Skilled workers or professionals planning to move to UK for work opportunities might have to be mindful of the new set of changes done to UK skilled immigration applications.
UK follows a points-based system referred to as PBS for determining the application status of skilled workers intending to enter into the country.
The changes have been made to various codes of practice laid out for different tiers of the PBS, dealing with skilled workers moving into the country.
There are changes made to the list of skilled occupations that are considered for immigration as well.
Changes to UK skilled immigration rules also include modifications of the salary rates for different occupations, changes in the minimum thresholds for salaries and also changes to RLMT or Resident Labor Market Test.
The overall program was originally referred to as the Highly Skilled Migrant Program or HSMP.
Now it has been replaced by a points-based, 5 tier system.
The Tier 1 Highly Skilled migrant program for example, offers a chance to professionals with exceptional skills to extend their stay in the country.
One of the biggest changes is the adoption of the Standard Occupational Classification 2010 system, instead of the current Standard Occupational Classification 2000 system.
There are changes to the minimum salary thresholds, especially affecting Tier 2 skilled workers.
These changes are being made to simplify the system for workers settled in the UK.
There are ongoing efforts to identify a media that allows employers to advertise for vacant positions, attracting talent from other countries.
The media should offer the right balance allowing skilled workers settled in UK to apply for these jobs as well.
Right now, a list of websites have been used by employers for the same purpose but that practice will not be eliminated in favor of a simpler set of rules.
The changes in terms of professions are also related to Natural and Social Science Professionals, not classified elsewhere.
These posts will now be classified as PhD level occupation, even though the scope of original occupations' list isn't being broadened.
The changes made to salary rates are based on the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings.
There are two categories normally considered for the pay rates, the new entrant rates and the 'experienced' worker rates.
These are further defined for simplicity too.
For example, new entrant employees are those who have shifted from Tier 4 to Tier 2 after completing studies or those who have been recruited by employers under specific RLMT criteria.
The biggest influence of these changes is on the employers who are expected to like the simplicity it brings to the immigration system in case of imported skilled workers.
The RLMT currently places a restriction on the employers, wherein, they have to look for skilled workers within the country before hiring foreign nationals.
Similarly, immigrant applications from outside EEA have to go through certain screenings based on points for age, prospective earnings and language skills.
This is to ensure that the immigrants will be able to join the mainstream and contribute to the nation's economy.