Pascal Arogorn Ibe
The UK government has introduced a points-based immigration system to attract the ” brightest and the best from around the world”.
A statement released by the Home Office and Priti Patel, secretary of state for the Home Department, said the new immigration system will open on January 1, 2021.
Points will be ascribed to applicants for having a job offer at the appropriate skill level, knowledge of English and being paid a minimum salary.
Applicants will be awarded five-year skilled worker visas, open to extension, for earning points.
Canada has become a favourite among Nigerians looking to migrate after the European country introduced a points-based immigration system that offers migrants permanent residency.
“The new immigration rules will ensure that businesses can recruit the most highly qualified from across the globe to drive the economy forwards and keep the UK at the frontier of innovation,” the statement read.
“It will also encourage employers to focus on training and investing in the UK workforce, driving productivity and improving opportunities for individuals, especially those impacted by coronavirus.
“They will need to have enough money to pay the application fee (ranging from £610 to £1,408), the healthcare surcharge (usually £624 per year) and be able to support themselves (usually by having at least £1,270 available).”
Applicants will get a decision within a three-week period after completing the application process online.
“This simple, effective and flexible system will ensure employers can recruit the skilled workers they need, whilst also encouraging employers to train and invest in the UK’s workforce,” Patel said.
“We are also opening routes for those who have an exceptional talent or show exceptional promise in the fields of engineering, science, tech or culture.”
Other visa routes that have been opened by the UK government include
Global Talent visa for people who can show they have exceptional promise in the fields of science, engineering, humanities,
medicine, digital technology or arts and culture
Innovator visa for a person seeking to establish a business in the UK based on an innovative, viable and scalable business idea
Start-up visa for a person seeking to establish a business in the UK for the first time
Intra-company
Transfer visa, which is for established
workers who are being transferred by the business they work for to do a skilled role in the UK
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