Vince Cable says immigration cap is damaging British industry
This week a cabinet minister, UK Business Secretary Vince Cable, unusually spoke out against official government policy.
Labour trafficking suspects arrested
The UK Border Agency reports that three Indian men have been arrested by immigration officers, in conjunction with Northamptonshire Police, in Kettering as part of an investigation into suspected labour trafficking.
Pope Benedict XVI arrives in Britain
Pope Benedict XVI arrived this morning in Edinburgh at the start of the first papal visit to the UK for 28 years.
Lord Bingham ‘the greatest judge of our time’ dies aged 76
Britain lost one of its greatest judges this week when Lord Bingham past away.
Sham marriage fixer guilty
A Portuguese man admitted acting as a ‘fixer’ in a sham marriage at a Bristol church, The UK Border Agency reports.
Former Immigration Minister Phil Woolas campaign ‘to make white folk angry’
The BBC reports that the former immigration minister Phil Woolas set out to “make the white folk angry” in his election campaign, a specially convened court heard.
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR/Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
For more information on how you can migrate to Canada - CLICK HERE
Showing posts with label Tier 2. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tier 2. Show all posts
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
UK Border Agency to increase fees for immigration and nationality cases
The UK Border Agency has announced plans to increase immigration and nationality application fees for all those applying to visit, study, work or stay in the UK from autumn 2010.
In line with, the agency blamed the fee increases on ‘budgetary pressures’ and government cuts in public spending, and said the ‘proposals for in-year fees increase will help to offset some of these pressures alongside efficiency savings’.
The implementation date of the fees hike will be published shortly.
Examples of the fee increases include:
Immigration adviser Evelie Padadac was surprised by the mid-year increase saying:
“They normally increase fees once a year in April and this is the first time I have seen a second increase in the same year.
“However, the increases are quite small, as little as two pounds in some cases, and the in country Tier 4 student visa will remain at £357.”
See also:
Minister to announce crackdown on student visa numbers today
Smarter immigration controls needed says Minister Damian Green
Government adviser says dependant visas must be cut as part of immigration cap
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR/Settlement, Citizenship or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
In line with, the agency blamed the fee increases on ‘budgetary pressures’ and government cuts in public spending, and said the ‘proposals for in-year fees increase will help to offset some of these pressures alongside efficiency savings’.
The implementation date of the fees hike will be published shortly.
Examples of the fee increases include:
- Settlement visas from £644 to £750 (apparently they "offer an extremely generous package of benefits to applicants", which sounds like Time Share speak to me)
- Tier 1 visa from £690 to 750
- Tier 1 in-country from £840 to £850
- Tier 2 visa from £270 to £350
- Tier 2 in-country from £475 to £500
- Tier 4 visa from £199 to £220
- Tier 4 in-country held at £357
- Tier 5 from £128 to £130
- Short term visit visas from £68 to £70
- 2, 5 and 10 year visit visas to £245, £450 and £650 respectively
- Increase in dependent fees to 20-30% of the principal applicant fee
Immigration adviser Evelie Padadac was surprised by the mid-year increase saying:
“They normally increase fees once a year in April and this is the first time I have seen a second increase in the same year.
“However, the increases are quite small, as little as two pounds in some cases, and the in country Tier 4 student visa will remain at £357.”
See also:
Minister to announce crackdown on student visa numbers today
Smarter immigration controls needed says Minister Damian Green
Government adviser says dependant visas must be cut as part of immigration cap
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR/Settlement, Citizenship or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Friday, July 16, 2010
Tier 4 Student UK Graduation
Majestic College international student graduates receive their OCR NVQ certificates.
Many Tier 4 students have used their NVQ Health and Social Care qualification to successfully apply for a working visa (under Tier 2 of the points based system) and Social Care Workers.
www.majesticcollege.org
This week Business Secretary Vince Cable acknowledged the ‘huge export earnings from overseas students’.
See also:
UK Government propose graduate tax and wider role for private institutions in higher education
English UK win High Court battle over Tier 4 student visas
Early Day Motion calls on UK Government to scrap new Tier 4 student visa rules
Tier 4 student visa rules change starts today
Foreign student working hours to be cut under new rules announced today
Highly Trusted Sponsor Scheme for Tier 4 sponsors launched by UK Border Agency
Points Based System appeal case succeeds
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Want to improve your English? To find out how Click Here!
Saturday, July 03, 2010
Home Office challenge Appeal Court Tier 1 ruling on AP (Russia) and others
The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has issued the following statement on the Judgment by the Court of Appeal in the case of AP (Russia) and others on 23 June.
‘We have sought permission to appeal to the Supreme Court and a stay of the effect of the Court of Appeal's judgment. We have not had decisions on these applications. We will update this message when we have those decisions.’
The judgment was given in relation to Tier 1 (Post-study work) cases under the points-based system.
UK Border Agency issue clarification on changes to Tier 1 points
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
‘We have sought permission to appeal to the Supreme Court and a stay of the effect of the Court of Appeal's judgment. We have not had decisions on these applications. We will update this message when we have those decisions.’
The judgment was given in relation to Tier 1 (Post-study work) cases under the points-based system.
UK Border Agency issue clarification on changes to Tier 1 points
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
OFW's pursue their dreams in London
Juanita Trinidad of the Manila Bulletin reports on Filipino’s living and working in the UK.
Tales of woe are common among Filipino migrant workers. Tales of abuse, exploitation, and maltreatment have been played up every so often, although this is probably the risk that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have to take each time they leave to look for greener pastures or look for means of income that, for them, are few and far between in their own country.
It, however, comes as a breath of fresh air to hear stories of success, happiness, and contentment in an OFW’s existence in the host country.
In this city, for instance, Filipino workers are seemingly a happy lot; they go about their daily chores with ease and a smile on their faces.
This writer had the chance to meet some of the Filipino crew members of the Norwegian Epic, a luxury liner owned by the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), that had its maiden voyage in Southampton, a port city on the outskirts of London, and which played host to Filipino and foreign journalists who covered the ship’s inaugural sail.
