London: The British government is considering new recommendations to restrict immigration from outside the European Union. According to a new proposal, teachers and chefs are welcome to migrate to UK but IT professionals are not.
A new list of skill shortages is being drawn up for skilled workers under the new points system. In October, the British government will publish the final version of the list.
These rules are for migrants under Tier 2, who need a work permit or a sponsor to work in Britain.
According to the recommendations, the skills in demand are consultants, senior nurses, math and science teachers.
Other skills in demand are of special engineers, skilled chefs, care workers and some animal care occupations like horse trainers and veterinary surgeons.
According to reports, occupations not on the required list are textile trades and qualified veterinary nurses, as opening them up to migrants would undermine attempts to train sufficient British staff.
The shortage list also excludes IT staff, architects and most skilled construction trades.
The main reason behind not welcoming migrant professionals from the field of IT is to make space for their own citizens to learn the skill and work as IT professionals.
However, the experts feel that this proposal would only add to the red tape.
"There is going to be enormous amount of work because the circumstances will keep changing. Certain sectors will keep lobbying and the definition of 'skills' might also change which means extra work," said chief executive, Immigration Advisory Service, Keith Best.
Britain's immigration laws have become stricter in the last couple of months.
In March 2008, Britain introduced a new visa system for immigrants; under which professionals and highly skilled persons willing to migrate to Britain had apply.
The point-based system-Tier 1 (PBS-TO), which covered highly skilled migrants, entrepreneurs, investors, and graduate students, replaced the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, the Entrepreneur and Investor schemes and the International Graduates.
In February 2008, Britain announced a hike in its immigration fees to fund sweeping changes it plans to introduce to improve border security over the next 12 months.
The Four Tiers
- Tier 1 is the first of five tiers of the PBS to be rolled out over the next 12 months.
- Tier 2, targeting skilled workers with a job offer and Tier 5, for temporary workers will both come online in the third quarter of 2008.
- Tier 3, which covers low skilled migration routes, will only be used if shortages are identified that cannot be filled from the UK or European labour force, the High Commission said.
- Tier 4 for students will follow in early 2009.
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