Annual limit on non-EU workers in force
皇冠体育app first major change to reduce immigration into the UK has been delivered today as the government鈥檚 new annual limit comes into force.
This year, UK employers will only be able to bring 20,700 people from outside the EU to work in skilled professions.
Prospective workers will now need to:
- have a graduate level job
- speak an intermediate level of English
- meet specific salary and employment requirements
A further 1,000 visas will also be made available to people of 鈥榚xceptional talent鈥� who experts believe will make the biggest contribution to science and arts in the UK.
皇冠体育app is also being tightened, and tier one of the points-based system is being restricted to all but entrepreneurs, investors and people of exceptional talent.
You can read about all the changes being made today on the
Protecting business
鈥樆使谔逵齛pp annual limit will not only help reduce immigration down to sustainable levels but will protect those businesses and institutions that are vital to our economy,鈥� immigration minister Damian Green said.
鈥樆使谔逵齛pp new system was designed in consultation with business. We have made clear that as the recovery continues, we need employers to look first to people who are out of work and who are already in this country.鈥�
Rules for investors and entrepeneurs
Under the new visa rules for investors, those who invest large sums of money will see their right to settle permanently in the UK speed up.
Those who invest 拢5m will be allowed to settle here after three years, and those that invest 拢10m or more will be allowed to settle after two.
This compares with the minimum five year requirement that is currently in place.聽
Entrepreneurs will also be able to settle in the UK more quickly if they create ten jobs or turn over 拢5m in a three year period.
Damian Green added: 鈥楲ast year we issued far too few visas to those who wish to set up a business or invest in the UK 鈥� I intend to change that.鈥�
What鈥檚 on your mind?
Immigration is a hot topic so you鈥檙e likely to have thoughts and questions. We鈥檙e offering you a unique opportunity to put your questions about new rules for workers directly to Damian Green.
Send your questions to us by 20 April, either by email to [email protected] or via using @ukhomeoffice and the hashtag #askdamiangreen.
We鈥檒l post a film of Damian鈥檚 answers on our website and our after the closing date on 20 April.
