Posted on Tuesday 23rd February 2010 in News
The independent Migration Advisory Committee has completed its review of Tier 1 of the points-based system. At the beginning of 2009, the government asked the Migration Advisory Committee to consider whether the criteria for Tier 1 should be changed in 2010/11 to reflect changing economic circumstances. The MAC's report, published on 4th December 2009, confirmed that Tier 1 is generally operating well, but also recommended some changes.
With regard to the Tier 1 (General) route for highly skilled workers, in addition to the MAC recommendation that there should be a rapid and thorough review of the salary multipliers which are used to convert previous earnings outside the UK into a UK equivalent, the report confirmed that the pay thresholds should be substantially increased, with no points awarded for previous annual earnings below £24,000.
The report further recommended that professional qualifications, for example in law and accountancy, should be considered as being equal to a master's degree, and that migrants with previous annual earnings of at least £150,000 should not need to meet the educational qualification requirements. Additionally, those migrants who hold a bachelor's degree but not a master's degree should be allowed to apply under Tier 1 (General), if their previous earnings are high enough.
Additional recommendations were that applicants should receive points for their age if they are 39 or under and that the initial leave to remain period for successful applicants should be two years, rather than three (as at present), with a three-year extension later if they are in highly skilled employment.
The MAC says the Tier 1 (Post-study work) route - for migrants who want to work in the UK after completing a course of study here - should continue, as it brings economic benefits to the UK, however the recommendation is that the government should consider whether all courses and all institutions should continue to be treated the same.
In response to the report, Border and Immigration Minister Phil Woolas said 'The MAC has delivered a robust and thorough report, and the government will consider it carefully over the coming weeks. The points-based system is a powerful and flexible tool which means that businesses can recruit the skilled foreign workers that the economy needs, but not at the expense of British workers, nor as a cheaper alternative to investing in the skills of the existing workforce.'
Mr Woolas further commented 'Our own research shows that more than eight in ten people who have used Tier 1 of the points-based system were satisfied with the process.'
Dearson Winyard will publish the government's response as to whether it accepts the recommendations when it is announced in early 2010.
Back
