Today, the recruitment agency representative group, Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC), have reported that they have submitted evidence to the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee on international STEM graduates and the problems which the current immigration rules cause in terms of trying to place them in suitable roles. We reported last month that the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee would be investigating whether the current immigration laws were preventing international students from choosing to study in the UK.
Current Immigration Laws Cause Shortage of Skilled Graduates in the UK
After gathering data from various sources, REC concluded that recent immigration changes have made it difficult for recruiters to place skilled graduates and more experienced staff, into “flourishing” STEM fields such as engineering, IT and life sciences. REC believe that this results in many roles going unfilled and companies cannot expand which in turn prevents the creation of other jobs for UK workers.
According to REC’s latest survey, recruiters across the UK reported that engineering was the most in demand sector for both permanent and temporary roles. Since February 2013, engineering topped the list nine times and ranked in the top five in demand sectors a total of 12 times.
Concern that UK Companies Cannot Hire Much Needed Skilled Graduates
In submitting evidence to the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee, REC have conveyed their concern that the current immigration laws have become problematic for recruiters. Gillian Econopouly, Senior Policy Consultant at REC stated:
“Despite the economic evidence, UK companies cannot hire and retain the skilled graduates they need, even though many of them have completed relevant UK degrees. The Government’s drive to cut immigration figures has led to scrapping key STEM visa routes like the Highly-Skilled Migrant/Tier 1 General Visa, and the Post-Study Work Visa.
“While clients (although not recruiters) can still apply to become visa sponsors for migrants in Tier 2 General (the old ‘Work Permit’ route), many are unwilling to risk the time, cost and effort of going through a complex process without the guarantee of being able to hire at the end. And recruiters’ hands are similarly tied, as they cannot place candidates without a valid visa.
“Even where visas are granted, there are strict limits on how long skilled graduates can remain in the country. A new ‘cooling-off period’ for those who have completed a Tier 2 visa means they have to return to their home countries for at least 12 months before applying to come back to the UK – despite the fact that British companies are often desperate to hire them.”
Successful UK Tier 4 Student Visa Applications & Appeals
Our team of experienced and professionally qualified immigration solicitors and barristers will be able to guide you through the process of making a student 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 student visa refused, contact us to discuss your case so that we can provide you with a case assessment.
Contact us so that we can review your case and provide you with an assessment.