This page provides the latest news on the new points based system being implemented by the Home Office and other related changes to the immigration rules.
Highly Skilled Migrant Programme replaced from 30 June
25 June 2008
On Monday 30 June 2008, Tier 1 of the Home Office's new points-based system for assessing immigration applications for the UK opens globally. Tier 1 replaces the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). Any applications submitted under HSMP on or after the 30 June 2008 will be returned to the applicant and considered invalid. Anyone currently in the UK under the HSMP who wishes to extend their stay will need to apply under Tier 1 when their existing permission to stay ends. See the points-based immigration system section for details.
Shortage occupation list consultation response
28 April 2008
In March, NHS Employers asked NHS organisations to provide information that demonstrated which occupations they were having difficulty recruiting to. We received an excellent response and would like to thank everyone who contributed to the consultation. The Home Office will now be processing the responses in order to produce a new shortage occupation list for the autumn. Read a summary of our response.
Review of international recruitment Code of Practice
21 April 2008
The World Health Organisation has commissioned a review of the Department of Health Code of Practice for International Recruitment of Healthcare Professionals. The review will be used to address health worker migration issues and to inform the development of a global code of practice. We are collating information from NHS organisations on how the application of the Code impacts on recruitment practices locally.
Points-based system: arrangements for migrants already in the UK
11 April 2008
Tier 1 of the points-based system was introduced in the UK on 29 February 2008 and extended to India on 1 April 2008. The roll-out will extend globally this summer at which point (this will not be before 30 June 2008) the UK Border Agency (UKBA) will be deleting the International Graduates Scheme category. Temporary transitional arrangements will be in place for individuals who are currently in the UK with permission to stay under the scheme. Individuals will need to look at the guidance on the UKBA Tier 1 (Post Study Work) study category for details.
New UK Border Agency launches
3 April 2008
The new UK Border Agency has launched today, replacing and bringing together the work of the Border and Immigration Agency (BIA), Customs detection work at the border and UK visas. The new agency is now the largest delivery agency of the Home Office. The BIA's work on preventing illegal working and the points-based immigration system, both important areas for NHS employers, will now fall within its remit.
Shortage occupation list - 2008 consultation
28 March 2008
As part of the new immigration strategy, the Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) will replace the current shortage occupation list in June 2008. NHS Employers will be presenting evidence to the BIA to support the inclusion of healthcare posts on the national shortage occupation list where there is a need expressed by NHS organisations.
Changes to the shortage occupation list
18 March 2008
Following stakeholder consultations in 2007 the Border and Immigration Agency removed 38 healthcare professional occupations from the National Shortage Occupation List. From 18 March 2008 all work permit applications for those occupations removed will be subject to a full resident labour market test.
Sponsorship licence applications
29 February 2008
Employers who will be bringing in skilled workers under Tier 2 of the new points-based immigration system can now prepare to apply for a sponsorship licence ahead of the new arrangements coming into effect in the autumn. The Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) has released the details for employers to prepare to apply for the licences, which will be needed in order to issue sponsorship certificates to any non European Economic Area migrants. These certificates will replace work permits and will need to be issued to employees before the BIA will grant them entry clearance for the UK.
Points based immigration system
29 February 2008
The new points-based system for assessing immigration applications for the UK was launched on Friday 29 February 2008 and will be phased in throughout the year. It changes the way individuals from outside the EU and EEA can work, train or study in the UK.
Changes to the shortage occupation list
11 February 2008
Following stakeholder consultations in 2007 the Border and Immigration Agency removed 38 healthcare professional occupations from the National Shortage Occupation List. From 18 March 2008 all work permit applications for those occupations removed will be subject to a full resident labour market test.
Preventing illegal working: changes to legislation
14 January 2008
An amendment to the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act (2006) will be implemented from 29 February 2008. It will include a new system of civil penalties for employers who take on illegal migrant workers as a result of negligent recruitment and employment practices. Employers are urged to familiarise themselves with the requirements under the 2006 Act to ensure that they can comply with the new provisions.
