UK Government Agrees on Skilled Migration Cap
The UK Government has announced the figures for the permanent cap on non-European Union migration to the United Kingdom. In its bid to reduce net migration to the tens of thousands by 2015, the Home Secretary Theresa May announced a figure of 21,700 as the yearly limit on migrants entering the UK from outside the EU. However, this cap excludes the categories for "Tier 2" intra-company transfers.
The permanent cap on migration is likely to commence on 1 April 2011. It will immediately follow the temporary cap that has been imposed since 19 July 2010, which will remain in place until 31 March 2011.
The "Tier 1" general category is to be dramatically restricted, with only 1000 visas being issued to those who are deemed to be of "exceptional talent". Tier 1 categories for investors and entrepreneurs will not be capped and the Government is looking at ways of encouraging more people to use these routes into the UK.
After some confusion, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) has now made clear that the figure for the permanent cap excludes Tier 2 intra-company transfers. This appears to be a result of lobbying by UK businesses. The cap of 21,700, when added to the 22,000 intra-company transfers that were made last year, equates to the recommended figure for skilled workers and intra-company transfer employees recently suggested by the Migration Advisory Committee. However, the fact that Tier 2 intra-company transfer applications appear to be excluded from the cap arguably means that they will be unlimited.
The UKBA is expected shortly to publish further information clarifying how the cap will operate.
This entry was written by Antonia Grant
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