UK: Labour has unveiled reforms for the British immigration system in a white paper Today’s publication, A tightening in qualifications and language requirements.
The white paper on immigration published 12 may revealed measures to raise the salary of skilled workers up to RQF 6, the graduate level.
A temporary shortage list will give limited access to the Points Based Immigration System. To gain entry to the immigration system, occupations that are below RQF 6 need to be included on the Temporary shortage list.
The points-based immigration system is only available to those occupations that have long-term shortages. It is also limited to those where the Migration Advisory Committee deems it justified.
Skilled worker Visas are still issued for RQF 3 to 5, but only when the above criteria is met.
For the first time the government will increase the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) to 32 percent, in line with inflation. Employers pay the ISC when they hire someone with a skilled visa, or a similar route.
There will also be new English language requirements across a wider range immigration routes for both the main applicant and their dependents. This includes an evaluation of improvements over time.
The time period for settling claims has also been extended from five to 10 years.
The Language of Speaking ITV NewsKate Nicholls is the CEO of UKHospitalityThis is what was said: “Less then 10 per cent (of hospitality jobs) are available to qualified workers. The further tightening of the rules will likely see these roles restricted even further. It will impact a small group of employees who are currently brought in at the most senior and highest level.
“It’s right that the government is tightening immigration controls; it’s right that businesses should be investing in their people and in the domestic workforce; we now need to see the other half of that policy. We need urgent reforms on apprenticeships, on training and skills levies, and incentivising employment and bringing people back into the workforce… a strategy for employment and work alongside one that controls immigration.”
Jonathan Beech, managing Director of Migrate UK said: “These latest reforms will make recruitment harder than ever for employers in areas like the hospitality and care industries.
“The Skilled Worker Route will also now carry a qualification threshold of RQF Level 6 – equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree. The immigration system will restrict access for those roles which do not meet this new skill level. While this will not be a problem for ‘shortage occupations’, it does present a particular problem for the hospitality industry, which does not appear on these lists.
“Employers are already facing increased costs in hiring overseas workers. This could now be more than twice as high if a skilled worker is required to stay in the UK for a minimum of 10 years in order to qualify for settlement.”
Highlights:
• Skilled Worker visas will raise to RQF 6 (graduate level) from the current RQF 3, roughly equivalent to A-levels.
• A Temporary Shortage List has been introduced, where roles below RQF 6 must be on this list and meet multiple criteria to qualify for visas.
• The Immigration Skills Charge will increase by 32 per cent for the first time since its introduction.
• Broader English language testing and a longer 10-year route to settlement will apply.
