The proposed changes in the visa system by the Britain, based on points for the skills and putting EU and non-EU citizens on par will help many skilled and talented people from Asia, including India, to achieve their dream of finding a job in the United Kingdom.
UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has announced the new points-based visa system which aims to draw the “brightest and the best” from the world, including from India, and cutting down numbers of cheap, low-skilled workers coming to the country.
The new system will come into force from January 1, 2021 at the end of the transition period after the UK’s exit from the European Union (EU) which started last month. The exit will put a stop to the free movement of people within the economic bloc for the UK as a non-member.
The new system will apply equally to the EU and non-EU countries like India by assigning points for specific skills, qualifications, salaries and professions, with visas only awarded to those who gain enough points.
“Today is a historic moment for the whole country. We’re ending free movement, taking back control of our borders and delivering on the people’s priorities by introducing a new UK points-based immigration system, which will bring overall migration numbers down,” said Ms Patel, who is also an Indian-origin minister.
“We will attract the brightest and the best from around the globe, boosting the economy and our communities, and unleash this country’s full potential,” Ms Patel, in charge of the UK’s visa and immigration system, said.
“The new single global system will treat the EU and non-EU citizens equally. It will give top priority to those with the highest skills and the greatest talents, including scientists, engineers and academics,” the Home Office said.
The Global Talent Scheme, a fast-track visa to be in operation from Friday, will also apply to the EU citizens from next year to allow highly-skilled scientists and researchers to come to the UK without a job offer.
