UK’s new point-based immigration system to start from Jan 1, 2021

Hyderabad: United Kingdom’s new point-based immigration system will take effect from January 1 in the coming year.

It will award points for specific skills, professions, salaries or qualifications and attributes, and visas will be awarded to those who gain sufficient points or the qualifying marks. The system will provide simple, effective, and flexible arrangements for skilled workers to visit the UK.

The system that will treat EU and non-EU citizens equally, will give priority to those with the highest skills and the greatest talents, including scientists, innovators and academics. The education threshold will be reduced to A-level (Higher Secondary School Certificate or equivalent) from degree level. Further the system will reduce the minimum general salary threshold to £25,600 (approximately ₹23.8 lakh), down from the earlier proposed £30,000.

New fast-track scheme

The British Deputy High Commission in Hyderabad has also announced a new fast-track scheme called ‘Global Talent route’ that will run along with the point-based system. This will help leading scientists, top researchers and mathematicians to go to the UK. It is also expected to allow a small number of highly skilled workers to go without a job offer.

Acting British High Commissioner to India, Jan Thompson, said: “The new Point-Based Immigration System is great news for Indian nationals looking to work in the UK. It puts them on a level-playing field, and prioritises those with the greatest skills and talent, which India has in abundance.”

These developments come at a time when UK has announced a Graduate route system, which will allow eligible international students, including Indians, 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.