Brexit immigration reform to see low-skilled migrants banned from Britain this year?

Photo from Brexit campaign courtesy of Don Roth

News from across the pond.  The implementation of Brexit and the end of free movement with Britain as part of the European Union continues. 

Low-skilled migrants may be barred from moving to Britain at the end of this year after the Government moved forward a plans for a new immigration system.

The UK will have the power to end free movement and set its own rules on migration at the end of the Brexit transition period, which runs until 31 December.

The Government was previously expected to keep the current rules in place for a further two years, before introducing a “points-based” system which would make it almost impossible for less skilled migrants to work in the UK. But ministers are now planning to set up the new system as soon as the transition has ended.

The move comes as the Government faces a Brexit battle in the House of Lords, with peers expected to back an amendment restoring the rights of child refugees to come to Britain.

The new migration system will be based on Australia’s, where applicants are given points based on their educational qualifications, salary and what job they want to do. It is almost certain to exclude those planning to take lower-skilled jobs.

The plan sounds similar to one (the RAISE ACT) supported by President Trump for the United States.  

KJ