UK Home Secretary Preeti Patel introduced a new points-based visa system, which aims to attract the best talent from across the globe, including India, and limit the entry of low-skilled employees.
Career Counselor and Abroad Education Expert Vikas Chhajed said that this new visa system gives priority to the most skilled and talented people, who are in abundance in India and now talented Indians will definitely benefit from it. According to British Deputy High Commissioner John Thompson, this policy will attract 6 lakh international students including India by 2030.
Chhajed said that the transition period would end on 31 December 2020 after Britain exited the European Union (EU) on 31 January and the new system would be implemented from 1 January 2021. The current open movement of people between the EU and the UK will also end once Britain exits the EU. The new system will be equally applicable to countries in the European Union along with India or other countries and will be based on assessment marks based on a particular skill, qualification, salary, and profession. Those who get higher rating points will be granted visas and there will be chances of getting visas based on marks, which will benefit the most experienced or scientific, engineer, professional, management degree people.
Indian-origin home secretary Preeti Patel in the UK said, “Today is a historic moment for the whole country. We are ending free movement, taking back control of our borders and meeting people’s priorities by introducing a new UK-based immigration system, which will reduce overall migration. ”
What is the new system, what will be the effect?
Top priority to scientists and engineers
Attracting the most talented and best people around the world, will boost the economy and communities and achieve the full potential of the country. In this system, the highest skilled and talented people will be given preference. These people will include scientists, engineers, and professionals associated with the academy.
25,600 will be the minimum wage limit
Skilled workers will need to meet a number of relevant criteria, including specific skills and the ability to speak English. All applicants will need a job offer and the minimum wage limit will be £ 25,600 (Rs 23.80 lakh), in line with the recommendations of the Migration Advisory Committee. This will be lower than the old £ 30,000 level for a Tier-2 work visa.
A-level or equivalent qualification required
Those wishing to live and work in the UK will be required to qualify to the A-level or equivalent, rather than just degree-level under the current system. The Ministry of Home Affairs said it would provide greater flexibility and ensure that skilled workers have a wider reach in UK businesses.
70 percent of EU workers will be reduced
According to the British Ministry of Home Affairs, it is estimated that 70 percent of the current European Union (EU) workers will not be able to meet skilled labor related requirements, which will reduce their numbers in the UK in the future. From next year, visas for EU citizens will also be marks-based.