Of the Norwegian Epic’s 1,700 crew, 60 percent are young Filipinos, while the rest are Indonesians, Indians, and Sri Lankans. This is the reason they are found all over the luxury liner, doing various jobs as chef, hotel supervisor, bartender, waitress, junior waiter, room assistant, and other odd jobs. The Norwegian Epic, for them, is their “ship of dreams.”
Roxan Angeles has been with the NCL for nine years now, and has risen from the ranks, from dining room assistant to her present job as casino supervisor. She lamented about the loneliness of living in a foreign land, as she misses her family in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, but the friendship and company of fellow-Filipinos aboard the ship have somehow helped her cope with the travails.
Restaurant stewardess Nelfa Sy is with the NCL for over 10 years. She said she is enjoying her job as it gives her the opportunity to see the world, pointing out that the Norwegian Epic’s Filipino crew has been taken from other NCL-owned ships, stressing that they have been selected for the maiden voyage due to their skills and experience. While on dock, the crew, she said, is allowed to go out for a few hours to shop or see some places. “This way, we are able to tour and do some picture-taking.”
The same enthusiasm for work is shared by Jowell Manzano, a bar chief, who, like Roxan, also rose from the ranks in almost 20 years with the NCL. “We’ve free medical care, insurance, and our lodging in the ship is probably one of the best accommodations given to workers. Free time is spent by bonding together through music, dance, and small party aboard the ship.”
It was learned that the first three decks of the Norwegian Epic have been allotted to house its workers, each provided with his own cabin, complete with plasma TV, DVD, a small refrigerator, and facilities.
The tale of Clarinda Agno is a different one; she doesn’t work inside a ship, but in a hotel near the Heathrow International Airport. Now a British subject, Agno is staying with her husband, Froilan, and three children on a house and lot on Bath Road, near Sheraton Skyline, where she works for 23 years now.
“I came to London in 1983 and first worked at the Heathrow airport, later transferred to the hotel. I am blessed to get jobs that have been good to me and my family,” Agno relates, saying that she was able to petition her family when she opted to become a British subject.
Her husband now works at the Heathrow Terminal 5.
She, however, confides that although she doesn’t miss her family as they now stay with her, she someday wishes to retire in her own country. “The last time I went home was when my mother died in 2007. I aim for the simple life in my hometown of Batac, Ilocos Norte. Someday, when we have enough money to sustain us, we’ll go back to the Philippines and retire there permanently,” stressing that “it’ll be home sweet home, indeed.” Source: Juanita Trinidad, Manila Bulletin MB.com
The content of story will come as no surprise to those of us who have known overseas Filipino workers (OFW’s) living in the UK for the last 30 years.
The vast majority of Filipinos work with a happy heart and a smile, whatever their job or situation, which is one of the main reasons employers love them. Even the new Foreign Secretary, Willan Hague, praised Filipino workers for their “considerable” contribution to the country’s economy and health".
And why wouldn’t Filipinos and other overseas workers be happy in the UK?
Prosperous, multi-cultural and vibrant, Britain is safe and fair country where employment, health and safety and human rights laws are among the toughest in the world.
Unlike many places where OFW’s are deployed, foreign workers, including those on student visas, have the same rights as British workers.
Many thousands of Filipinos have gained permanent residence (Indefinite Leave to Remain/ILR) or British Citizenship and this route is still open to workers and highly skilled migrants.
Workers and students can bring their dependant and at present they all receive free healthcare and schooling. Dependants of visa holders, even Tier 4 students, can work without restriction.
Tier 4 and old students visa holders are allowed to work and can switch into a Tier 2 Working Visa or Tier 1 post graduate category (for degree level students) whilst in the UK
Despite global economic problems the UK job market for those with the right skills remains buoyant, especially in the care and service sectors.
The benefits of living in the UK are numerous, evidenced by the fact that so many people want to come here and very few leave!
The new coalition government has pledged to cut immigration and impose a cap on non-EU immigration. Initially there will be an interim limit whilst a government to business consultation takes place.
Despite favourable conditions in the UK, thousands of people seek greener opportunities in countries like Canada, USA and Australia. But this has always been the case with an estimated 5 million Brits currently living or working abroad.
See also:
Foreign Secretary Hague praises UK Filipino workers
Home Office confirm UK migration limit
UK immigration cap Q&A – your questions answered
Why the world wants to be Canadian
For more information on how you can migrate to Canada - CLICK HERE
US Green cards face fee hikes
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
Nursing In Australia-A Guide To Working & Living As A Nurse Down Under
A Step-by-step Guide to Getting A Visa, Job And Registration & Relocating And Settling In Australia.
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Tales of woe are common among Filipino migrant workers. Tales of abuse, exploitation, and maltreatment have been played up every so often, although this is probably the risk that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have to take each time they leave to look for greener pastures or look for means of income that, for them, are few and far between in their own country.
It, however, comes as a breath of fresh air to hear stories of success, happiness, and contentment in an OFW’s existence in the host country.
In this city, for instance, Filipino workers are seemingly a happy lot; they go about their daily chores with ease and a smile on their faces.
This writer had the chance to meet some of the Filipino crew members of the Norwegian Epic, a luxury liner owned by the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), that had its maiden voyage in Southampton, a port city on the outskirts of London, and which played host to Filipino and foreign journalists who covered the ship’s inaugural sail.
Of the Norwegian Epic’s 1,700 crew, 60 percent are young Filipinos, while the rest are Indonesians, Indians, and Sri Lankans. This is the reason they are found all over the luxury liner, doing various jobs as chef, hotel supervisor, bartender, waitress, junior waiter, room assistant, and other odd jobs. The Norwegian Epic, for them, is their “ship of dreams.”
Roxan Angeles has been with the NCL for nine years now, and has risen from the ranks, from dining room assistant to her present job as casino supervisor. She lamented about the loneliness of living in a foreign land, as she misses her family in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, but the friendship and company of fellow-Filipinos aboard the ship have somehow helped her cope with the travails.
Restaurant stewardess Nelfa Sy is with the NCL for over 10 years. She said she is enjoying her job as it gives her the opportunity to see the world, pointing out that the Norwegian Epic’s Filipino crew has been taken from other NCL-owned ships, stressing that they have been selected for the maiden voyage due to their skills and experience. While on dock, the crew, she said, is allowed to go out for a few hours to shop or see some places. “This way, we are able to tour and do some picture-taking.”
