The Government has today published a White Paper that sets out its proposed future immigration system post-Brexit. The plans include a single, skills-based system which marks the end of free movement. The policy is due to be implemented at the end of the post-Brexit transition period, at the beginning of 2021.
Some of the key proposals put forward in the White Paper include:
- Lowering of the skills threshold on the skilled workers route to include medium-skilled workers.
- No cap on numbers on the skilled workers route, meaning that business will be able to hire any suitable qualified migrant.
- Consultation on a minimum salary requirement of £30,000 for skilled migrants seeking five-year visas.
- No longer requiring employers of skilled migrants to carry out a resident labour market test as a condition of sponsoring a worker.
- A new time limited route for temporary short-term workers of all skill levels, including seasonal low-skilled workers.
- Visitors from the EU will not need visas.
- An extension to the post-study period for international students.
A White Paper is a policy document produced by the Government that allows for further consultation with interested groups and for final changes to be made before a Bill is formally presented to Parliament.
Commenting on the White Paper, Dr Richard Wilson OBE, Chief Executive of TIGA, said:
“TIGA welcomes the Government’s plan to remove the current cap on the number of skilled workers entering the UK. TIGA has long called for reform to the Tier 2 visa regime to make it easier for businesses to recruit the best and brightest talent wherever they are from.
“However, a minimum salary requirement of £30,000 for skilled migrants seeking five-year visas is concerning. Some skilled migrants in the UK games industry are paid less than £30,000. The UK video games industry needs to be able to continue to access these highly skilled people.
“TIGA will continue to engage with the Government to ensure the final legislation works in the best interest of the video games industry. As an industry that competes on a global level, we need access to the very best global talent.”
The White Paper can be found here.