UK MIGRATION NEWS 2006

THE NEW '5 TIER' PROPOSAL

In 2005 the UK government announced a complete over haul of its immigration schemes for, in the hope of making immigration to the UK easier for prospective migrants and their sponsors (if applicable). The proposed scheme will be a carbon copy of the ever popular Australian model that is currently in existence. A concrete announcement is anticipated some time in early 2006 after months of countrywide discussions and consultations.

The proposed tiers will look to mimic many of the schemes that are already in place:

The proposed '5 tier' Scheme:

" Tier 1: Skilled individuals

(Similar to the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme) - points based according to qualifications, work experience and earnings etc

" Tier 2: Skilled workers with a UK job offer (Similar to the sponsored work permit scheme - Tiers 1 and 2)

" Tier 3: Quota-limited, workers to fill shortages in lower-skilled employment (Similar to the Sector Based Scheme)

" Tier 4: Students

" Tier 5: Temporary categories i.e. visiting workers, selected development schemes and cultural exchanges. (Similar to 'permit free training')

Although this similar to the current visa system there is speculation that the UK Home Office will have a quota for a particular field of expertise to migrate to the UK.