The same enthusiasm for work is shared by Jowell Manzano, a bar chief, who, like Roxan, also rose from the ranks in almost 20 years with the NCL. “We’ve free medical care, insurance, and our lodging in the ship is probably one of the best accommodations given to workers. Free time is spent by bonding together through music, dance, and small party aboard the ship.”
It was learned that the first three decks of the Norwegian Epic have been allotted to house its workers, each provided with his own cabin, complete with plasma TV, DVD, a small refrigerator, and facilities.
The tale of Clarinda Agno is a different one; she doesn’t work inside a ship, but in a hotel near the Heathrow International Airport. Now a British subject, Agno is staying with her husband, Froilan, and three children on a house and lot on Bath Road, near Sheraton Skyline, where she works for 23 years now.
“I came to London in 1983 and first worked at the Heathrow airport, later transferred to the hotel. I am blessed to get jobs that have been good to me and my family,” Agno relates, saying that she was able to petition her family when she opted to become a British subject.
Her husband now works at the Heathrow Terminal 5.
She, however, confides that although she doesn’t miss her family as they now stay with her, she someday wishes to retire in her own country. “The last time I went home was when my mother died in 2007. I aim for the simple life in my hometown of Batac, Ilocos Norte. Someday, when we have enough money to sustain us, we’ll go back to the Philippines and retire there permanently,” stressing that “it’ll be home sweet home, indeed.” Source: Juanita Trinidad, Manila Bulletin MB.com
The content of story will come as no surprise to those of us who have known overseas Filipino workers (OFW’s) living in the UK for the last 30 years.
The vast majority of Filipinos work with a happy heart and a smile, whatever their job or situation, which is one of the main reasons employers love them. Even the new Foreign Secretary, Willan Hague, praised Filipino workers for their “considerable” contribution to the country’s economy and health".
And why wouldn’t Filipinos and other overseas workers be happy in the UK?
Prosperous, multi-cultural and vibrant, Britain is safe and fair country where employment, health and safety and human rights laws are among the toughest in the world.
Unlike many places where OFW’s are deployed, foreign workers, including those on student visas, have the same rights as British workers.
Many thousands of Filipinos have gained permanent residence (Indefinite Leave to Remain/ILR) or British Citizenship and this route is still open to workers and highly skilled migrants.
Workers and students can bring their dependant and at present they all receive free healthcare and schooling. Dependants of visa holders, even Tier 4 students, can work without restriction.
Tier 4 and old students visa holders are allowed to work and can switch into a Tier 2 Working Visa or Tier 1 post graduate category (for degree level students) whilst in the UK
Despite global economic problems the UK job market for those with the right skills remains buoyant, especially in the care and service sectors.
The benefits of living in the UK are numerous, evidenced by the fact that so many people want to come here and very few leave!
The new coalition government has pledged to cut immigration and impose a cap on non-EU immigration. Initially there will be an interim limit whilst a government to business consultation takes place.
Despite favourable conditions in the UK, thousands of people seek greener opportunities in countries like Canada, USA and Australia. But this has always been the case with an estimated 5 million Brits currently living or working abroad.
See also:
Foreign Secretary Hague praises UK Filipino workers
Home Office confirm UK migration limit
UK immigration cap Q&A – your questions answered
Why the world wants to be Canadian
For more information on how you can migrate to Canada - CLICK HERE
US Green cards face fee hikes
Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package
Nursing In Australia-A Guide To Working & Living As A Nurse Down Under
A Step-by-step Guide to Getting A Visa, Job And Registration & Relocating And Settling In Australia.
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
UK Home Office clarification on changes to Tier 1 points
On 28 June the UK Border Agency (UKBA) announced that the pass mark for Tier 1 (General) will be increased from 95 points to 100 points from 19 July. Following a ‘number of enquires’ about who will be affected by this change, they have issued the following clarification:
‘If you are in the UK in one of the following categories and are applying to extend your stay in Tier 1 (General), you will need to score 95 points:
If you are applying from outside the UK, you will need to score 100 points.’
Source: UK Border Agency
UKBA challenge Appeal Court Tier 1 ruling on AP (Russia) and others
Home Secretary’s statement to the House of Commons on immigration cap
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
‘If you are in the UK in one of the following categories and are applying to extend your stay in Tier 1 (General), you will need to score 95 points:
- Tier 1 (General)
- Highly Skilled Migrant Programme
- Writers, Composers and Artists
- Self-Employed Lawyers
If you are applying from outside the UK, you will need to score 100 points.’
Source: UK Border Agency
UKBA challenge Appeal Court Tier 1 ruling on AP (Russia) and others
Home Secretary’s statement to the House of Commons on immigration cap
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
UK Government impose limit for Tier 2 (General) working visas of points-based system
The UK government will slap a limit on the number of migrants from outside of the European Union from April 2011 and introduce an interim cap on 19 July 2010.
The Home Office this week issued the following announcement regarding the annual limit on non-EU migration:
From April 2011, the government will introduce an annual limit on applications for Tier 2 (General) of the points-based system.
An interim limit will be introduced from 19 July 2010 until the long-term limit is introduced in April 2011. The interim limit will apply only to the number of certificates of sponsorship that an employer can issue. Applications from migrants will continue to be assessed as normal.
The Intra company transfer, Sportsperson and Minister of religion categories of Tier 2 will not be included in the interim limit.
What is the interim limit?
From 19 July 2010, we will introduce a limit on the number of certificates of sponsorship that each sponsor can assign to migrant workers under Tier 2 (General).
Sponsors may request additional certificates of sponsorship, using the sponsorship management system, while the interim limit is in operation. However, we will only approve these requests in exceptional circumstances; the sponsor will need to show that it has used all its certificates of sponsorship and has a pressing need to issue further certificates of sponsorship.
Details of our criteria for assessing requests will be set out in updated sponsor guidance, which will be published on 19 July. We will give priority to certificates of sponsorship required for extension applications and shortage occupations
A number of certificates of sponsorship will be set aside for new sponsor licence holders.
