The government is now introducing new immigration reforms outlined in its whitepaper. These restrictions will come into effect in three weeks.
111 occupations are no longer eligible for sponsorship under new rules that will be presented to parliament.
The government will introduce a temporary shortage list, which is time-limited, for jobs below the degree level that are critical to building infrastructure or industrial strategies.
The occupations on this list will remain there until 2026, and only if it is recommended by the independent Migration Advisory Commission.
The temporary shortage list does not allow workers to bring dependents, or to receive salary or visa fee reductions.
The government said that it would “unveil to the parliament a new framework for family policy” as its next step.
The Home Office announced that the changes, subject to approval by Parliament, will take effect on 22 July.
The UK has also made transitional arrangements to help overseas workers who are already working in the UK.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated: “We’re implementing a complete reset to our immigration system in order to restore control and proper order after the previous administration allowed net migrations to quadruple within four years.
These new rules will allow for stronger controls on migration, restore order in the immigration system, and ensure that we invest in training and skills here in the UK.
“We can create an immigration system as part of Plan for Change that will serve the needs of British people and the economy – a system that values skills and tackles exploitation and ensures that those who come to UK make a real contribution.”
critics have reacted to the White Paper, and some experts claim that reforms such as those in the hospitality and care industries could “decimate” them.
Zeena Luchowa, a partner in the immigration law firm Laura Devine Immigration said that its speed of implementation was “alarming”.
She said that it was alarming to apply so quickly some of the proposals in the whitepaper without adequate consultation with stakeholders or consideration of their impact on vital sectors.
The changes that will be implemented later this month do not give employers enough time to make necessary adjustments.
The restrictions on dependents family members mark a worrying change in the approach of the government, which highlights that only certain roles can be considered worthy to relocate with family.
“While the Government seeks to reduce migration levels, it must take care not to do this at the cost of possible family division, the potential discrimination (unintentional or not), as well as the stress that will be placed on certain sectors, business and regions,” Luchowa said.
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