New Delhi (NVI): The UK has announced new a new points-based immigration system to ensure that the country continues to attract the brightest and the best from around the world, including India. The new system, which was launched today by the UK Home Secretary Priti Patel, takes effect from 1 January 2021.
The new Points-Based Immigration System will award points for specific skills, professions, salaries or qualifications/attributes, and visas will be awarded to those who gain sufficient points. The system will provide simple, effective, and flexible arrangements for skilled workers to come to the UK.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said, “Today is a historic moment for the whole country. We will attract the brightest and the best from around the globe, boosting the economy and communities, and unleash the country’s full potential.”
The new single global system will treat EU and non-EU citizens equally, giving top priority to those with the highest skills and the greatest talents, including scientists, innovators and academics.
The minimum general salary threshold will be reduced to £25,600 (approximately Rs 23.8 lakh), down from the previously proposed £30,000.
The Home Secretary will also announce a reformed Global Talent route. This will include a new fast-track scheme for world-leading scientists, top researchers and mathematicians to come to the UK. This will run alongside the Points-Based Immigration System and will allow a small number of highly skilled workers to come to the UK without a job offer.
British High Commissioner to India, Jan Thompson, said, “The new Points-Based Immigration System is great news for Indian nationals looking to work in the UK. It puts Indian applicants on a level playing field, and prioritises those with the greatest skills and talent – something which India has in abundance.”
“This news is just the latest example of the UK’s continuing global outlook following the departure from the EU, and further evidence of the commitment to strengthening the UK-India Living Bridge,” Thompson added.
The developments come after the UK’s Graduate route announcement, which will allow eligible international students – including those from India – to stay in the UK for two years after completing their studies to work or look for work. The new Graduate route will be introduced from the summer of 2021. There continues to be no limit on the number of international students who can come to the UK to study.
