Today the government have announced further details on the points-based immigration system to be implemented on 1 January, when the transition period ends with the EU.
Home Secretary Priti Patel unveiled a fast track health and care visa which will encourage employers to invest in workers from within the UK, whilst also attracting “the best and brightest from around the world.”
Under the new system, which will come into force after the transition period ends, those wishing to live and work in the UK will need to gain 70 points. Points will be based on a number of criteria including; having a job offer, level of spoken English, education level and more.
Commenting on the government’s publication of further details on the UK points-based immigration system, BCC Director General Adam Marshall said:
“The government has listened to calls from the Chamber Network and provided welcome clarity on how firms can hire skilled workers from overseas as the UK completes its departure from the European Union.
“Businesses are investing in home-grown talent across the UK, but will still need to fill some roles from overseas. The new immigration system will mean that thousands more firms will bear additional costs and bureaucracy when the skills they need cannot be found or developed locally. Carrying these new costs could be particularly challenging at a time when many businesses face reduced demand and historic cash flow difficulties as a result of Coronavirus.
“As the new system is implemented, businesses will need help to become sponsors – and will need to see immigration applications turned around quickly. The government must do everything it can to reduce the cumulative cost of employment, including the costs associated with immigration, to help businesses recover from the pandemic, hire with confidence, and seize future opportunities.”
Full details of the new government immigration policy can be found here.