News & Events

Closure of Highly Skilled Migrant Programme and other work-based categories

23 June 2008

On Monday 30 June 2008, Tier 1 of the new points-based system will open globally. The Home Office will complete the roll-out of Tier 1 (General) worldwide and introduce the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur), Tier 1 (Investor) and Tier 1 (Post Study Work) categories. Tier 1 will replace eight existing immigration categories:

Find out more about the new points-based system  

Changes to skills shortgage list

6 June 2008

The Borders immigration agency have added new occupations to the national shortage occupation list for work permits and amended two occupation titles. From 18 July 2008 we will remove certain occupations from the list. Full details of all these changes are below.

Skills shortgage list-update

Home Office issues 'Statements of Intent' on Tier 2 (skilled workers) and Tier 5 (temporay workers and youth mobility)

6 May 2008

The Home Office has issued 2 new important documents in relation to its programme of immigration reform. These are to allow those affected by the changes (employers as well as employees) to have time to prepare for changes likely to come into effect in the autumn.

The Statement of Intent for Tier 2 includes five key changes for skilled workers coming to the UK, including the requirement of employers to have a licence; and English language competence for employees. The Statement of Intent for Tier 5 includes information on the requirement of the individual to have a Certificate of Sponsorship; and a maintenance assessment.

Since February of this year companies are coming under closer scrutiny from the Home Office in relation to legally employing international workers. The UK Border Agency has a useful Preventing illegal working section on its website to help keep employers right.

ACAS also provides training to employers in relation to taking on migrant workers: visit the ACAS website to find out when a course is available in Scotland.

Sponsorship under the Points Based System

8 January 2008

Read the Home Office's 'Statement of Intent' in relation to business and educational institutions:

Sponsorship Under the Points Based System (PDF, 767Kb)

More information about the Points Based System

Global Financial Services Week 26-30 May

Sponsored by Scotland's Financial Services Authority Board (FiSAB) the aim of the week is to showcase the strength and depth of the Financial Services industry in Scotland to stakeholders in Scotland, the rest of the UK and international markets.

The centrepiece of the week's events is the Global Financial Services Conference involving some of the world's most respected experts in international finance at which First Minister Alex Salmond will give the keynote address. To find out how you can participate please visit: The Global Financial Services Week