Recorded 7 December, this webinar focuses on the UKs new points-based immigration system that comes into full effect on 1 January 2021.
Watch the webinar
Speakers:
- Jennifer Beckwith, Head of Employment Policy, CBI
- Daniel Petriello, Strategic Engagement Policy, Home Office
- David Ramsbotham, Economic Migration Policy Lead, Home Office
- Deborah Fraser, Regions Director, CBI
Overview:
Jennifer Beckwith:
- These changes to how business hires from overseas are happening at a time when business resilience is low
- Twin challenges of lockdowns, and the looming Brexit deadline mean we know business’ haven’t been able to spend as much time preparing for the new system.
- The CBI has been helping our members to understand the changes, and have launched an employers’ guide to help firms to navigate
- As the system continues to evolve after 1 January 2021, CBI will be making representations to government to ensure the system is responsive to business needs – starting with improving the admin system businesses go through to become licenced sponsors.
Daniel Petriello and David Ramsbotham:
- As the end of the transition period approaches, its vital that firms know the steps they need to take
- The goal is to deliver a new, fairer, firmer, skills-led system from 1 January when free movement ends with the UK
- The system will focus on the skills individuals can bring to the system, rather than where they bring those skills from.
On skilled workers:
- Anyone coming to the UK will need to demonstrate they meet a specific set of requirements
- There are core criteria that all must hit (English Language proficiency, job offer and an appropriate skill-level), but these can be topped up or traded if they meet other criteria
- This system will retain the ability to increase the attributes that help applicants to meet the threshold.
On sponsorship:
- The Home Office are suspending the cap on numbers, and will no longer issue certificates of sponsorship
- Employers also won’t need to sponsor an EU-national already based in the UK or with settled status
- To become a sponsor, employers need to check if their vacancies are eligible, provide documentation, and pass a criminal convictions check
- The Home Office are looking to overhaul the process and will consult with stakeholders on what the next stage should look like.
Other routes:
- From January 2021, the Global Talent route will be extended to EU nationals on the same basis as applicants from the rest of the world
- Some changes being made here will include expanding the definition of academic research roles, and moving to a points-based system that compliments the changes overall.
From Q&A:
- The Home Office have advised that the time needed to apply for and obtain sponsorship status will be reduced under the new system
- The new system will also enable international businesses to redeploy staff using Intercompany Transfers
- The changes will also allow for easier transferring the visa of a skilled worker, where unlike the old system you won’t need to leave the UK to reapply
- Implementing the recommended changes to the shortage occupations list has been delayed because the gov’t want to first do more analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on the domestic labour market.