December 6 2007 - UK Points Based Systems will start to work

From 2008, a points based system, similar to that operating in Australia, will begin to operate in the United Kingdom. This will enable the United Kingdom to control migration more effectively, tackle abuse and identify the most talented workers.

The key elements of the system include:

• Consolidating more than 80 existing work and study application routes into five tiers (see how it works);

• Points will be awarded to reflect aptitude, experience, age and also the level of need in any given sector, to allow the United Kingdom to respond flexibly to changes in the labour market; and

• In due course financial securities may be required for specific categories, where there has been evidence of abuse, to ensure that migrants return home at the end of their stay.

Migration Advisory Committee

The recently established Migration Advisory Committee will advise Government on where migration might sensibly fill skills gaps in the economy. It will provide advice on what should be the shortage occupations, which enable employers to bring in migrants more easily under tier 2, and on where and how large the quotas should be for low-skilled employment (tier 3).

Migration Impact Forum

The purpose of the Migration Impacts Forum is to provide a forum for proper, regular and organised dialogue with interested parties outside Government, focussed on the wider impacts associated with migration experienced by local areas. It will consider information from forum members about the social benefits of migration and any transitional impacts and/or adjustment requirements which derive from migration

Further detailed information can be obtained from AmblerCollins consultants info@amblercollins.com

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