Immigration White Paper

The government published its long awaited white paper on immigration arrangements that will apply when free movement of EU workers ends following Brexit.

The proposals for a new skills-based immigration system, that will apply both to EU migrants and those from elsewhere, follow the recommendations of the Migration Advisory Committee and include:

• removing the annual cap on the number of work visas that can be issued
• widening the skills threshold to include migrants with A-level equivalent qualifications
• ending the labour market test for employers wishing to sponsor a worker.

The government is to consult on what would be an appropriate salary threshold (currently £30,000 a year) for the skilled migrant route. There is also to be a new 12-month temporary work visa for workers of any skill level.