UK Government sets out proposals for breaking the link between temporary and permanent migration
09 June 2011
The UK welcomes the brightest and the best migrants coming to work in the UK but believes that net migration needs to be sustainable. The UK Government today (9 June 2011) launched a consultation on proposals to break the link between temporary employment-related migration and settlement, as well as reforms to Tier 5, and overseas domestic worker routes.
Launching the consultation, the UK Immigration Minister Damian Green set out proposals to re-classify visas as either ‘temporary’ or ‘permanent’ and introduce stricter criteria for those who want to stay.
Immigration Minister Damian Green said:
“The proposals I am making today are aimed at breaking the link between temporary and permanent migration.
“Settlement has become almost automatic for those who choose to stay. This needs to change. The immigration system has got to be made to work properly.
“We want the brightest and best workers to come to the UK, make a strong contribution to our economy while they are here, and then return home.”
The UK Government has already implemented new settlement requirements for skilled workers entering under Tiers 1 and 2 of the points-based system, which require applicants to demonstrate English-language proficiency, continue to meet the salary requirements and to pass a new criminality test.
The consultation will also look at the overseas domestic workers routes. The UK Government believes that it is not right that low-skilled workers have a route to settlement when it is looking to remove that right from more skilled workers.
Key proposals under consideration in the 12 week consultation are as follows:
Re-branding Tier 2 (the skilled worker route) as temporary, ending the assumption that settlement will be available for those who enter on this route.
Allowing certain categories of Tier 2 migrant, for example those earning over £150,000 or occupations of a specific economic or social value to the UK, to retain an automatic route to settlement.
Creating a new category into which, after three years in the UK, the most exceptional Tier 2 migrants may switch and go on to apply for settlement.
Allowing Tier 2 migrants who do not switch into a settlement route to stay for a maximum of five years with the expectation that they and any dependants will leave at the end of that time.
Introducing an English language requirement for adult dependants of Tier 2 migrants applying to switch into a route to settlement.
Restricting the maximum period of leave for Tier 5 Temporary Workers to 12 months.
Closing or reforming routes for overseas domestic workers.
Damian Green added:
“A small number of exceptional migrants will be able to stay permanently but for the majority coming to the UK to work will not lead automatically to settlement.”
The UK Government has committed to reforming all routes of entry to the UK in order to bring immigration levels under control. The settlement reforms will work alongside the annual limit, the new student visa reforms and changes to the family route planned for later this year.
To see the consultation document and details on how to respond, please visit our main UK Border Agency website.
原文地址:http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/aboutus/newsroom/?view=News&id=611044482