A white paper this autumn explains the immigration changes and how they will work. The government is overhauling the current immigration system, which is based on an annual threshold. The new system would treat migrants from EU countries and non-EU residents the same. Highly skilled workers will have preferential treatment to boost productivity. In recent years, thousands of overseas doctors and nurses have had Tier-2 visas rejected because the threshold has been met. This new policy helps industries that are suffering from skill shortages, such as the NHS.
Tier 2 visa applications will need to meet a new earnings threshold for highly-skilled migrants, which currently stands at £30,00, although this could be reviewed.
How is it different?
Perhaps the most significant changes will be the end of free movement from the EU to the UK. Currently, any citizen of an EU member state can freely come to the UK to live and work.
By treating EU and non-EU citizens the same, the government can prioritise the immigration of skilled workers. However, this could also affect how UK citizens are treated by the EU.
Who will benefit? Who will lose out?
- Skilled workers looking to move to the UK and work in a sector with a skills shortage will benefit most.
- Unskilled EU workers will suffer the most when free EU migration is restricted.
- Industries that rely on “low-skilled workers” will also possibly struggle to recruit foreign workers, including those in lower-paid roles in health, care and hospitality.
Scarsdale Solicitors Rochdale
For advice on this or any other issues about immigration, call your local experts: Scarsdale Solicitors Rochdale and Scarsdale Solicitors Oldham are proud to serve our clients, combining expert legal knowledge with customer service that is second to none. If you are in need of immigration solicitors Rochdale or immigration solicitors Oldham, call us today on 0161 660 6050.
