UK outlines points-based immigration system

The United Kingdom is poised to adopt a points-based immigration system next year to cover all migrants — not just those from outside the European Union — as the country formally moves forward with Brexit.

The proposal, which is set to take effect in January 2021, sets requirements for those seeking a UK visa based on skills, salary and English proficiency. Similar rules were already in place for non-EU migrants, but the new proposal extends to EU citizens, who previously were able to move freely between their home countries and the UK.

The points system sets a few basic requirements: having a job offer from an approved sponsor at an “appropriate skill level,” and speaking English at a “required level.” Combined, these items amount to 50 points — a total of 70 points is required. A visa seeker then goes to the following list to accrue the remaining 20 points:

• Salary of £20,480 (minimum) – £23,039: 0 points
• Salary of £23,040 – £25,599: 10 points
• Salary of £25,600 or above: 20 points
• Job in a shortage occupation (as designated by the Migration Advisory Committee): 20 points
• Education qualification – PhD in subject relevant to the job: 10 points
• Education qualification – PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job: 20 points

The UK government states that the system will “attract the high-skilled workers we need to contribute to our economy,” though some British business leaders are already warning of labor shortages in certain industries due to the more restrictive rules.

There’s no doubt that this new system will add a layer of complexity that didn’t previously exist when it came to EU citizens moving into the UK, and vice versa. Companies that operate in the UK and have historically drawn employees from across the EU will need to carefully reassess their strategy in light of these requirements.