The UK's "new" points-based immigration system
The Home Office have finally published their policy statement on the new immigration system. This will apply to EU and non-EU nationals alike and will be in place from 1 January 2021.
The door is definitely still open to skilled workers, with the minimum salary level being reduced to £25,600, a reduction in the skills threshold to the equivalent of A-Level and the removal of the migrant cap and resident labour market test. However, the need to provide sponsorship to EU nationals and the significant costs of providing sponsorship will impose a significant burden on employers. The focus is also very much on skilled workers and with no lower skilled route, there is a real risk of labour shortages that will impact sectors such as hospitality and manufacturing.
Policy paper: The UK's points-based immigration system: policy statement