Applicants who are in the UK in another immigration category and wish to switch into Tier 2 (General) will be included in the limit.
More information about the interim limit will be published on this page in due course.
What will happen to my application if the limit is reached?
A migrant must have a valid certificate of sponsorship to make a Tier 2 application. If you have a valid certificate of sponsorship, you are inside the limit and your application will be assessed as normal.
Source: Home Office
Government ministers such as the education secretary, Michael Gove, and the universities secretary, David Willetts, have privately warned last week that too rigid an immigration cap could hit Britain’s competitiveness and reputation among top overseas students. The business secretary, Vince Cable, voiced his concerns in public about a too-inflexible cap.
Home Secretary Theresa May has unveiled a consultation paper earlier this week outlining how the new annual limit for skilled migrants might work.
See also:
UK immigration cap Q&A – your questions answered
Immediate cap on non-EU migrant workers to be introduced by Home Office
Immigration cap ‘would damage hospitality sector’ say REC
Home Office confirm UK migration limit
Home Secretary’s statement to the House of Commons on immigration cap
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
The Home Office this week issued the following announcement regarding the annual limit on non-EU migration:
From April 2011, the government will introduce an annual limit on applications for Tier 2 (General) of the points-based system.
An interim limit will be introduced from 19 July 2010 until the long-term limit is introduced in April 2011. The interim limit will apply only to the number of certificates of sponsorship that an employer can issue. Applications from migrants will continue to be assessed as normal.
The Intra company transfer, Sportsperson and Minister of religion categories of Tier 2 will not be included in the interim limit.
What is the interim limit?
From 19 July 2010, we will introduce a limit on the number of certificates of sponsorship that each sponsor can assign to migrant workers under Tier 2 (General).
Sponsors may request additional certificates of sponsorship, using the sponsorship management system, while the interim limit is in operation. However, we will only approve these requests in exceptional circumstances; the sponsor will need to show that it has used all its certificates of sponsorship and has a pressing need to issue further certificates of sponsorship.
Details of our criteria for assessing requests will be set out in updated sponsor guidance, which will be published on 19 July. We will give priority to certificates of sponsorship required for extension applications and shortage occupations
A number of certificates of sponsorship will be set aside for new sponsor licence holders.
Applicants who are in the UK in another immigration category and wish to switch into Tier 2 (General) will be included in the limit.
More information about the interim limit will be published on this page in due course.
What will happen to my application if the limit is reached?
A migrant must have a valid certificate of sponsorship to make a Tier 2 application. If you have a valid certificate of sponsorship, you are inside the limit and your application will be assessed as normal.
Source: Home Office
Government ministers such as the education secretary, Michael Gove, and the universities secretary, David Willetts, have privately warned last week that too rigid an immigration cap could hit Britain’s competitiveness and reputation among top overseas students. The business secretary, Vince Cable, voiced his concerns in public about a too-inflexible cap.
Home Secretary Theresa May has unveiled a consultation paper earlier this week outlining how the new annual limit for skilled migrants might work.
See also:
UK immigration cap Q&A – your questions answered
Immediate cap on non-EU migrant workers to be introduced by Home Office
Immigration cap ‘would damage hospitality sector’ say REC
Home Office confirm UK migration limit
Home Secretary’s statement to the House of Commons on immigration cap
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
International students are turning to universities as UK government clamp down on private colleges
Cynthia Barker writes that UK based non-EU students are increasingly looking to Universities as a place to continue their studies after having their fingers burned by private colleges.
Although University fees are higher than in the private sector, students are more secure from the kind of immigration rule changes which the UK Border Agency (UKBA) has inflicted on non-government colleges in the last few months.
As an immigration adviser I have met students who have been through up to three private colleges only to see each one been closed down or had their Tier 4 licence revoked just months after been put on the register by the UKBA.
With this in mind some are no longer prepared to risk losing thousands of pounds on a college which, however reputable, can be put out of business at the stroke of a pen.
So what are the pro’s and con’s of a University compared to a private provider?
The first obvious advantage of using a government funded provider is security. Any rule changes are likely to favour the state sector, which had previously been losing out to more competitive private colleges, and Universities will not lose their Tier 4 licence - however badly they monitor their students!
The other crucial advantage is that most University courses lead to a recognised Bachelors or Masters degree, which means you can automatically qualify to stay in the UK under the ‘Post-study work’ scheme for two years under Tier 1 of the points based system. Some private colleges also offer degree level courses validated by Universities.
British Universities are renowned all over the world for their excellence and high standards and a UK degree carries a lot of weight on any CV.
On the other hand fees for courses will be much higher than a private college, a typical degree course will cost around £8900 per annum, and term times are not so flexible.
However, Evelie Padadac an OISC registered immigration adviser with Bison Management UK, said students with a Philippine degree can benefit from their APL (Accredited Prior Learning) and gain a degree in a shorter time or go straight to a one year post graduate Masters programme.
For instance, a student with a nursing degree and some experience back home could gain a UK BSc in Nursing degree, which would enable them to practice as a registered nurse, by only completing the final year of the course.
There are a multitude of subjects from Foundation degrees to MBA’s available to study with the most popular courses for overseas students being business and management.
Colleges fight back
The UK Border Agency are facing a raft of Judicial Reviews against Tier 4 suspension decisions from international colleges.
In March English UK, which represents English language schools, launched a legal challenge against the Home Office over fears that the UK will lose thousands of jobs and £400m in income through tighter visa regulations.
Earlier this month a cross party group of 14 MP’s signed an Early Day Motion (EDM) calling on the UK Government to abolish ‘flawed and rushed’ legislation brought in by the previous administration requiring overseas students wishing to study English in Britain to first pass an English test. An appeal against the Home Office interpretation of the Points Based System has succeeded in the Court of Appeal. The case is Secretary of State for the Home Department v Pankina [2010] EWCA Civ 719. The question now is where this leaves the Home Office on the many Judicial Review cases it is defending against international colleges and English UK.
Overseas students worth £8 billion to UK economy
Financial pressures have made overseas students an increasingly important source of income for universities and the wider economy.
