IMMIGRATION POLICY IN UK

Since the formation of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, migrants from other parts of the world, in particular Ireland, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, the Caribbean, South Africa, Kenya, and Hong Kong have arrived under British Nationality Law. There are others who have come as asylum seekers, seeking protection as refugees. About half the population increase between 1991 and 2001 was due to foreign born immigration.

In 1962, the Commonwealth Immigration Act was passed by the UK government, restricting the freedom of passage into UK from other parts of the commonwealth. Later only those holding work permits, or people with parents or grand parents born in the UK could gain entry.

“Managed migration” is the term used for all legal work permits and visas and this accounts for a substantial percentage of overall immigration figures for the UK. Many of the immigrants who arrive under this scheme bring skills which are in short supply in the UK.

There is a point based system called the Highly Skilled Migrant Program which allows a highly skilled migrant to enter the UK with the right to work without an employer needing to sponsor the visa. Points are awarded according to education, work experience, past earnings, achievement in the field and also of the partner. There are also points for being aged below 28 and for doctors currently working in the UK.As of 7th November 2006, HSMP scheme was changed and new condition announced as follows:
An applicant must evidence their English language by an IELTS certificate to at least level 6, within the last two years. UK equivalent Bachelors Degree that was taught in the English language, English language considered to IELTS Level 6.
Qualifications have to be equivalent to a Bachelors, Masters or PhD to be awarded the respective points.
The minimum earned income in country of residence over a 12 month period, 15 months prior to the application being submitted.

For family relatives of European Economic Area, nationals living in the UK, there is an EEA family permit which enables family members to join their relatives already living in the UK.

The UK has a responsibility under international law not to return refugees to the place where they would suffer persecution. Prime Minister Tony Blair promised on Television to reduce the number of asylum seekers by half within 7 months. There is also a Public Performance Target to remove more asylum seekers who have been judged not to be refugees.