UK Immigration Rules Failing Skilled Workers

Today, an article published in ‘Engineering and Technology Magazine’, has highlighted the significant differences between the UK Immigration Rules in comparison to the immigration requirements in Canada and Australia with regards to the treatment of skilled migrant workers.  For instance, since the beginning of this year, overseas engineers are eligible for ‘express entry’ into Canada as part of a new system where skilled workers create an online profile in order to become a citizen of Canada. The Canadian Government will then regularly select talented skills workers who already have a job to fill the gaps in the labour market a chance to become a permanent resident. 

UK Business Concerned with Shortage of Skilled Engineers

Despite Canada creating an immigration system that values its skilled workers the UK has yet to show any progress. Although the UK has a Shortage Occupation List which is meant to help skilled workers fill gaps in the UK labour market the reality is all the list does, according to Madeleine Sumption from the Migration Observatory is “reduce the administrative requirements when an employer is applying for [a visa for] someone”.

The Shortage Occupation List recognises 32 occupations. The Home Office official statistics show that in 2014 a total number of 1,171 non-EU engineers entered the UK. This figure is shocking as the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) are required an estimated 87,000 new engineers per year. 

Sir James Dyson, inventor, founder of the Dyson company stated that he is having trouble recruiting workers with the necessary skills due to the UK Immigration Rules:

“Dyson is searching for scientists and engineers. But there simply are not enough. Quite simply, there aren’t enough out there. I do worry about Britain’s ability to make, make, make. Make engineering breakthroughs. Make scientific progress. And, yes, make money for UK plc.”

According to IET’s Skills and Demand survey, over 50% of companies are concerned with the shortage of engineers in the UK and the effect it will have on their businesses.

Do You Fall Under The Shortage Occupation List?

The Tier 2 category of the 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.

If you wish to apply for a Tier 2 General Visa our City of London Lawyers can help you with your Tier 2 visa application and queries. Our expert Immigration Team of Lawyers can assist you with the preparation of your visa application and assess your eligibility in accordance with the Home Office requirements. We will ensure that all key points are substantiated with documentary evidence, as we will provide you with a bespoke supporting documents list tailored to your circumstances. Therefore leading to a successful application and avoiding 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.

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