On Friday 6 September 2013, a written ministerial statement was laid out in Parliament outlining a number of changes to the immigration rules in particular to rules relating to business and education.
These changes come into effect on 1 October 2013 and have the intention of providing greater flexibility to students and businesses that employ and sponsor international migrants, a move likely to benefit Indians in particular.
October 2013: Changes to the Immigration Rules
Changes put forward in the ministerial statement include:
- Removing the English language requirements for intra-company transferees;
- Making it easier for graduate entrepreneurs to switch into the Tier 2 category;
- Waiving share ownership restrictions for some senior staff; and
- Allowing some students to work as interns under the governments Tier 5 authorised exchange scheme.
Changes to benefit UK Tourist & Business Visitors
In addition, tourist and business visitors will benefit from the following changes:
- Tourists and business visitors can study where it is not their main purpose of their business;
- Expanding the activities a business visitor can do in the UK; and
- Removing the prospective student route.
This is a move which hopes to see an increase in interest of people who wish to experience the British culture and decide whether they would benefit from studying in the UK.
UK to Continue to Attract “Global Talent”
Immigration Minister Mark Harper has stated:
“The UK is open for business: we are building an immigration system that works in the national interest and supports growth. [Today’s] changes will ensure that the UK continues to attract global talent to work for British businesses and study at our world renowned class universities.”
The Immigration Minister believes that:
“immigration reform is working; we have tightened routes where abuse was rife, while still encouraging the brightest and the best to come to the UK.”
Successful UK Business & Education Immigration Advice
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