Immigration
The points-based immigration system regulates immigration of non-EEA migrants into the UK. It comprises five tiers and each tier has a different requirement and points scoring system. Migrants will need to pass a points-based assessment before they are given permission to enter or remain in the United Kingdom. For those not currently in the UK, the application and assessment will be completed in their current country of residence. Information on the points based system can be found at http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers .
As a general rule, the majority of nationals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) require approval to work in the UK from the UK Border Agency.
Existing migrants in the UK will usually be able to convert to the new system whilst remaining in the UK. Eventually, all staff on work permits and visas will convert to the new system, but only as the present permits begin to expire or their circumstances change.
The five tiers in the points-based system are currently:
- Tier 1: High-value migrants
- Tier 2: Skilled workers
- Tier 3: Low-skilled workers (this tier is currently suspended)
- Tier 4: Students
- Tier 5: Temporary workers
There are a number of immigration categories such as Academic Visitors or Settlement which are outside the points-based system. Information on these can be found here.
Further information
- Guidance for Heads of School/Unit
- Costs in Relation to Migration to the UK
- Points Based System - Responsibilities
For further (official) information, please contact http://ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/
Sponsorship rating
The University has been awarded an 'A' rated sponsorship licence by the UK Border Agency. This rating reflects the fact that the UK Border Agency is content that the University has no evidence of abusing immigration processes and has all the necessary systems in place to meet its duties as a sponsor.
However, the UK Border Agency may downgrade or withdraw the sponsorship licence from the University if they feel that there has been an abuse of the system.
It should be noted that if the licence was withdrawn, the University would no longer be able to sponsor non-EEA migrant workers under Tiers 2 and 5. In addition, all current sponsored migrants would lose their sponsorship and would have to cease their employment with the University.
Penalties
UKBA has introduced some new Civil and Criminal Penalties:
- £10,000 for negligently employing or paying an illegal migrant worker without the required immigration procedure;
- Unlimited fine and/or maximum two year prison sentence for anyone knowingly employing an illegal migrant worker.
| http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/staff/policy/ImmigrationPointsBasedSystem/ |