In the UK, overseas students are worth £5.3bn each year, according to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, and £8 billion according to former immigration minister Phil Woolas.
There are plenty of countries waiting in the wings to woo international students such as Australia where students have a route to residency.
See also:
Colleges challenge UK Govenrment’s Tier 4 suspension in Judicial Review
Early Day Motion calls on UK Government to scrap new Tier 4 student visa rules
English language schools to challenge tightening of visa rules by judicial review
Points Based System appeal case succeeds
For free immigration news updates, please visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Although University fees are higher than in the private sector, students are more secure from the kind of immigration rule changes which the UK Border Agency (UKBA) has inflicted on non-government colleges in the last few months.
As an immigration adviser I have met students who have been through up to three private colleges only to see each one been closed down or had their Tier 4 licence revoked just months after been put on the register by the UKBA.
With this in mind some are no longer prepared to risk losing thousands of pounds on a college which, however reputable, can be put out of business at the stroke of a pen.
So what are the pro’s and con’s of a University compared to a private provider?
The first obvious advantage of using a government funded provider is security. Any rule changes are likely to favour the state sector, which had previously been losing out to more competitive private colleges, and Universities will not lose their Tier 4 licence - however badly they monitor their students!
The other crucial advantage is that most University courses lead to a recognised Bachelors or Masters degree, which means you can automatically qualify to stay in the UK under the ‘Post-study work’ scheme for two years under Tier 1 of the points based system. Some private colleges also offer degree level courses validated by Universities.
British Universities are renowned all over the world for their excellence and high standards and a UK degree carries a lot of weight on any CV.
On the other hand fees for courses will be much higher than a private college, a typical degree course will cost around £8900 per annum, and term times are not so flexible.
However, Evelie Padadac an OISC registered immigration adviser with Bison Management UK, said students with a Philippine degree can benefit from their APL (Accredited Prior Learning) and gain a degree in a shorter time or go straight to a one year post graduate Masters programme.
For instance, a student with a nursing degree and some experience back home could gain a UK BSc in Nursing degree, which would enable them to practice as a registered nurse, by only completing the final year of the course.
There are a multitude of subjects from Foundation degrees to MBA’s available to study with the most popular courses for overseas students being business and management.
Colleges fight back
The UK Border Agency are facing a raft of Judicial Reviews against Tier 4 suspension decisions from international colleges.
In March English UK, which represents English language schools, launched a legal challenge against the Home Office over fears that the UK will lose thousands of jobs and £400m in income through tighter visa regulations.
Earlier this month a cross party group of 14 MP’s signed an Early Day Motion (EDM) calling on the UK Government to abolish ‘flawed and rushed’ legislation brought in by the previous administration requiring overseas students wishing to study English in Britain to first pass an English test. An appeal against the Home Office interpretation of the Points Based System has succeeded in the Court of Appeal. The case is Secretary of State for the Home Department v Pankina [2010] EWCA Civ 719. The question now is where this leaves the Home Office on the many Judicial Review cases it is defending against international colleges and English UK.
Overseas students worth £8 billion to UK economy
Financial pressures have made overseas students an increasingly important source of income for universities and the wider economy.
In the UK, overseas students are worth £5.3bn each year, according to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, and £8 billion according to former immigration minister Phil Woolas.
There are plenty of countries waiting in the wings to woo international students such as Australia where students have a route to residency.
See also:
Colleges challenge UK Govenrment’s Tier 4 suspension in Judicial Review
Early Day Motion calls on UK Government to scrap new Tier 4 student visa rules
English language schools to challenge tightening of visa rules by judicial review
Points Based System appeal case succeeds
For free immigration news updates, please visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
UK immigration cap - Q&A
The fantastic BBC website team have produced this useful Q&A on the new immigration cap
How does the British immigration system currently work?
There are different ways to come to live or settle permanently in the UK.
Putting it very simply, migrants fall into five categories: economic migrants, students, temporary workers or visitors, refugees and asylum seekers, or people arriving for family reasons such as marriage.
Family reunion is the easiest part of the system to understand. If you are the partner of a British citizen or someone living permanently in the UK, you can ask to join them. The principles behind the refugee system are relatively simple too. If you believe you need protection because you are being persecuted, you apply for asylum. Government's main focus at the moment is the complicated business of economic migration.
So how does economic migration work?
The British system differentiates between most people who live in Europe and migrants from the rest of the world. If a migrant is a citizen of one of the European Union's member states (or one of the other counties in the European Economic Area), then they are free to compete for jobs in the UK.
This is because the UK is part of the European free trade area under which goods, services and labour can be freely traded across borders. The rules mean that British workers can equally seek work and settle across the rest of the EU.
And what about if you come from elsewhere?
If you come from anywhere else, including Commonwealth nations, a migrant has to apply under one of the "tiers" that make up the Points Based System (PBS).
This is a popular system among leading industrialised nations which allows border agencies to let in people the economy genuinely needs by awarding them points for their skills. Those with the most skills get the most points - and find it easier to get in.
So what are the tiers?
The most prized migrants in the global economy are, logically, the highly skilled. This would include business leaders with top qualifications and experience, doctors, experts in their professional fields and so on.
MIGRATION TO UK 2008
TOTAL: 590,000
UK citizens: 85,000
EU nationals: 198,000
Rest of the world: 307,000
Net inflow: 163,000
Source: ONS Long-term migration statistics (opens ONS page)
Under the Labour government, many of these "Tier 1" migrants could apply to enter the UK without a guaranteed job because experts say they are likely to generate wealth and expand the economy.
Tier 2 of the system covers skilled workers who must be sponsored. An employee advertises a post for a month - and if they believe they can't fill it from the British labour force, they can ask the Home Office for permission to bring in a foreign worker to fill the gap.
Tier 3 covers low skilled workers from outside the EEA - but that part of the system has never been introduced because the government says the vacancies should be filled by UK and European workers.
The fourth tier of the system covers students. The final tier covers temporary workers or visitors - such as young people working in bars or agriculture as they fund gap year travels. It also covers some very specific categories outside of the main economy, such as elite sportsmen and women, performing artists and religious leaders.
Will this system be scrapped?
