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The government has issued a policy statement setting out its plans for a new UK points-based immigration system to take effect from 1 January 2021, once free movement has come to an end. The changes are significant as they will affect how employers can recruit both EU and non-EU citizens in the UK from 1 January 2021. Under the proposals:

  • both EU and non-EU citizens will be treated equally
  • employers will generally need to sponsor EU citizens who enter the UK after 31 December 2020 to be able to employ them in the UK, and so will need to apply for a sponsor licence if they don’t already have one
  • skilled workers will be required to have a job offer by an approved employer sponsor at an appropriate skill level (reduced from the current requirement of equivalent to degree level (RQF6) to equivalent to A-levels (RQF3)), and applicants will need to be able to speak English to a required level
  • skilled workers will have to score 70 points under the new system to qualify for a visa, but they will be able to trade points on specific characteristics against their salary, e.g. they may be able to earn less than the proposed £25,600 minimum salary threshold (or the appropriate “going rate” for the type of job, if higher), but no less than £20,480, if their job is in a shortage occupation or they have a PhD relevant to their role
  • a separate “new entrant” salary rate will continue to exist for skilled workers, and some occupations in the public sector will be subject to a salary threshold based on published pay scales
  • the current cap on the number of workers able to enter the UK under the skilled worker route will be suspended and the resident labour market test will be abolished
  • the Global Talent Route will be available for highly skilled workers and they may enter the UK without a job offer if they are endorsed by a relevant and competent body
  • the government will not introduce a general low-skilled or temporary work route, but initiatives will apply, or continue to apply, for graduates, certain NHS professionals and seasonal workers in the agriculture sector.

Source: New feed