New UK points-based immigration system
The Home Office has announced that a new UK points-based immigration system for highly skilled migrants will be implemented on 1 January 2021. The new immigration system has for aim to attract top highly skilled individuals around the globe and end free movement rights for EEA nationals.
Under the new system, migrants will be selected carefully based on skills and experience needed in science and the economy of the UK. Furthermore, stricter security requirements will be implemented which should reduce the numbers of migrants.
Moreover, there would be no route for low-skilled migrants. According to the Home Office, approximately 70 % of EEA nationals currently residing in the UK would not satisfy the specific criteria of the skilled migrant category and work in low-skilled jobs.
EEA nationals will also need to apply for student visas under the points-based system in order to study in UK universities. This means that they must prove their knowledge of English and ability to support and accommodate themselves during their studies.
However, even if the Home Office emphasized that EEA and non-EEA nationals would be treated equally under the new points-based immigration system, some differences will remain. For instance, most EEA nationals will be able to use smartphones in order to enrol their biometrics and receive e-visa. In contrast, non-EEA nationals will still have to attend visa application centres to submit their biometrics and use physical proof of their immigration status in the UK.
You can access the Home Office’s announcement via the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/home-secretary-announces-new-uk-points-based-immigration-system
Should you have any questions on UK immigration, please do not hesitate to contact our professional team of Immigration lawyers at Barar and Associates at barar.london@bararassociates.co.uk or call us on 020 7487 8370. You can access more information about us via https://bararassociates.com/.