No. But the new coalition government has pledged to tighten it up because it's the most obvious lever it has to push down levels of migration. It will introduce a cap on migration from April 2011. In the meantime, it is introducing temporary caps on some parts of Tier 1 and Tier 2 workers.
The number of general Tier 1 highly skilled migrants will be capped at the current level of about 5,400 applicants and the points required for entry will also be raised.
Investors and entrepreneurs putting cash into the British economy will not be blocked. The government is also cutting by 1,300 the number of skilled workers who gain entry through Tier 2 - but it won't block companies from moving their own staff in and out of the country, a relatively significant part of economic migration of skilled workers.
What does a cut of 1,300 workers look like in the context of all migration?
The Office for National Statistics says that 505,000 non-British people came to live in the UK for more than a year in 2008.
In the first three months of 2010, the UK Border Agency issued 6,685 Tier 1 visas and 16,915 Tier 2 visas as part of the 406,455 approvals it made to all visitors and economic migrants.
Other figures show some 214,345 were allowed to settle permanently in the UK in the year to March 2010. Just under half of these settlements were granted to people who had come for work and put down roots. The 1,300 temporary cut in skilled worker visas equals about 1.5% of these work-related settlements.
What will the cap be set at?
The government is asking business for its views on what the cap should be and how it should work. Once a cap is in place, it proposes putting all the skilled migrants into a first-come-first-served system - meaning that companies will need to act fast to get the people they want.
For the highly skilled migrants, it suggests placing them all in a pool. Employers could then periodically dip into that pool to fish out the top worker they want.
What effect will a cap have?
The short answer is that we don't know. If the cap were set very high it would have no effect at all. The key question that nobody can answer is how employers will react if it's set very tightly.
Let's take one example - the ongoing demand for home and social care workers. The government has been telling the care industry to do more to train up British workers so that it becomes less reliant on foreign care workers labour from around the world.
But, if a cap is put in place, will employers invest in training British workers - which some warn will lead to higher prices for the services - or will they bring in more workers from cheaper parts of the European Union?
And if they bring in more EU workers, something ministers cannot stop, will the government be able to meet a pledge to reduce levels of net migration back to "tens of thousands, not hundreds of thousands"?
Ministers say they're not promising the Earth - but they pledging better control and certainty. They refer to the experience of New Zealand which operates a points and limits system very efficiently. Its labour market is smaller than the population of London - and it's also not part of a trading block comparable to the EU, which accounts for a third of all migration into the UK.
But long-term EU migration patterns are difficult to predict. Many EU economies applied temporary bars on workers from central and Eastern Europe. That bar will be lifted. Home Secretary Theresa May says she will be "very surprised" if that doesn't lead to changes in where workers from countries like Poland head. Source BBC.co.uk
See also:
Home Office confirm UK migration limit
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
How does the British immigration system currently work?
There are different ways to come to live or settle permanently in the UK.
Putting it very simply, migrants fall into five categories: economic migrants, students, temporary workers or visitors, refugees and asylum seekers, or people arriving for family reasons such as marriage.
Family reunion is the easiest part of the system to understand. If you are the partner of a British citizen or someone living permanently in the UK, you can ask to join them. The principles behind the refugee system are relatively simple too. If you believe you need protection because you are being persecuted, you apply for asylum. Government's main focus at the moment is the complicated business of economic migration.
So how does economic migration work?
The British system differentiates between most people who live in Europe and migrants from the rest of the world. If a migrant is a citizen of one of the European Union's member states (or one of the other counties in the European Economic Area), then they are free to compete for jobs in the UK.
This is because the UK is part of the European free trade area under which goods, services and labour can be freely traded across borders. The rules mean that British workers can equally seek work and settle across the rest of the EU.
And what about if you come from elsewhere?
If you come from anywhere else, including Commonwealth nations, a migrant has to apply under one of the "tiers" that make up the Points Based System (PBS).
This is a popular system among leading industrialised nations which allows border agencies to let in people the economy genuinely needs by awarding them points for their skills. Those with the most skills get the most points - and find it easier to get in.
So what are the tiers?
The most prized migrants in the global economy are, logically, the highly skilled. This would include business leaders with top qualifications and experience, doctors, experts in their professional fields and so on.
MIGRATION TO UK 2008
TOTAL: 590,000
UK citizens: 85,000
EU nationals: 198,000
Rest of the world: 307,000
Net inflow: 163,000
Source: ONS Long-term migration statistics (opens ONS page)
Under the Labour government, many of these "Tier 1" migrants could apply to enter the UK without a guaranteed job because experts say they are likely to generate wealth and expand the economy.
Tier 2 of the system covers skilled workers who must be sponsored. An employee advertises a post for a month - and if they believe they can't fill it from the British labour force, they can ask the Home Office for permission to bring in a foreign worker to fill the gap.
Tier 3 covers low skilled workers from outside the EEA - but that part of the system has never been introduced because the government says the vacancies should be filled by UK and European workers.
The fourth tier of the system covers students. The final tier covers temporary workers or visitors - such as young people working in bars or agriculture as they fund gap year travels. It also covers some very specific categories outside of the main economy, such as elite sportsmen and women, performing artists and religious leaders.
Will this system be scrapped?
No. But the new coalition government has pledged to tighten it up because it's the most obvious lever it has to push down levels of migration. It will introduce a cap on migration from April 2011. In the meantime, it is introducing temporary caps on some parts of Tier 1 and Tier 2 workers.
The number of general Tier 1 highly skilled migrants will be capped at the current level of about 5,400 applicants and the points required for entry will also be raised.
Investors and entrepreneurs putting cash into the British economy will not be blocked. The government is also cutting by 1,300 the number of skilled workers who gain entry through Tier 2 - but it won't block companies from moving their own staff in and out of the country, a relatively significant part of economic migration of skilled workers.
What does a cut of 1,300 workers look like in the context of all migration?
The Office for National Statistics says that 505,000 non-British people came to live in the UK for more than a year in 2008.
In the first three months of 2010, the UK Border Agency issued 6,685 Tier 1 visas and 16,915 Tier 2 visas as part of the 406,455 approvals it made to all visitors and economic migrants.
