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A new points-based system for migration is coming into force in the UK.

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29 February 2008

A change in UK's immigration system has come into force with the launch of a point-based system for foreign workers. The first stage of the system becomes operational on Friday 29th Feb 2008 - and will apply fully by the end of the summer. All the 80 work permits and entry schemes are being replaced by a single points-based system. The Home Office says the system's aim "is to ensure that only those with the skills most in need gain entry to the UK". European Union workers will not be affected - they and a few other European countries will still be able to come and go under the free market rules that also allow British people to move at will around the continent. THE FIVE TIERS OF ENTRY There are five "tiers" within the points scheme within which people applying to work in the UK would be categorised. Tier One: Highly skilled The most skilled professionals will automatically have enough points to come to the UK without a job offer and seek work or set up a business. This tier includes entrepreneurs, top scientists and business people. Tier One is the first part of the system to be rolled out with ministers saying it will be fully operational worldwide by the end of summer 2008. Workers in this category have the most flexibility in the UK and greatest opportunities to settle for good because the system regards them as having the most potential for generating wealth benefiting Britain. Tier two: Skilled with job offer This covers people with qualifications or important work-related experience in a huge range of sectors from health service workers to white collar jobs and the trades. People in this category will be given points on their talents and will be allowed into the UK if they have a job offer in a "shortage area" such as nursing. Tier two will come into force from late 2008 and employers will need to register as a sponsor. The government says that employers who don't meet strict criteria could be barred from bringing in foreign workers. Tier three: Low skilled Until now, the government has allowed temporary migration to jobs in hospitality, food processing and agriculture from all over the world. It is has now cut these permissions in favour of workers from the expanded European Union, who do not need prior permission to arrive. No date has been set for this tier to be activated. Officials say they believe vacancies can be filled with EU workers. Tier four: Students This will come into force in 2009 and covers those paying for tuition in the UK. Universities and colleges increasingly depend on the income from overseas students - and many institutions have developed formal links with counterparts abroad. In previous years student visas have proved controversial, with allegations that it was a route open to abuse. Tier five: Temporary workers, Youth mobility This will include professional sports people or professional musicians, who want to "work" in the UK for an event such as the Olympics or a football match, or a concert. The youth mobility aspect is intended to cover cultural exchanges or working holidays by young people. This will be in force before the end of 2008. Click more to be directed to the documents on the Home Office Borders and Immigration Agency

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