The Home Secretary Sajid Javid has today (Monday 24 June) asked the Migration Advisory Committee to review and advise on salary thresholds for the new future immigration system, which will take effect from 2021.
The Home Office published proposals for a new single, skills-based immigration system in December 2018. It will mark the end of free movement and introduce a new route for skilled workers which favours experience and talent over nationality.
It will also enable employers to have access to the skills they need from around the world, while ensuring net migration is reduced to sustainable levels.
Engagement with businesses and communities
We have committed to engaging extensively with organisations across the UK throughout 2019 before finalising our proposals. Over 100 events have been held since the start of the year, reaching 1,500 people from businesses and communities.
We have also published membership details of 5 advisory groups, established to deepen engagement between government and industry as the future skills-based immigration system is developed.
Ten reasons why it supports businesses and protects jobs
1. A single, swift and fair immigration system: Businesses can hire talent from anywhere in the world through one single, skills-based system
2. No cap on the number of skilled workers who can come to the UK: Removing quotas will remove barriers for businesses who need overseas talent
3. A wider skills threshold for the first time: This means anyone with the equivalent of A levels will be eligible under the new system
4. Abolition of the resident labour market test for high skilled workers: Following the independent Migration Advisory Committee’s recommendations, we will cut this outdated test to streamline the process
5. An all-digital sponsorship system reducing the burden on businesses: A quicker, easier, simpler system intended to reduce the time taken to bring overseas workers in to as little as 2-3 weeks
6. A transitional temporary work route allowing workers from low risk countries to come for a year and work at any skill level: Designed to help firms adjust and to protect the UK economy
7. Increased periods of time for international students to remain in the UK at the completion of their studies: This will give them more time to look for graduate roles
8. Shortage Occupation Lists for roles where workers are in short supply: When the independent Migration Advisory Committee indicates there is a shortage in a particular sector, the salary threshold can be lowered
9. Greater flexibility for international students to move into the UK workforce: Longer time periods and more support will mean we retain the brightest minds from our world class universities
10. EU and other visitors will able to use e-gates at UK ports and airports: Fast access for business visitors from countries including the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea