Government sets up advisory groups for skills-based immigration system
The UK government published details of five new immigration advisory groups on 17 June 2019. These groups will help inform decisions on the new skills-based immigration system that will come into operation in 2021. The engagement programme is aimed at industry and communities who will be expected to participate for a year.
The Home Office has already hosted more than 100 events around the country to introduce the new system and these have reached around 1,500 stakeholders. Caroline Nokes, the Immigration Minister, commented: “I’ve already met hundreds of people and businesses to make sure our future immigration system works for every part of the UK. Our advisory groups will provide invaluable expertise and representing the views of businesses, employers and vulnerable people.”
She went on to add that the new system would deliver on the referendum result by stopping freedom of movement, and the new immigration system would be designed to attract essential talent to the UK and would not be based on their country of origin.
Matthew Fell, who is the CBI Chief UK Policy Director, stated: “As we leave the EU, getting the new immigration system right is a high priority for businesses. Employers have welcomed this opportunity to provide extra evidence to the Home Office, to help design an immigration system which both restores public confidence and meets the needs of our economy.”
About the immigration advisory groups
The five immigration advisory groups are:
– The Employers’ Advisory Group, which consists of representatives from some of the UK’s major employers
– The Education Sector Advisory Group, with representatives from UK colleges and universities
– The Crossing the Border Advisory Group, consisting of organisations which represent the border transport services, such as maritime, aviation and rail
– The National Advisory Group, with members from a range of organisations in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
– The Vulnerability Advisory Group, with representatives from the organisations dealing with vulnerable individuals
About the new immigration system
The UK will begin to implement this latest immigration and borders system from 2021.
Some of the proposals being considered are:
– Getting rid of the annual cap on numbers of visas that are issued for skilled workers
– Widening the threshold for skills to incorporate individuals educated to standards that are equivalent to A levels
This new system is skills-based, so the resident labour market test for high-skilled workers will be removed. There will also be a system in place for temporary workers from low-risk countries with skills at all levels to enter the UK for up to 12 months.
You can find out more on the UK government website.
Contact our Immigration Lawyers in London
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