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NASSCOM, an industry organization and leading advocate for India's information technology and business process outsourcing industry (IT/BPO) has voiced its support for the United Kingdom's new points based immigration system.
"The new PBS system will transform the immigration process and operationally make it more efficient, in addition to simplifying this for companies," NASSCOM said in a press release. "The UK Home office's PBS is applicable to all companies who employ workers in the UK."
NASSCOM urged its members to apply now for a sponsorship license, which companies need to employ workers under the UK's upcoming Tier 2 skilled worker points based system. The sponsorship requirements are also applicable to foreign intra-company transfers.
"This is very critical given the UK Home office's announcements on October 1st 2008 being the last date of applications and November 24th 2008 as the date when the new system goes live," NASSCOM said. Employers who apply by 1 October will have enough time to navigate the system and obtain a sponsorship license before Tier 2 starts.
Tier 2 visas are acquired by foreign employees after they score 75 points based on certain criteria, such as their qualifications and experience. Most of the points scored are for the certificate of sponsorship -- in effect, making it mandatory.
A skilled worker can score more points for his or her certificate of sponsorship if the employment is for a job on the UK shortage occupation list.
Sponsorship will also be required for Tier 5, which will cover overseas nationals seeking temporary work in the UK.
For more information about Tier 2 visas, please see our UK skilled worker visa section. If you are a UK employer and wish to have assistance in navigating the Government's new sponsorship application process, please call our London office at +44 (0)20 7842 0800.
