The British government will unveil the new point immigration system to be used in the post-Brexit UK on Wednesday, favoring " bright " minds over " low-skilled workers ". " We are responding to citizens' priorities by introducing a new points system that will lower the number of immigrants, " said Interior Minister Priti Patel in a statement sent Tuesday evening, hailing a " historic moment " that " puts end to free movement ”.
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The system will award points according to skills, qualifications and salary levels and will treat European and non-European citizens " equally ". It is expected to enter into force on January 1, 2021, after the end of the transition period which began after the UK's departure from the European Union on January 31. " Visas will only be granted to those who have obtained enough points, " said the press release, in order to " give priority to the best talent ", such as " scientists, engineers and academics ".
"Decrease" the number of immigrants
The ministry believes it is therefore complying with the " clear message " sent by the British people during the 2016 Brexit referendum and the legislative elections last December. Immigration control had been one of the main subjects during the campaigns of these two elections. To obtain a work visa, you will need to present specific skills, speak English and already have a job offer with an annual minimum wage of 25,600 pounds (30,820 euros). The level of diploma required has been lowered from one license to the equivalent of the baccalaureate, to allow " greater flexibility ".
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These demands have raised concerns in UK public services, such as the Health Service (NHS), which operate thanks to sometimes low-paid foreign workers. The Interior Ministry estimates that 70% of the current low-skilled European workforce would not meet the new requirements, " which will help to decrease the number (of immigrants) in the future ". Regarding student visas, they will also be based on a point system and open to " talents from around the world ", provided that you have received a proposal from a British institution, speak English and be able to support yourself. Citizens of the EU and other countries with agreements with the United Kingdom will not need visas for a stay of less than 6 months.