01 November 2003 01:53
Ministers to boost number of skilled migrants
Ministers are to boost the numbers of highly skilled migrants coming into the
UK by relaxing work permit requirements.
A special programme for elite workers - the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme
- was launched in January 2002 and has so far given visas to 3,700 people.
The scheme will be made easier for would-be migrants in general, reducing the
number of points needed to qualify. There will also be new criteria for
under-28s to make it easier for them to come to the UK.
The programme has so far been most successful at recruiting Indian workers to
Britain - adding a twist to the phenomenon of call centre jobs being exported
en masse to India.
Whitehall's continued interest in attracting workers to address specific
skill shortages contrasts with its more hard-line approach to asylum seekers.
It was also confirmed yesterday that foreign nationals who have studied
maths, science or engineering at a UK institution will be allowed to work in
Britain for a year after graduation.
Beverley Hughes, Home Office immigration minister, said: "The UK is a
world leader in attracting uniquely talented people and through innovative
schemes such as the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme we are helping supply
businesses with the skills and talent they need to thrive."
The largest numbers of foreign nationals to have come to the UK under the
scheme so far were from India (832 applicants), US (751), Nigeria (454),
Pakistan (381), South Africa (319), Australia (307), Zimbabwe (176), Canada
(153), China (126) and Russia (123).
[FTI [The Financial Times]] |
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