UK: Reforms to the British immigration system have been unveiled by the Labour government in a white paper published today, including a tightening of qualifications and language requirements.
Measures unveiled in the immigration white paper published 12 May include lifting the level for skilled workers to RQF 6 (graduate level) and above, as well as rises to salaries.
A Temporary Shortage List will provide time-limited access to the Points-Based immigration system. Occupations below RQF 6 must be listed on the Temporary Shortage List in order to gain access to the immigration system.
Access to the Points-Based immigration system will be limited to occupations where there have been long term shortages, on a time limited basis, where the Migration Advisory Committee has advised it is justified, where there is a workforce strategy in place, and where employers seeking to recruit from abroad are committed to playing their part in increasing recruitment from the domestic workforce.
Skilled worker visas will still be issued at RQF 3-5 but only if the above criteria are met.
The government will also increase the immigration skills charge (ISC) by 32 per cent for the first time, bringing it line with inflation. The ISC is paid by employers when they take on someone from overseas via a skilled visa or similar route.
New English language requirements will also be introduced across a broader range of immigration routes, for both main applicants and their dependants, including an assessment of improvements over time.
The settlement period has also been raised from five years to 10.
Speaking to ITV News, Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality, said: “Less than 10 per cent of roles within hospitality are eligible for skilled workers. This further tightening is likely to see this restricted even more. It will have an impact on a small number of workers who are brought in at the highest and most senior levels currently.
“It’s right that the government is tightening immigration controls; it’s right that businesses should be investing in their people and in the domestic workforce; we now need to see the other half of that policy. We need urgent reforms on apprenticeships, on training and skills levies, and incentivising employment and bringing people back into the workforce… a strategy for employment and work alongside one that controls immigration.”
Jonathan Beech, managing director of Migrate UK, said: “For employers already suffering skills shortages, these latest reforms will make it harder than ever to recruit much-needed staff in areas such as the care and hospitality industries.
“The Skilled Worker Route will also now carry a qualification threshold of RQF Level 6 – equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree. For roles that do not meet the new skill level, access to the immigration system will be strictly limited. While this will not be a problem for ‘shortage occupations’, it does present a particular problem for the hospitality industry, which does not appear on these lists.
“Employers have already been hit by a recent increase in costs for hiring overseas workers, and now this could be more than doubled over the course of a Skilled Worker’s requirement to remain in the UK for 10 years before they are eligible for settlement.”
Highlights:
• Skilled Worker visas will raise to RQF 6 (graduate level) from the current RQF 3, roughly equivalent to A-levels.
• A Temporary Shortage List has been introduced, where roles below RQF 6 must be on this list and meet multiple criteria to qualify for visas.
• The Immigration Skills Charge will increase by 32 per cent for the first time since its introduction.
• Broader English language testing and a longer 10-year route to settlement will apply.