Points Based System

The United Kingdom’s new tiered system will replace more than 80 previous routes into the country for employment, study, and training related immigration. A sub-category of Tier 1 called General Highly Skilled Migrants (GHSM) will fully replace the current HSMP by summer of 2008. The first phase has already come into force as of 29 February 2008 for those already inside the UK who need to extend their HSMP visa or would like to switch into Tier 1 from another category. For applicants based in India, the new rules will come into effect on 01 April 2008. Other countries will be rolled out in the summer of 2008.

For those in the UK on Working Holiday Maker visas, they can no longer change their status to come under the points system. These individuals would have to make an out-of-country application. In this situation, the initial application goes to the Border and Immigration Agency in the UK, then following approval, a entry clearance application is submitted to a British High Commission or British embassy in their home country. In certain other cases where people have difficulty qualifying under Tier 1, they may also benefit by making an out-of-country application.

The new rules for highly skilled migrants do not change much from the HSMP, with the notable exception of more stringent English language requirements and a new “Maintenance” requirement. The Maintenance requirement states that a migrant applying for a Tier 1 GHSM visa or extending their current GHSM visa will be required to show that they have at least 800 GBP and have had that amount for three months leading up to their application.

National identity scheme delivery plan published

The delivery of the national identity scheme gathered momentum today as plans were laid out by the Home Secretary beginning with the introduction of identity cards for foreign nationals in 2008 and British citizens in 2009.

The scheme will begin in November this year with introduction of identity cards for non-EEA foreign nationals; initially starting with categories most at risk of abuse, which include foreign nationals seeking to enter or remain in the UK as a student or on a marriage visa.

Fingerprints will be collected from foreign nationals before they are issued with a card, which will show the details of the holder’s immigration status and entitlements – whether they are allowed to work or access benefits, and how long they can stay in the UK.

Within three years all foreign nationals applying for leave to enter or remain in the UK will be required to have a card, with around 90 per cent of foreign nationals in Britain covered by the scheme by 2014/15.

From 2009, the scheme will be extended to UK citizens. The first ID cards will be issued to people working in specific sensitive roles or locations where verification of identity will enhance the protection of the public. This will start in the second half of 2009, with the issuing of identity cards to those working airside in the country’s airports.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly will jointly chair a meeting of industry representatives to ensure the smooth introduction of these new measures.

From 2010 young people will be able, on a voluntary basis, to get an identity card, which will assist them in proving their identity as they open their first bank account, take out a student loan or start employment. Later that year the scheme will be opened to voluntary applicants of any age.

From 2011/12, all passport applicants will also be registered on the scheme as they apply for the new biometric passports containing fingerprints.