictions on foreign bankers and others who earn over £150,000K
But skilled workers from overseas who do not take home big salaries will have to satisfy strict criteria. Fewer than 21,000 a year will be let in
because of a new cap on the number of people coming to the UK for employment. It is part of the Government's drive to cut net migration from hundreds of
thousands to tens of thousands over the next four years.
From April, the number of foreign workers allowed in each month will be tightly controlled.Each applicant will need a "certificate of sponsorship"
from a UK employer and they will be given points according to the rarity of their skillsScientists, those who do jobs requiring a PhD and professions of which
there is a shortage in the UK, will get more points and be ranked higher than others..
Applicants from outside the EU must also have a graduate-level job, speak good English and earn at least £20,000. In April, the top 4,200
ranked people will be let in, but from May onwards only those in the top 1,500 will be granted permission to work in the UK. The new rules show that after a
period of great uncertainty, the Government is listening harder to business concerns
Dr Adam Marshall from the British Chamber of Commerce
Home Office Minister Damian Green believes it is a fair system that addresses the needs of employers."Britain needs to attract the brightest and
best to fill the jobs gaps but this should never be at the expense of workers already here," he said.
The proposals have been welcomed by the British Chamber of Commerce. Director of Policy Dr Adam Marshal told Sky News: "The new rules
show that after a period of great uncertainty, the Government is listening harder to business concerns. "The changes to the 'Tier 2' arrangements mean that
companies will have a better chance of getting much-needed international talent, and growing their business. "However, we will continue to monitor whether the
latest immigration rules hamper businesses seeking to recruit the skilled personnel they need. "If problems do surface, the Government must remain flexible,
and make changes once again."
The new system will also be relaxed where multi-national organisations want to move their staff between countries. As long as the individual
earns more than £40,000 they can relocate to the UK for more than a year, using what is known as an "Intra-Company Transfer" or "ICT". The salary threshold
will be lowered to £20,000 a year if they plan to stay for less than 12 months. Migrants with a criminal record will not be allowed into the UK under what Mr Green
called a "straightforward" rule that applies across the board.
If you have further enquires on immigration to the UK, Singapore, Australia or the USA, please contact Ambler Collins Visa Specialists and we will
undertake a complimentary assessment of your eligibility. Email us at; info@amblercollins.com
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