UKBA settlement consultation ends this week

POSTED 05/09/11

The UK Border Agency’s public consultation which set out the government’s proposals for breaking the link between temporary and permanent migration will close this Friday 9 September.

If the proposals are implemented, migrants entering the UK on temporary visas such as Tier 2 General or ICT, will no longer be able to apply for settlement.

The key proposals include:

  • re-branding Tier 2 (the skilled worker route) as temporary, ending the assumption that settlement will be available for those who enter on this route;
  • allowing certain categories of Tier 2 migrant, such as those earning over £150,000 or occupations of a specific economic or social value to the UK, to retain an automatic route to settlement;
  • creating a new category into which, after 3 years in the UK, the most exceptional Tier 2 migrants may switch and go on to apply for settlement;
  • allowing Tier 2 migrants who do not switch into a settlement route to stay for a maximum of 5 years, with the expectation that they and any dependants will leave at the end of that time;
  • introducing an English language requirement for adult dependants of Tier 2 migrants applying to switch into a route to settlement;
  • restricting the maximum period of leave for Tier 5 temporary workers to 12 months; and
  • closing or reforming routes for overseas domestic workers.

The UKBA has received 10,000 responses to date.  To take part, visit the Consultations section of their website.

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