In the run up to the May 2015 general elections, UK immigration has been at the forefront of political debates. So far, the major focus has been on how the Government can control or reduce migration in the UK. However, those who are pro-migration believe that the real question should be what are the benefits of migration to the UK? Statistics show that the nation should not easily dismiss the contribution migrants make to the UK economy.
According to the UCL Centre for Research and Analysis of Migration (CReAM), between 2001 to 2011, European migrant workers contributed more than £20bn to the UK economy. Below, we will discuss the contribution made by non-EU migrant workers.
Increase in Work-Related Visas Granted
European migrant workers are not the only ones contributing to the UK economy. According to the Home Office’s official immigration statistics in the year ending June 2014 there was an increase in the number of work visas granted to non-EU migrants. Increasing by 14,799 in 2014 to 159,302. The majority of this figure was for skilled workers being granted Tier 2 visas.
We have reported a number of stories that prove work-forces in the UK rely heavily on migrant worker. Employers from the NHS to construction firms are employing migrant workers, simply for the reason that UK employers believe that migrant workers are “more flexible, mobile and reliable workforce”. Furthermore, UK employers state that skilled migrant workers are filling roles that UK natives simply do not have the skills for. In contrast, overqualified migrant workers are even found to be more willing to take on low skilled jobs in comparison to UK born nationals.
Despite the positive contribution of migrant workers, the current UK Immigration Rules are making it harder for UK employers to hire skilled migrant workers and so the debate on the treatment of migrants in the UK continues.
Are you a Migrant Worker looking to Work in the UK?
The Tier 2 (General) category of the Points Based System (PBS) is for non-European migrants who have been offered a highly skilled job by a UK employer to fill a gap in the workforce that cannot be filled by a settled worker. Under this category, you must have a job offer in the UK and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an organisation that is a licenced sponsor in the UK. According the Home Office statistics, in the year ending June 2014 there were 50,619 skilled worker Tier 2 sponsored visa applications granted.
Our city of London Solicitors can help you through the process of applying for a Tier 2 General visa or a Tier 2 Sponsorship Licence if you are looking to employ a non-EU migrant worker. Our team of lawyers can assist you with the preparation of your visa application and carry out a detailed consultation to assess your matter in accordance to the relevant Immigration Rules. We will highlight all key points in the documentary evidence required and suggested by us with the visa application to ensure a strong application is submitted and avoid unnecessary expense of re submitting your application to the Home Office.
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.
Contact us so that we can review your case and provide you with an assessment.