Other figures show some 214,345 were allowed to settle permanently in the UK in the year to March 2010. Just under half of these settlements were granted to people who had come for work and put down roots. The 1,300 temporary cut in skilled worker visas equals about 1.5% of these work-related settlements.
What will the cap be set at?
The government is asking business for its views on what the cap should be and how it should work. Once a cap is in place, it proposes putting all the skilled migrants into a first-come-first-served system - meaning that companies will need to act fast to get the people they want.
For the highly skilled migrants, it suggests placing them all in a pool. Employers could then periodically dip into that pool to fish out the top worker they want.
What effect will a cap have?
The short answer is that we don't know. If the cap were set very high it would have no effect at all. The key question that nobody can answer is how employers will react if it's set very tightly.
Let's take one example - the ongoing demand for home and social care workers. The government has been telling the care industry to do more to train up British workers so that it becomes less reliant on foreign care workers labour from around the world.
But, if a cap is put in place, will employers invest in training British workers - which some warn will lead to higher prices for the services - or will they bring in more workers from cheaper parts of the European Union?
And if they bring in more EU workers, something ministers cannot stop, will the government be able to meet a pledge to reduce levels of net migration back to "tens of thousands, not hundreds of thousands"?
Ministers say they're not promising the Earth - but they pledging better control and certainty. They refer to the experience of New Zealand which operates a points and limits system very efficiently. Its labour market is smaller than the population of London - and it's also not part of a trading block comparable to the EU, which accounts for a third of all migration into the UK.
But long-term EU migration patterns are difficult to predict. Many EU economies applied temporary bars on workers from central and Eastern Europe. That bar will be lifted. Home Secretary Theresa May says she will be "very surprised" if that doesn't lead to changes in where workers from countries like Poland head. Source BBC.co.uk
See also:
Home Office confirm UK migration limit
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Commons Speaker to investigate leak claim
Immigration Matters reports.
Commons Speaker John Bercow has promised to investigate claims that a statement on immigration was leaked to the media before MPs were informed, the BBC reports.
Labour MP Chris Bryant accused ministers of "consistently leaking to the press".
He added that, in telling the media before MPs about its plans, the government could "laugh at this House".
Mr Bercow promised an inquiry to "decide what action needs to be taken".
In a statement to the Commons, Home Secretary Theresa May announced a consultation on introducing an annual cap on non-EU immigration and said that, as a first step, the number of skilled workers allowed into the UK from outside the EU is to be cut by 1,300 between now and April 2011.
'New pattern'
This was widely reported in the media beforehand.
Making a point of order, Mr Bryant said to the Speaker: "You said last week and you said five weeks ago that you wholly deprecated the practice of ministers announcing things to the press before announce them to this House."
He added: "There's no point getting elected to this House if you might as well have stayed at home and listened to the statement on the radio or television or read it in the newspapers...
"We know we have a government which is consistently leaking to the press."
Mr Bryant said it was important to act because "otherwise, ministers will laugh at this house".
In response, Mr Bercow said he did not know the details of Mr Bryant's claims, but told MPs: "I reiterate in the strongest possible terms that I entirely deprecate the practice of releasing to the media the content of ministerial statements before those statements have been made to the House."
He added: "I can confirm to the honourable gentleman [Mr Bryant] that I'm willing to look further into the precise details of this case, to decide what, if any, action needs to be taken.
"We need to establish a new pattern in this parliament, whereby this sort of thing doesn't happen and, if it does, action is taken."
Mr Bercow said he would report back to MPs with the findings of the inquiry. Source BBC
See also:
Immediate cap on non-EU migrant workers to be introduced by Home Office
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Home Office will bring in immediate cap on non-EU migrant workers
A temporary limit on the number of migrant workers from outside the EU allowed into the UK is to be introduced ahead of a planned permanent cap, the BBC reports.
New Home Secretary Theresa May will limit the number of workers to 24,100 - down around 5% - between now and April 2011.
The Conservatives' election pledge to curb immigration survived the coalition agreement with the Liberal Democrats.
Labour said that the introduction of an arbitrary immigration cap "is fraught with difficulty".
The temporary cap is aimed at preventing a rush of applications before a permanent cap is set next April.
Ms May will announce the move on Monday, as she launches a consultation process for deciding the level of the permanent cap.
Julia Onslow-Cole, of PricewaterhouseCoopers, told the BBC that every overseas national brought by firms into the UK cost them three times as much as hiring a resident worker.
"They are not spending this money for nothing, they really need that expertise.
"Particularly in these economic times, I think it's very important that we allow businesses a free choice to bring in overseas nationals," she said.
The Bangladesh Caterers' Association - which represents 12,000 Asian restaurants across the UK - says a cap on immigration will have a serious effect on their ability to recruit skilled chefs from outside the EU to work in the UK.
A spokeswoman for the sector said it contributed £30bn to the UK economy and the planned temporary limit would hinder economic recovery and growth.
The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), which represents the UK's £27bn private recruitment industry, also said it was concerned the cap would lead to greater skills shortages and would affect the delivery of social care in some areas.
A spokesman for the Confederation of British Industry said the organisation would wait until an announcement by the home secretary on Monday before making any comment.
A spokesman for the Labour Party said they would wait until Monday to make a full response, but added: "It seems that senior Tories are also doubtful about the proposals.
"The tough Australian-style points system introduced by Labour has already had a big impact on bringing down migrant numbers and closed the door to unskilled workers from outside the EU.
"We remain committed to an approach that will help our economy and which is tough but fair."
During the election campaign David Cameron said he wanted to reduce net annual migration - the number of immigrants minus the number emigrating from the UK - from hundreds of thousands to tens of thousands. The figure currently stands at 163,000.
The Liberal Democrats opposed a cap during the election campaign in May but signed up to the Tory idea as part of the coalition deal.
However they won agreement to end the detention of children in immigration centres.
Alp Mehmet, of MigrationWatchUK, said the introduction of a temporary limit was "a welcome sign that the government is starting as it means to continue".
He said: "We need carefully to consider how net immigration will be brought down to tens of thousands - we believe about 40,000 is a realistic target - rather than the hundreds of thousands of the last 10 years, and is therefore good news for all our people, including immigrants and future immigrants.
