The new UK points-based immigration system could award bonus points to applicants who choose to settle outside of London.
With freedom of movement for EU citizens set to end once the UK leaves the Union at the end of this month, the government has signalled its intention to introduce a new points-based immigration system based on the Australian model.
One of the many sweeping reforms announced in yesterday’s Queen Speech would see a complete overhaul of the immigration system. And it has been widely reported that Home Secretary, Priti Patel, is considering introducing rules that would favour skilled migrants choosing to take up work in less affluent areas of the UK including parts of the north of England or certain coastal areas.
The idea behind the initiative would be to attract skilled workers to less prosperous parts of the country where there is a shortage of workers in key local industries.
In her speech the Queen said: “An immigration bill, ending free movement, will lay the foundation for a fair, modern and global immigration system.
“My Government remains committed to ensuring that resident European citizens, who have built their lives in, and contributed so much to the United Kingdom, have the right to remain.”
The new immigration system is due to be in place from 2021.
However, as the government lacks a parliamentary majority, it is unclear if any of the bills announced in the speech will actually become law.
Article published 15th October 2019