UK to introduce points system for Job Seekers
06 November 2001
The new policy will be based on a points system and is intended to attract highly skilled and high-earning migrants to fill skills shortages. Applicants using the new system, which begins next month, will be given points linked to their educational qualifications, work experience and past earnings.
The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, which starts next month, offers admission to applicants who gain at least 75 points on its scale.
Points will be awarded for educational qualifications, work experience, past earnings and achievement in chosen field. There is also a specific category to boost the recruitment of GPs.
People holding a PhD will gain 30 points, those with a master's degree 25 points and graduates 15 points. At least five years' work experience in a graduate-level job would score 15 points.
Income points have been adjusted to take account of differing pay scales around the world. Someone earning £250,000 a year in America would get 50 points - the same score as a £90,000 annual salary in Nigeria.
Lord Rooker, a Home Office minister, said: "At the moment it is not possible for individuals, other than those with ancestral ties to the UK, to come to this country to seek and take up work without a job offer. This makes it difficult to attract highly mobile people with the special talents that are required in a modern economy.
He added: "It will allow eminent scientists to base their research projects here, should encourage the movement of business and financial experts to the City of London and give those at the top of their chosen profession the choice of making the United Kingdom their home."
Applications under the scheme must also be made before entry though there will be opportunities for overseas students graduating from British universities to apply to the Home Office. Successful applicants will be granted leave to enter the country for one year, and after this further leave to remain will be granted if they have a steady job and can look after themselves and their families.
There will be no limit on the number allowed to enter under the system announced yesterday.
The scheme, the first part of Home Secretary David Blunkett’s plan for managed migration, is to be followed next year by a similar one for low skilled migrants.
If you would like more details of this programme please go to our report covering this programme.