Shake-Up

The introduction of a new points system is easily the biggest shake-up of the immigration system in 45 years. The scheme is designed to attract the best talent so that the U.K. can continue to remain a global leader in the fields of finance, business, and technological innovation.

Ensuring only the best get to work in Britain, Britain's points system kicks-off with new rules for highly skilled foreign nationals currently working in the UK and who want to extend their stay, new licenses for businesses who employ migrants and harsh on-the-spot fines for those not obeying the rules and found hiring illegal workers.

Licensing System

The Government is introducing a licensing system for employers who want to recruit from overseas and bring skilled workers into the UK. The licensing system requires such companies to be approved in advance by the Border and Immigration Agency, before being granted a sponsor's licence.

Employers employing skilled workers under Tier 2 of the scheme which takes effect this autumn can start applying for the licence now.

Only Highly Skilled

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said:
"Migrants benefit this country economically, contributing an estimated £6bn to our national output, as well as socially and culturally and it is right that we have a system which is fair but firm, accessible but controlled.”

"Today's proposals are part of the biggest changes to British immigration policy in a generation which includes a new deal for those migrants seeking citizenship here, a new UK Border Agency to strengthen controls at the border and the introduction of ID cards for foreign nationals,” he further added.

Fining Rogue Employers

The fine system could see rogue employers face civil penalties of up to £10,000 for each illegal worker they employ starting today.   Those who have knowingly hired illegal workers could incur an unlimited fine and face imprisonment.

Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said:
"Today sees the start of our points system and the beginning of on-the-spot fines for businesses that employ illegal workers, introduced a day ahead of schedule.

Explaining the importance of the new penalties to facilitate the crack down on illegal immigration, he said:
"New £10,000 penalties mean instant justice for those firms who try and undercut others by employing illegal immigrants. With the new compulsory identity cards for foreign nationals later in the year, there can be no excuse for not checking the identity of those applying for jobs. The key to shutting down illegal immigration is to shut down illegal jobs."

Targeting Rogue Employers

Even as the measures announced today take effect, the Government is also targeting rogue employers through a new legislation in the Employment Bill. The Bill proposes tough new penalties for businesses and agencies which exploit workers deprive them of the minimum wages and undercut legitimate business.

Border Agency

A new UK Border Agency may be established this year. Additional measures include the introduction of a new system to count people in and out of the UK and ID cards to establish the immense strength of the UK border and help keep out those who don't have the right to be here.