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On 27 November 2008 the United Kingdom launched Tiers 2 and 5 of its "five-tier" points based immigration system. Employers are reminded that in order to offer employment to overseas skilled workers qualifying for entry to the UK under the provisions of Tier 2 or to temporary workers entering under Tier 5 they must first register with the UK Border Agency. To date, only 1,900 companies have registered with the agency out of thousands that currently employ foreign workers. To recruit skilled workers from overseas, licensed companies must first comply with the terms of the resident labour market test, which requires that the job be advertised at an appropriate market rate of pay for a minimum of two weeks in Britain. Only if they are unable to fill it are they allowed to employ a worker from outside the European Economic Area. If the job appears on the shortage occupation...

Under new proposals put forwards by UK Immigration Minister Phil Woolas, economic immigrants in the UK will have to earn the right to a passport by serving a five-year ‘probationary citizenship.’ In an interview with The Sun newspaper, he said: ‘Entitlement to benefits should be for citizens of our country, not other people. If you are a citizen you have earned the right to benefits. People must show they are here to work.’ Economic immigrants who stay out of trouble, make efforts to integrate and do voluntary work will become eligible for state benefits and social housing one or two years after completing a five year period of residency. Anyone found guilty of committing even a minor offence would have to wait another five years before they could claim the benefits. The plans to ‘implement the new path to citizenship within a firm but fair immigration system’ are to be...

On 12 December, Switzerland added its name to the list of countries that have adopted the Schengen Agreement and in doing so became the 25th member of the group, which has no border controls for people passing between member states and a single external border. Originally signed in the Luxembourg town of Schengen in 1985, the Agreement was incorporated into the framework of the EU as part of the Amsterdam Treaty in 1997, at which time the European Commission took over its administration. Whilst the non-EU members, Norway, Iceland and now Switzerland have an input into the development of Schengen policies they do not have decision-making powers. If a person from outside the Schengen area wishes to enter then it is necessary to obtain a short stay visitors visa at a cost of 60 Euros, except for Russian and Ukrainian citizens and those of the non-EU Balkan states who pay...

2008 is almost at an end. It has been an eventful year. In this special edition of the newsletter we will cover some of the major immigration events of the year.

The UK points based system has to a great extent been implemented in 2008. The very successful Highly Skilled Migrant Programme popularly known as HSMP was replaced by Tier 1 (General). On 1 April 2008 those applying from India had to come under Tier 1. Then on 30 June 2008 Tier 1 was introduced Worldwide. It remains to be seen how successful Tier 1 will be compared to HSMP. Already, there have been concerns that many people do not meet the new maintenance requirements. On 27 November 2008 Tier 2 and Tier 5 were introduced. Tier 2 replaces the work permit scheme. Employers now need to register as a licensed sponsor. However, so...

Today in this special edition of the workpermit.com newsletter we will be providing an update on the UK Tier Visa categories.

On 30 June 2008 the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme was replaced. This category is for highly educated and highly skilled migrants who can score enough points on their qualifications, previous earnings, age, and UK experience. There are new maintenance requirements that mean that you need to show a certain level of funds over a three month period. Your salary will probably need to be quite high compared to the local market to come under this category.

Individuals who plan to invest in the UK by setting up or taking over a business, and being actively involved in running the business can come to the UK under the Entrepreneur sub-category of Tier 1....