The Government has announced that there will be new annual limits on the number of workers permitted to enter the UK from outside Europe through Tiers 1 and 2 of the Points-Based System (PBS) of immigration.
There is to be a 12-week consultation with businesses in order to agree the details of how workers from outside the European Union will be chosen to work in the UK when the new system is introduced. The consultation closes on 17 September 2010 and can be found here.
At the same time, the Migration Advisory Council (MAC) has been asked by the Government to recommend suitable limits for Tiers 1 and 2 of the PBS, taking into account the economic, public service and social impacts of migration. Accordingly, the MAC has launched a consultation to this effect. Responses are required by 7 September 2010.
The new limits will come into operation on 1 April 2011. Meanwhile, interim limits are to be introduced to prevent a rush of applications for work visas before the permanent limits are introduced. The interim limits are aimed at keeping the number of visas issued under Tiers 1 and 2 of the PBS below 2009 levels and are being introduced on 19 July 2010.
For information on the interim measures for Tier 1 of the PBS, click here.
For information on the interim measures for Tier 2, see the UKBA website.
If you are concerned that the interim measures will affect your ability to recruit the workers you need, contact us for advice.