The UKBA announced on 6th May 2008 that foreigners wishing to migrate to the UK to fill skilled positions will be subject to a more stringent process.

Roll out of the Government’s new 5 tier Points Based System (PBS) for immigration was launched in late February with the highly skilled worker visa, Tier 1 (General). Proposals for Tiers 2 and 5 of the PBS were recently published outlining the strict new criteria that both immigrants and their sponsors would need to meet.

Under these tougher new conditions, prospective skilled foreign migrants will need to meet a certain defined point score to be eligible for Tier 2. Tier 2 will be the direct replacement of the work permit category. Points will be awarded for qualifications, English ability, earning capacity and the essential requirement of an offer of employment from a UK based company.

Employers too will need to meet new criteria to become licensed sponsors. They will also be required to prove that they have not been able to source from the resident labour force before offering sponsorship to a foreign worker. This requirement is waived if the position on offer appears on the Government’s shortage occupation list.

Border and Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said:
"Our new points system means that British jobseekers get the first crack of the whip and that only the skilled migrants we actually need will be able to come.
"By moving points up or down, we can make sure the numbers we allow in to the UK are in line with the needs of business and the country as a whole.
"When we set the points pass mark, we will listen to independent advice - the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) on the needs of the economy, and the Migration Impacts Forum (MIF) on the effect of migration on society."

The Government also today announced its proposals for Tier 5 of the PBS. This tier covers those travelling to the UK for primarily non-economic reasons, such as young persons, sportspeople, entertainers and charity workers