Tier 2 Immigration Proposal Of UK Has Been Criticized By The Law Society

04 Nov 2011

UK government has recently announced some modifications to the Tier 2 visa immigration system but the Law Society of UK is not happy with the move and has criticized the proposal. The society strongly feels that new restrictions will limit the potential ability of UK law firms to employ overseas skills.

The fresh immigration limitations are not only affecting law firms, but their clients as well.

At present the government of UK is planning to take away the Tier 2 Visa category which allows the applicants for permanent residence in UK after 5 years of their immigration. The main aim of the move is to reduce the immigration rate to “tens of thousands" every year. Law Society believes that removal of permanent residence right will severely harm the international competition of UK and the current economic conditions of the country do not permit to take this move because most of the companies in UK depend on international talent.

John Wotton, Law Society President said, "Law firms turn to the international market because they are engaged in a global competition for talent with international firms from other jurisdictions, such as the US." 

He also said, "Global legal businesses are interested in recruiting only the best talent. Non-EEA migrants employed by law firms tend to be high earners. They will be spending their disposable income and paying taxes in the UK."

Pricewaterhouse Coopers said, "Our clients are certainly telling us that the cap is having an economic impact, as organizations have had to delay hiring key individuals and consider relocating roles overseas."