Entry Bar For Techies Lowered

29 Jun 2010

On Monday, to scale back net migration in UK, the David Cameron government reduced visas for non-European Union migrants. Indian professionals are among the highest non-EU groups who migrate to Britain to take up jobs in IT, medicine, services and education sectors. It had announced a limit of 24,100, i.e., five percent for non-European professionals to be allowed until April 2011. Once the limit of 24,100 is reached no other non-EU professionals will be able to take up jobs in Britain. There is some opposition from the influential groups such as High Skilled Migrants Forum.

The interim measures also include raising the number of points from 95 to 100 and capping the number of Tier 1 migrants at current levels. Some limits are also applicable for visas under Tier 2. To avoid large numbers of applications between now and April next year, the government will impose the interim limit which will take effect from 19 July 2010. The interim limits will ensure the number of visas issued under Tiers 1 and 2 of the points-based system are below that issued in 2009.

This controversial annual limit was announced by Home Secretary Theresa May yesterday. May said, This government believes that Britain can benefit from migration but not uncontrolled migration and added, "I recognize the importance of attracting the brightest and the best to ensure strong economic growth, but unlimited migration places unacceptable pressure on public services".

Theresa May added further, "The government promised large-scale change to Britain's immigration system- and that is what we are delivering. Alongside the limit on non EU migrant workers, we have already introduced a requirement that those coming here to marry learn English, and our urgent view into child detention for immigration purposes is under way".