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See other news storiesEmployers, get ready for new immigration controls
18 September 2008
Business owners must register by October 1 to be ready for the new programme for skilled immigrant workers.
Under the new Australian-style points system (new window), businesses that need to employ skilled foreign workers from outside the European Economic Area (new window) will need to apply for a licence.
Employers planning to recruit skilled workers from outside Europe must register with the UK Border Agency (new window) by 1 October if they want to ensure they are licensed when the programme begins at the end of November.
The government is committed to supporting businesses through the introduction of the new rules, to ensure that legitimate businesses do not get into trouble.
The new criteria
Earlier this year the Home Office unveiled the criteria that businesses will have to meet to become a sponsor under the points system.
They will need to:
- register with the Border Agency as a sponsor
- alert authorities if immigrant employees do not comply with their immigration conditions – for example if they stop turning up for work
Border and Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said the points system is 'one of the biggest shake-ups to the immigration system in a generation'.
'Our message to businesses is loud and clear – if you want to employ foreign workers from outside the EEA, you need to apply now for a sponsor licence.'
Learn more
In March 2006, we published A points-based system: making migration work for Britain. It explains how the new points-based system will work, and the reasons why it's necessary.
- Is your business hoping to sponsor workers? (new window)
- See our code of practice for sponsoring skilled workers (new window)
