UK Visa & Immigration Blog

Over the past ten years UK immigration has welcomed almost 2 million new workers and developed into one of the most competitive immigration systems in the Western world.

In the past two years the UK immigration system has been completely overhauled with old immigration routes made redundant and a new points based immigration system introduced.

The new UK immigration system consists of five new tiers that are open to all citizens outside of the EU.

Between 1991 and 2001 half the population increase was due to foreign-born immigration. In 2007 the number of people moving to work in the UK reached a staggering 237,000, an increase of 46,000 on 2006.

The largest groups of people given British Citizenship in 2006 were from India, Pakistan, Somalia and the Philippines. With several Eastern European countries entering the EU in 2004, the UK seen a mass increase in numbers, notably skilled workers form Poland, since there is free movement of labour within the EU.

With the introduction of the points based system the UK now has a more managed migration system to cope with the demand for skilled labour shortages.

Immigrants who can demonstrate they possess certain skills that cannot be found in certain areas are understandably much sought after.

Skilled workers from outside the EU whose jobs are on the Critical Skills Shortlist are especially attractive to the UK and will find their application for a UK visa will be looked upon more favourably.

Skills such as engineering, teaching, doctors and nurses are currently in demand.

The UK is open to young people who might not already possess the skills and experience but would like to visit all the same.

The Youth Mobility Scheme is one such scheme targeted at 18-30 year olds. The UK visa is open for two years and entitles the holder to work for up to one year.