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UKBA settlement consultation ends this week
September 5, 2011
The UK Border Agency”s public consultation which set out the government”s proposals for breaking the link between temporary and permanent migration will close this Friday 9 September.
If the proposals are implemented, migrants entering the UK on temporary visas such as Tier 2 General or ICT, will no longer be able to apply for settlement.
The key proposals include:
- re-branding Tier 2 (the skilled worker route) as temporary, ending the assumption that settlement will be available for those who enter on this route;
- allowing certain categories of Tier 2 migrant, such as those earning over £150,000 or occupations of a specific economic or social value to the UK, to retain an automatic route to settlement;
- creating a new category into which, after 3 years in the UK, the most exceptional Tier 2 migrants may switch and go on to apply for settlement;
- allowing Tier 2 migrants who do not switch into a settlement route to stay for a maximum of 5 years, with the expectation that they and any dependants will leave at the end of that time;
- introducing an English language requirement for adult dependants of Tier 2 migrants applying to switch into a route to settlement;
- restricting the maximum period of leave for Tier 5 temporary workers to 12 months; and
- closing or reforming routes for overseas domestic workers.
The UKBA has received 10,000 responses to date. To take part, visit the Consultations section of their website.
