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NEWS UPDATES
22 July 2010 Secure English language tests to be introduced for Tier 4 students
On 12 August 2010 the UK Border Agency will implement secure English language tests for students under Tier 4 (General) of the points-based system.
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From 19 July 2010, there are two important changes for migrants making initial applications under Tier 1 (General) of the points-based system.
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The UK Border Agency has published guidance for the interim limit on Tier 2 (General), which comes into effect today.
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Between 19 July and 30 July 2010, the UK Border Agency's sponsor licensing and management units are prioritising work to implement the government's new policy on an interim immigration limit.
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From 1 September 2010, a fee of £100 is introduced to reconsider applications for naturalisation and British citizenship that have been refused.
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Immigration minister Damian Green has laid before Parliament changes to the Immigration Rules which will give effect to the government's interim limit on economic migrants from outside the European Union.
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If you are a refugee or you were granted humanitarian protection for five years limited leave to remain (LTR) in August 2005, that leave is due to expire in August 2010.
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An amended version of the Tier 4 policy guidance was published today.
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A published an addendum to our guidance for Tier 4 students. The addendum affects students who have International Baccalaureate qualifications awarded on 5 July 2010, and those who are using a loan letter to support their application.
Controls............................
A temporary limit on the number of non-EU workers allowed into the UK has been announced by the Home Secretary. A consultation will help decide the permanent limit which will be imposed from April next year.
The move is part of a coalition government commitment to scale back net migration to the levels of the 1990s – with the effect that it will be in the tens of thousands, rather than the hundreds of thousands.
A consultation will help determine the details of the permanent limit. In the meantime, an interim limit imposed next month should help prevent a rush of applications before permanent measures come into effect.
Read the press notice here.
Britain can benefit
The number of skilled people without a job offer entering the country under the government’s points system will be held at 5,400 for an interim period. To raise standards in this category, the pass mark for eligibility will rise by five points.
Meanwhile, the number of migrants allowed to enter the country with a job offer will be reduced by 1,300, and set at a limit of 18,700.
Theresa May said: ‘This government believes that Britain can benefit from migration but not uncontrolled migration. I recognise the importance of attracting the brightest and the best to ensure strong economic growth, but unlimited migration places unacceptable pressure on public services.
‘While we consult on our tough new limit, it’s important we have an interim measure to avoid a ‘closing down sale’ for migrants, and to ensure that the number of work visas issued stays below 2009 levels.
‘The government will also introduce measures to support British people. Alongside limits will be action to get Britain back to work and provide business with the skills they need from the resident workforce – reducing the need for migrants at the same time as we reduce their number.’
Consultation – business can have their say
The Home Secretary has also asked the Migration Advisory Committee, the government’s independent adviser on migration issues, to launch a separate consultation. This will take into account social and economic impacts.
This will pave the way for fundamental changes to the way in which workers from outside the EU will be chosen to come and work in the UK.
Damian Green says the new government will introduce measures to properly control immigration following figures out today that show an increase in the UK population.
Responding to statistics which showed the population increased in 2008-09, the minister for immigration said the new government intends to reduce immigration numbers back to 1990s levels.
Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (new window) showed that the population of the UK was 61.8m in mid-2009, an increase of 394,000 on the previous year.
The report showed a total population increase of 2.7m compared with 2001.
'Far too high'
The minister for immigration said: ‘We believe that immigration has been far too high in recent years, which is why the new government will reduce net migration back down to the levels of the 1990s — to tens of thousands rather than hundreds of thousands.
‘Over the coming weeks and months the public will see us tackle this issue by introducing a wide range of new measures to ensure that immigration is properly controlled, including a limit on work permits, actions on marriage and an effective system of regulating the students who come here.’ |
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