In the wake of the country’s departure from the EU, the UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has repeatedly insisted the new post-Brexit points-based immigration system will make it easier for firms to employ the “brightest and best from around the world.” However, the proof will – as ever – be in the pudding.
Proposed Changes to Immigration Rules
Proposed changes to the current immigration rules recently presented to parliament (listed below) are set to be rolled out over the next year:
- Sponsor licence roadmap
The government has promised a twelve-month “roadmap” to make the system easier to navigate for businesses seeking to obtain licences to sponsor staff. This includes support for smaller employers sponsoring migrant employees for the first time.
- No need to sponsor graduates
The new Graduate Visa starts in July. As students on the Graduate Visa route will be able to work/look for work for two or three years after study, this removes the need for businesses to sponsor talented international graduates before they start work.
- Easier global talent routes
Additional reforms of the Global Talent Visa have been pledged for those excelling in areas such as academia, research or digital technology. These types of visas usually require endorsement by an endorsing body. However, the government has now published a list of prestigious awards guaranteeing automatic qualification. Namely, a BAFTA, Golden Globe, Nobel Prize or Brit Award, amongst others.
- Fast track for highly-skilled workers
A fast-track visa system for international workers holding job offers from recognised UK scale-ups has been trialled. Measured on an elite points-based system, this stream is due to be fully implemented by March 2022. This is designed to attract the best and most promising international talents in the fields of science and technology.
- Young Professionals Scheme
Forming part of the Migration and Mobility Partnership signed by the UK and India, the Young Professionals Scheme will now allow up to 3,000 18 to 30-year-old Indian nationals to live and work in the UK (and vice versa). Candidates able to benefit from this scheme need a degree or professional experience relevant to employment on offer plus competent language skills.
- Global Entrepreneurs
This time next year, a completely new Global Business Mobility Visa is due to start that will assist overseas employers in establishing a UK presence or transferring staff over to the UK. UK chancellor Rishi Sunak has also promised to expand the Global Entrepreneur Programme for high-growth tech businesses in order to market the UK to an abundant overseas talent network.
If you wish to know more about the above and need a trusted advisor to guide you through the process, do not hesitate to contact a member of the experienced Business Immigration team at Cleaver Fulton Rankin.
This article has been produced for general information purposes and further advice should be sought from a professional advisor.
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