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See other news storiesNew points-based immigration system starts next year
18 April 2007
The government this week unveiled the timetable for the start of the UK's tough new points-based immigration system.
The new scheme, which will affect visas for those wishing to move to the UK, will be phased in from early 2008.
Once in place, it will help the government to manage immigration more effectively, cutting down on cheating and abuse, and ensuring that the most talented international workers are allowed to relocate here.
Simplified and secure
Immigration Minister Liam Byrne announced the timetable on a visit to Australia, where he was studying that country's border controls.
Mr Byrne emphasised that, when handled well, immigration has strengthened the UK. However, he said, the current system needed to change to ensure that officials have better, stronger rules for precisely which applicants should be granted visas.
'A new Australia-style points system will be simpler, cleaner and easier to enforce,' Mr Byrne said, adding, 'Crucially, it will give us the best system for letting in only those people who have something to offer Britain.'
Under the new system, he said, all foreign workers except an elite group of the most highly skilled and educated, will need a UK sponsor when they apply for a visa. A new £20 million network of Border and Immigration Agency officers will ensure all applications are accurate.
The schedule
The new system will be put into place in stages during 2008 and into 2009. The schedule announced this week includes the following targets:
- Tier 1 of the system, which affects highly skilled workers including scientists and entrepreneurs, launches at the beginning of 2008
- Tier 2, affecting workers with a job offer, and Tier 5, for young people and temporary workers, both launch in the third quarter of 2008
- Tier 4, which includes students, launches at the beginning of 2009
