The UK’s new points-based immigration system was launched on Tuesday under which the European Union (EU) and non-EU citizens, such as Indians, will be treated equally. The government has said that the new visa system is aimed at attracting the “brightest and best” from around the world and reducing cheap and low-skilled labor.
There are several routes available for people to obtain the UK visa, including the Skilled Worker Route, Global Talent Route, Graduate Route, Intra-Company Transfer among others. Although applications under the new system are already open, people with the new skilled worker visa will be able to live and work in the UK from 1 January 2021, when the Brexit transition period ends.
UK Home Secretary Priti Patel said the government has delivered on a promise to end free movement, regain control of the country’s borders and introduce a new point-based immigration system. “Today we have kept that promise. Our point-based immigration system is up and running, ”Patel tweeted Tuesday.
The new system could prove advantageous for skilled workers and students in India, as they will be treated at the same level as EU citizens. In July, the British High Commissioner for India, Sir Philip Barton, said that the point-based immigration system levels the playing field globally and will be an advantage for countries like India.
This is how the point system works:
Under the new system, points will be assigned for specific skills, qualifications, salaries or professions. A minimum of 70 points is required to be eligible to apply, some of which are negotiable. The point-based system prioritizes top talent from around the world, including scientists, engineers, and academics.
Applicants via the specialized visa route must have a job offer from an approved sponsor for the appropriate skill level. They must also speak English at the required level. These mandatory requirements add up to 50 points, and applicants must manage another 20 points through other characteristics required for the visa, which are negotiable.
The Global Talent Trail is a fast-track visa system to attract the world’s best scientists, researchers, and mathematicians. As of November 2020, the government has provided a list of approved endorsement bodies including The Royal Society, for science and medicine, The Royal Academy of Engineering, for engineering, and The British Academy, for humanities.
Student visa routes will also be point-based and those wishing to study in the UK will need to show an offer from an approved educational institution. They must also show that they can speak English and that they can support themselves financially.
The government has made a postgraduate visa route available for international students who have completed a degree in the UK from the summer of 2021. This route will allow those students to stay in the UK and work at any skill level for two years after they have completed their studies. .
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