An insight into the new immigration rules implemented by the UK Government and how this will affect your relocation plans to the UK.
Brexit
The 31st January 2020 marked a significant change in the UKs global position with some welcome elements of certainty for the UK and international business relocation. With renewed political stability and greater clarity concerning Brexit issues, international corporations should look forward to a new era of business opportunities within the British marketplace and with confidence forecast towards business ventures in UK.
For foreign investors, the UK is open for business as a low tax corporate domicile. The ease and economy of UK company formation and administration is a famous hallmark. As are the UK’s liberal rules for foreign investment in UK businesses and property. After the transition period all these pro-business characteristics are likely to be accentuated.
Immigration
On the 1st January 2021, free movement to the UK will end and the introduction of the UK points-based system will take precedence, transforming the operation of the border and immigration system. The British immigration system, responsible for deciding who has the right to visit or stay in the country, is being modified. The Government intend to implement a new points-based system which applicants will use to demonstrate their suitability in being awarded the relevant visas. This is designed to prioritise economically valuable skills allowing the Government to have better control over immigration. The UK would follow Canada, Australia and New Zealand who also operate a points based system. The UK Home Secretary, Priti Patel advocates that this will attract the brightest and best from around the world. Click here to read the full article
Focus Points
- 1st January 2021 new UK Immigration Points based system will take effect and free movement will cease
- The new single global system will treat EU and non-EU citizens equally, giving top priority to those with the highest skills and the greatest talents
- EU employees and their families residing in the UK before this date will be able to stay but will need to make an application to register
- There will be no route for low-skilled immigrants to come and work in the UK
- Students from the European Union will now have to prove they speak English, that they have an offer at an approved educational institution, and that they can financially support themselves while living in the UK
- Highly skilled workers without a job offer but who can gain the required level of points, to enter the UK should be endorsed by a “relevant and competent body” by means of sponsorship
- STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics professionals can gain additional points if they are qualified to PhD level
Points System
Foreign nationals wishing to come to the UK for business purposes will need to score 70 points to successfully apply for an online “e-visa”. An additional 50 points will be awarded to an applicant achieving the minimum threshold. Having a job offer from an approved sponsor that suits their skill level and being able to speak English also form part of the required conditions.
Points System – Home Office
| REQUIRED | POINTS | |
| Offer of job by approved sponsor | YES | 20 |
| Job at appropriate skill level | YES | 20 |
| Speaks English at required level | YES | 10 |
| Salary of £20,480 (min) – £23,039 | NO | 0 |
| Salary of £23,040 – £25,599 | NO | 10 |
| Salary of £25,600 or above | NO | 20 |
| Job in shortage occupation | NO | 20 |
| PhD in subject relevant to job | NO | 10 |
| PhD in STEM subject (Science, Technology, Maths) relevant to job | NO | 20 |
Settlement Scheme
The HM Governments’ policy statement confirms around ‘3.2 million applications have already been received from EU citizens who will be able to stay and work in the UK.’ You will be able to find out more information on who should apply by visiting the website.
If you would like further information on the UK immigration system and how this will affect you or your employees relocation to the UK, please contact TTA Relocation on 01344 627247 and click on the link below. Immigration information