Immigration points system for North’s employers goes live today

Every business in the North which employs workers from outside Europe must get a licence as part of massive changes to the immigration system announced by the UK government today.

New fines for employers who hire illegal workers and a tough new points system so only the best can work in the North are among the other measures introduced in the biggest shake-up of the immigration system for 45 years.

Rogue employers from today face civil penalties of up to £10,000 (€13,075) for each illegal worker they employ. Those found to have knowingly hired illegal workers could incur an unlimited fine and be sent to prison.

The UK’s Australian-style points system kicks off with new rules for highly skilled foreign nationals currently working in the UK who want to extend their stay.

The scheme is designed to attract the most talented people with the skills the UK needs to remain a global leader in the fields of finance, business, and technological innovation.

The British government is also today introducing a licensing system for employers who want to recruit from overseas and bring skilled workers into the UK.

No company will be granted a sponsor’s licence without being approved in advance by the Border and Immigration Agency (BIA).

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

“The introduction of our Australian-style points system will ensure that only those with skills the country needs can come,” said British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.

“Migrants benefit this country economically, contributing an estimated £6bn (€7.8bn) 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 include 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.”