The Home Office has announced its intention to introduce new measures to make it harder for skilled foreign workers to take jobs in the UK under the Points-Based System.

From next year all jobs will have to be advertised with Jobcentre Plus for 4 weeks before an employer can recruit from outside the European Economic Area. In addition, overseas workers who wish to transfer within a corporate group to the UK office will need to have worked for that company for a year before applying, rather than just six months as it is at present. The minimum salary for a skilled worker will also rise from £17,000 to £20,000.

These measures are part of the 16 recommendations made in a report published last month by the Migration Advisory Committee. Their aim is to tighten up the rules governing when skilled workers are allowed to take jobs in the UK under the Points-Based System. All 16 recommendations have been accepted by the Home Office and will be put in place in 2010.

If you would like any advice or further information about these proposed reforms, please contact any member of our Immigration team.