"Immigration at the levels of the past decade is in no-one's interest."
Tory MP Peter Bottomley, a member of the cross-party campaign group, Balanced Migration, said the cap was needed.
"Clearly you need to have people you need. If for example, you have Canadian graduates with teaching diplomas, those are the sorts of people we need.
"For many others, we actually have 8% unemployment. It's not the employment thing that matters most to most people, the biggest thing is the effect on environment and on planning."
Tim Finch from the Institute of Public Policy Research, said the measures were just a stopgap and would have a detrimental effect on the higher education sector.
He added: "Do we really want to have restrictions on foreign students at a time when the higher education sector is facing funding cuts and is going to rely on the fees that those students bring in?"
The new government has also axed the national identity card scheme. It was brought in by Labour to tackle fraud, illegal immigration and identity theft but was often criticised for being too expensive and an infringement of civil liberties.
Ministers are also bringing forward to the autumn measures requiring many immigrants marrying UK citizens to prove they have a command of English.
The plans, which Labour had planned to introduce in July 2011, will apply to partners coming to the UK from areas outside the EU, such as South Asia.
What is your reaction to this story? Are you an immigrant from outside the EU? Do you run a business which employs migrant workers? Should the government put a cap on migration?
Office for Budget Responsibility recently predicted that curbs on immigration and costs of an ageing society will slow economy’s growth rate.
Evelie Padadac of Bison UK, which specialises in work and study related visas, said:
"A cap on non-EU migrant workers will do little to help employers who have no other choice but to bring in overseas staff to fill vacant positions.
"Bison UK has just reduced fees for Tier 2 processing and we are extremely busy helping employers become sponsors and worker obtain working visas."
See also:
Demographic shift ‘will cut UK growth’ according to ONS figures
Immigration cap ‘would damage hospitality sector’ say REC
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
New Home Secretary Theresa May will limit the number of workers to 24,100 - down around 5% - between now and April 2011.
The Conservatives' election pledge to curb immigration survived the coalition agreement with the Liberal Democrats.
Labour said that the introduction of an arbitrary immigration cap "is fraught with difficulty".
The temporary cap is aimed at preventing a rush of applications before a permanent cap is set next April.
Ms May will announce the move on Monday, as she launches a consultation process for deciding the level of the permanent cap.
Julia Onslow-Cole, of PricewaterhouseCoopers, told the BBC that every overseas national brought by firms into the UK cost them three times as much as hiring a resident worker.
"They are not spending this money for nothing, they really need that expertise.
"Particularly in these economic times, I think it's very important that we allow businesses a free choice to bring in overseas nationals," she said.
The Bangladesh Caterers' Association - which represents 12,000 Asian restaurants across the UK - says a cap on immigration will have a serious effect on their ability to recruit skilled chefs from outside the EU to work in the UK.
A spokeswoman for the sector said it contributed £30bn to the UK economy and the planned temporary limit would hinder economic recovery and growth.
The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), which represents the UK's £27bn private recruitment industry, also said it was concerned the cap would lead to greater skills shortages and would affect the delivery of social care in some areas.
A spokesman for the Confederation of British Industry said the organisation would wait until an announcement by the home secretary on Monday before making any comment.
A spokesman for the Labour Party said they would wait until Monday to make a full response, but added: "It seems that senior Tories are also doubtful about the proposals.
"The tough Australian-style points system introduced by Labour has already had a big impact on bringing down migrant numbers and closed the door to unskilled workers from outside the EU.
"We remain committed to an approach that will help our economy and which is tough but fair."
During the election campaign David Cameron said he wanted to reduce net annual migration - the number of immigrants minus the number emigrating from the UK - from hundreds of thousands to tens of thousands. The figure currently stands at 163,000.
The Liberal Democrats opposed a cap during the election campaign in May but signed up to the Tory idea as part of the coalition deal.
However they won agreement to end the detention of children in immigration centres.
Alp Mehmet, of MigrationWatchUK, said the introduction of a temporary limit was "a welcome sign that the government is starting as it means to continue".
He said: "We need carefully to consider how net immigration will be brought down to tens of thousands - we believe about 40,000 is a realistic target - rather than the hundreds of thousands of the last 10 years, and is therefore good news for all our people, including immigrants and future immigrants.
"Immigration at the levels of the past decade is in no-one's interest."
Tory MP Peter Bottomley, a member of the cross-party campaign group, Balanced Migration, said the cap was needed.
"Clearly you need to have people you need. If for example, you have Canadian graduates with teaching diplomas, those are the sorts of people we need.
"For many others, we actually have 8% unemployment. It's not the employment thing that matters most to most people, the biggest thing is the effect on environment and on planning."
Tim Finch from the Institute of Public Policy Research, said the measures were just a stopgap and would have a detrimental effect on the higher education sector.
He added: "Do we really want to have restrictions on foreign students at a time when the higher education sector is facing funding cuts and is going to rely on the fees that those students bring in?"
The new government has also axed the national identity card scheme. It was brought in by Labour to tackle fraud, illegal immigration and identity theft but was often criticised for being too expensive and an infringement of civil liberties.
Ministers are also bringing forward to the autumn measures requiring many immigrants marrying UK citizens to prove they have a command of English.
The plans, which Labour had planned to introduce in July 2011, will apply to partners coming to the UK from areas outside the EU, such as South Asia.
What is your reaction to this story? Are you an immigrant from outside the EU? Do you run a business which employs migrant workers? Should the government put a cap on migration?
Office for Budget Responsibility recently predicted that curbs on immigration and costs of an ageing society will slow economy’s growth rate.
Evelie Padadac of Bison UK, which specialises in work and study related visas, said:
"A cap on non-EU migrant workers will do little to help employers who have no other choice but to bring in overseas staff to fill vacant positions.
"Bison UK has just reduced fees for Tier 2 processing and we are extremely busy helping employers become sponsors and worker obtain working visas."
See also:
Demographic shift ‘will cut UK growth’ according to ONS figures
Immigration cap ‘would damage hospitality sector’ say REC
If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
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