UK Points-Based Immigration System – Call for evidence

The new Points-Based Immigration System will be introduced on the 1st January 2021 when EU free
movement ends. Migrant workers will need to score a minimum number of points to qualify. The
implications for employers are as follows:

• The same immigration system will apply to all non-UK migrant workers.
• All businesses wishing to employ migrant workers will need to apply for a sponsor licence.
• There will be no general route for low-skilled or unskilled workers. All migrant workers must be qualified to level 3 or above (ie medium level/A-level equivalent).
• A minimum salary threshold of £25,600 will apply, unless the job is on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL). Jobs on the SOL have tradable points enabling a discount of 20% on the minimum salary threshold, to an absolute minimum of £20,400.

There will be no restrictions on the employment of EU citizens that have been granted EU PreSettled Status or Settled Status.

Action to be taken:
1. Businesses are asked to consider the Migration Advisory Committee consultation on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) and to respond if they are affected. Even a brief response is valuable.
2. From 1 January 2021, if a business needs to employ a worker from outside the UK in a medium-skilled role, the minimum salary for that role will be £25,600 unless the job is in shortage and listed on the SOL. Jobs on the SOL are eligible for a 20% salary discount.
3. The MAC is inviting businesses to complete a short questionnaire to give evidence as to why a specific job should be on the SOL. If no evidence is received, the job will not be added to the SOL.
4. Recognising the impact of Covid-19 on firms’ ability to respond, the MAC is inviting employers to provide whatever detail they can to highlight their need.

Respond to the call for evidence online.

Read useful documents here

This consultation closes at 11:45pm on 24 June 2020

Enquiries should be directed to MAC@homeoffice.gov.uk

Published On: June 4th, 2020

Categories

Archive