EU migrants will need to earn at least £23,000 before they can enter the UK for work under plans agreed by the new Cabinet.
The points-based immigration system is aimed at reducing the number of low-skilled migrants entering Britain and will start in January.
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It could mean points for skills, salaries or professions — with visas given to those gaining a certain score.
And under the scheme, migrants will still be able to enter Britain if they earn as little as £23,000 but they will need a significant number of points in other areas to make up for a lower salary.
There will also be salary thresholds for higher earners to make sure they don’t undercut the wages of those already working in Britain.
One example is pilots, who will be expected to take home at least £60,000 before they are able to work in the UK.
‘NO CARVE OUTS’
Boris Johnson is said to have also made clear there will be no “special pleading” or “carve outs” for sectors that face shortages.
It is understood the PM wants only skilled migrants entering Britain – despite concerns some sectors could be left short.
Home Secretary Priti Patel will unveil full details next week but people in “shortage occupations” – such as social care or construction – could be given more points under the new system.
This still doesn’t mean there is a guarantee they are able to enter the UK – despite warnings Britain could face a shortage of social care workers if care homes are unable to recruit from overseas.
A spokesman for the PM said: “The system will be simpler and not discriminate between countries.
“The PM stressed we must demonstrate that the UK is welcoming to talent — but the system would end reliance on importing cheap, low-skilled labour.”
The Migration Advisory Committee has warned a points system may hit economic growth and have “zero” effect on providing more jobs for British workers.
Mr Johnson told Cabinet that the Government had a responsibility to “unite” the country as he discussed the decisions that would be needed to deliver “real and positive change for the people across the UK”.
The Sun Says
THE Sun has long campaigned for Britain to control immigration while welcoming those whose skills we need.
The new Cabinet yesterday agreed how to make it happen.
A points system will assess each migrant’s talents.
If they meet the threshold and have a job offer paying over an estimated £25,600, they will be let in.
Low-skilled immigration will be slashed.
Total numbers will fall.
This is what Britain voted for.
Even the promise of it has calmed anxiety over immigration since the referendum.
So it is incredible to see Labour still champion free movement, even outside the EU.
Even more so to hear immigration control branded “racist”.
It is literally the opposite.
We will no longer block skilled staff from India or Africa while admitting anyone from the EU.
Boris Johnson now has a Cabinet focused, as one, on forging our new path as an independent nation.
Unity of purpose seems to win elections.
It’s the best way to get results too.
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