This month, the number of non-EU skilled migrants allowed to work in the UK has reached it’s target. The UK Government has set an annual cap of 20,700 under the Tier 2 visa category; which is split into monthly quotas. In June 2015, after the approval of 1,650 Tier 2 visas in the first 10 days of the month, the UK Government announced that a ban had been imposed to prevent the granting of any further visas for the month. This ban has now been imposed for the month of July 2015.
CBI: Want the UK Government To Increase Skilled Migration Cap
In light of this news, a number of businesses and employers have complained to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). As a result of the immigration target businesses are unable to fill vacant jobs and believe that limiting the numbers of non-EU skilled migrants coming to the country threatens the UK’s economic recovery. The Director-General of CBI, John Cridland, stated:
“The Government’s current direction on non-EU immigration is causing some headaches for businesses. Growth in the UK economy is stronger than in other countries, businesses are facing skill shortages and international students want to learn at the best universities in the world. These are factors which draw people to the UK – people who are more likely to be employed, earning and paying taxes. We want the Government to scrap the net migration target and to increase the skilled migration cap to protect the UK’s reputation as being open for business.”
According to the Home Office’s statistics on the allocations of restricted certificates of sponsorship (CoS), 394 CoS were carried over to this month totaling 2,040 CoS’ available in July 2015. The number of visa applications submitted by UK Sponsors wanting to hire non-EU skilled workers exceeded this figure. As a result 1,943 CoS were granted but over 200 were refused; now a total of only 97 allocations will be carried over to August 2015.
UK Employers’ Seeking Legal Advice
As the month of July 2015 comes to an end UK businesses are concerned that the August 2015 quota of 1,747 will also be exceeded. Therefore, causing more vacant positions and businesses left without the required skills they need to expand.
If you are a UK employer and are seeking more information and legal advice on the matter our expert Immigration Solicitors can help. As noted above the figures on the number of CoS’ available are limited and if you want to employ someone immediately now is the time to start the visa application. Furthermore, if you have already made a job offer to a non-EU worker you must take into consideration that there may be a delay in them joining your company in the UK.
Successful UK Tier 2 Visa Applications
Our team of experienced and professionally qualified immigration solicitors and barristers will be able to guide you through the process of making a Tier 2 General migrant visa application step by step and limit the possibility of failure by complying with the strict letter of law.
We also undertake a great deal of appeal work before the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal and have a successful track record of successful results for our clients. We have the experience and the knowledge required to take your case forward successfully. If you have had a Tier 2 General visa refused, contact us to discuss your case so that we can provide you with a case assessment.