Conservatives would overhaul work permit system
Conservatives would overhaul work permit system
Michael Howard has unveiled Conservative proposals to tighten up Britain's immigration controls with a major overhaul of the country's "chaotic" work permit system. The Party Leader pledged that under an incoming Conservative administration, people entering the country to work on a temporary permit would no longer be able to settle here permanently.
Meanwhile, two categories of work permit would be introduced: permanent permits for those who want to settle and work in Britain, but subject to an Australian style points system; and short term work permits for up to three years, which would be strictly controlled and not used as a route to permanent settlement.Under the permanent work permit category, people wishing to settle in Britain would have to attain a minimum level of points based on work skills, age, and competency in the English language, with additional points allocated for work experience, demand, ability to secure an employment contract in a region where the skill is particularly needed, and foreign language skills. There would be an annual limit on the number of people coming to Britain to work.
The purpose of the points system would be to distinguish between candidates to ensure that those who do come here are best able to fill any skills gap.Under the temporary work permit system, strict conditions would be enforced, requiring employers to post bonds - equivalent to six month's remuneration - which would only be redeemable when the permit holder had departed. Permit holders would still have to apply through the points system for permanent settlement, and a 'no-switching' visa rule would be enforced to stop temporary visa holders from acquiring rights of permanent residence. For example, student visas holders would be unable to switch to a work-permit, and would have to make a fresh application from outside the UK.Dismissing the Blair Government's recent proposed changes in the work permit system as "largely pointless", Mr Howard stressed the need for an overall annual limit on the number of people allowed to settle in the UK.
He declared: "A strong economy is the foundation for everything we do in Britain: it provides higher living standards so that people can look to the future with optimism; it creates the jobs we all depend on; and it pays for public services. Migration in both directions is part of any dynamic, competitive and successful economy." But he added: "Our work permits system is chaotic and out of control. Work permits have become a major source of immigration to Britain because once here, permit holders are often able to stay indefinitely. Almost four times as many work permits are issued today as were in 1997. And there are no checks to ensure that people leave when their permit expires - leaving the system wide open to abuse. "
Mr Blair's recent proposals to reform the work permits system are literally pointless. A points system is only relevant if it is used to set priorities within a limit. His announcement was a cosmetic repackaging of the existing arrangements - a cynical quick fix to get the Prime Minister out of the hole he has dug himself into. And they are entirely different from Australia's points system and the one we are proposing."
Michael Howard has unveiled Conservative proposals to tighten up Britain's immigration controls with a major overhaul of the country's "chaotic" work permit system. The Party Leader pledged that under an incoming Conservative administration, people entering the country to work on a temporary permit would no longer be able to settle here permanently.
Meanwhile, two categories of work permit would be introduced: permanent permits for those who want to settle and work in Britain, but subject to an Australian style points system; and short term work permits for up to three years, which would be strictly controlled and not used as a route to permanent settlement.Under the permanent work permit category, people wishing to settle in Britain would have to attain a minimum level of points based on work skills, age, and competency in the English language, with additional points allocated for work experience, demand, ability to secure an employment contract in a region where the skill is particularly needed, and foreign language skills. There would be an annual limit on the number of people coming to Britain to work.
The purpose of the points system would be to distinguish between candidates to ensure that those who do come here are best able to fill any skills gap.Under the temporary work permit system, strict conditions would be enforced, requiring employers to post bonds - equivalent to six month's remuneration - which would only be redeemable when the permit holder had departed. Permit holders would still have to apply through the points system for permanent settlement, and a 'no-switching' visa rule would be enforced to stop temporary visa holders from acquiring rights of permanent residence. For example, student visas holders would be unable to switch to a work-permit, and would have to make a fresh application from outside the UK.Dismissing the Blair Government's recent proposed changes in the work permit system as "largely pointless", Mr Howard stressed the need for an overall annual limit on the number of people allowed to settle in the UK.
He declared: "A strong economy is the foundation for everything we do in Britain: it provides higher living standards so that people can look to the future with optimism; it creates the jobs we all depend on; and it pays for public services. Migration in both directions is part of any dynamic, competitive and successful economy." But he added: "Our work permits system is chaotic and out of control. Work permits have become a major source of immigration to Britain because once here, permit holders are often able to stay indefinitely. Almost four times as many work permits are issued today as were in 1997. And there are no checks to ensure that people leave when their permit expires - leaving the system wide open to abuse. "
Mr Blair's recent proposals to reform the work permits system are literally pointless. A points system is only relevant if it is used to set priorities within a limit. His announcement was a cosmetic repackaging of the existing arrangements - a cynical quick fix to get the Prime Minister out of the hole he has dug himself into. And they are entirely different from Australia's points system and the one we are proposing."
posted by Carolyn @ 8:26 PM
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