Only 21,700 Migrants Will Be Allowed From Non-EU Region To UK

02 Dec 2010

The British government has drawn a marker for net migration that includes a cap on immigration from non-EU region. This will affect Indians the most as they constitute the largest influx among highly skilled and skilled workers.

On Tuesday, Theresa May imposed a 22.05% cut on “highly skilled” migrants. As per this, more than 21,000 people will not be allowed into UK on work permits from April 1, 2011 onwards. Also, there will be a drop in visas for skilled workers without job offers. She has also reiterated that student visas will be granted to only those who are coming wholly for post graduate courses.

Indian origin Labour MO, Keith Vaz, who is chairman of the home affairs select committee, said, "There are going to be so many exemptions, from the education sector to elite scientists to football players to business that it actually won't be a cap at all."

However, the government's restriction will not include employees transferred by their companies from another country if their salary is more than 40,000 pounds.