New Immigration Rules Across the Pond

March 2, 2008

I remain very skeptical about points-based immigration systems in part because of their assumptions that working class and low wage workers do not contribute to economies. They also seem to have an inordinate effect on immigrants of color. Here’s Great Britain’s latest version. Xinhua news reports:

The biggest shake-up of Britain’s immigration system in 45 years got underway on Friday with the introduction of a new points system to ensure only the best can work in Britain, new licenses for businesses who want to employ migrants and big on-the-spot fines for those not obeying the rules and found hiring illegal workers.

Britain’s Australian-style points system kicks-off with new rules for highly skilled foreign nationals currently working in Britain and who want to extend their stay. The scheme is designed to attract the most talented with the skills Britain needs to remain a global leader in the fields of finance, business and technological innovation.

The government also introduced on Friday a licensing system for employers who want to recruit from overseas and bring skilled workers into Britain. No company will be granted a sponsor’s licence without being approved in advance by the Border and Immigration Agency (BIA).

Employers bringing in skilled workers under Tier 2 of the scheme which takes effect this autumn can now start applying for that licence.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: “The introduction of our Australian-style points system will ensure that only those with skills the country needs can come.”

According to Smith, Friday’s proposals are part of the biggest changes to British immigration policy in a generation which include a new deal for those migrants seeking citizenship here, a new British Border Agency to strengthen controls at the border and the introduction of ID cards for foreign nationals.

From Friday, rogue employers face civil penalties of up to 10,000 pounds (about 2,000 U.S. dollars) for each illegal worker they employ. Those found to have knowingly hired illegal workers could incur an unlimited fine and be sent to prison. The change comes as BIA stepped up action in 2007 against illegal working by 40 percent. Click here for the rest of the story.