A news
release from the British High Commission has indicated that as part of a plan
to facilitate entry to the United Kingdom (UK) of all potential workers, the UK government today announced the introduction
of a new system for assessing highly skilled migrants wishing to go and work in
the UK
Tier 1 of the new Australian style Points-Based System (PBS) will come into effect on 30thJune 2008.
According
to the news release, the points system means those migrants
The new system, the release went on, is far easier for applicants to use as they will earn points for their qualifications, previous earnings, competence in English language and ability to support themselves and their dependents.
"They can calculate, before they make their application, whether their points add up to entry as a highly skilled worker. The system is also more straightforward. What was a two-stage application process now has only one stage - and the initial visa will be granted for three years, not two," the release notes.
Border and
Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said, "The UK is a fantastic place to work and
develop for those with the skills we need. A points system has worked well in
The release further revealed that the introduction of PBS follows a tightening up of British border security arrangements. All visa applicants, the release went on, now have to submit their fingerprints for checking against government databases before visas are approved.
In the same
vein, severe penalties have been introduced for employers of illegal workers in
the