New points system goes live
The biggest shake-up of the immigration system in 45 years got underway today with the introduction of a new points system to ensure only the best can work in Britain, new licenses for businesses who want to employ migrants and big on-the-spot fines for those not obeying the rules and found hiring illegal workers.
Britain's Australian-style points system kicks-off with new rules for highly skilled foreign nationals currently working in the UK and who want to extend their stay. The scheme is designed to attract the most talented with the skills the UK needs to remain a global leader in the fields of finance, business, and technological innovation.
The Government is also today introducing a licensing system for employers who want to recruit from overseas and bring skilled workers into the UK. No company will be granted a sponsor's licence without being approved in advance by the Border and Immigration Agency. Employers bringing in skilled workers under Tier 2 of the scheme which takes effect this autumn can now start applying for that licence
