71 shortage occupations to be removed from Tier 2 visas in points-based shake up
The UK Border Agency have announced today a major shake-up of the Tier 2 shortage occupations list, with large numbers of jobs being disqualified as the government sets to raise the qualification entry level to NQF 4.
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), the independent body which reports to the government on migration and labour issues, has recommended a new shorter list of occupations eligible under Tier 2 of the points-based system.
The agency said:
‘As part of its review of the immigration system, the government raised the threshold for Tier 2 visas to ‘graduate level’ and commissioned the MAC to examine which occupations should qualify.’
The government have instructed MAC to adopt a minimum National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 4, instead of the current level 3, and above as the relevant benchmark. This will have the immediate effect of slashing the number of occupations qualifying for Tier 2 working visas from 192 to 121, a reduction of 71 jobs, which could include the likes of level 3 rated Chefs and Senior Carers.
The shorter list of occupations means that Tier 2 applicants will only be able to apply for jobs covering the most skilled 39 per cent of the labour market rather than the current 56 per cent.
Chair of the Migration Advisory Committee, Professor David Metcalf, said:
‘Skilled foreign workers make a valuable contribution to the British economy but, in the context of limits on migration, it is essential that the immigration system is designed to select those migrants we need the most.
‘We have recognised this by ensuring our recommendations will allow the most skilled to continue to come and work here.’
Occupations which would still qualify for entry under Tier 2 of the points-based system include: nurses, teaching professionals, civil engineers and finance and investment analysts.
The public announcement did not specifically mention Senior Carers and Chefs (which are under review by MAC) but said that occupations which were qualified as skilled to the old level but are not to the new one include retail managers, hairdressing and beauty salon managers, laboratory technicians, and estate agents.
Whilst these are ‘recommendations’ at this stage, Senior Carers with less than 5 years continuous work, or those forced to change employer, could be affected unless some sort of transition arrangements are put in place or the job is classified as level 4.
The UK Government has set out its stall to reduce immigration to the ‘tens of thousands’ and Tier 2 working migrants, as well as Tier 4 student proposals announced last week, are very much in the firing line.
See also:
8 occupations removed from UK shortage occupation list
Tier 4 Consultation ends as Damian Green promises clampdown on Student Visa abuse
Weekly UK Immigration News Round up 06 February 2011
UK Border Agency issue warning on invitations to receive and transfer money
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Reader Comments
Yes, the report specifically saying about the senior carers and cheffs. On page 44 under the title ‘Job titles on the current shortage occupation list that are under review to assess equivalence of skill level to NQF4+’ added both jobs. However, only the people like you can make a comment about this table. We are awaiting to hear your veiw on this table.
I would like to ask as to when will the UK immigration Tier 2 visa?
You are quite right, these jobs are under review and we await the outcome of the review. Please feel free to comment if you have any further information. Thanks
how about us not under the tier 2 or point base system..we are under work permit holder are we affected of the outcome of the review if they will implement that changes in point base system.we are applying ilr in april 2011..thanks
when is the best to apply? Now or just wait for the next law to change?
we are under work permit holder, are we affected for the new law? we are applying our ILR by july, 2011….thanks! god bless!
Hi! I am are under the work permit issued last august 2008 after our first work permit run out on that year (issued aug, 2006). Just wandering are we going to be affected by the new laws/ruling on applying ILR? we entered the U.K 31 of aug. 2006, so as far as i know the earliest I can apply for ILR is aug. 3, 2011. OR am I wrong bec. of the new law! thanks and more power!!