UK immigration has opened up the door of opportunity for the last ten years. In that period, around two million workers have been accepted into the country. The UK immigration service is now one of the most competitive western immigration organisations in the world.
UK immigration has improved its old systems and procedures and has developed five new tiers that can be used by non-EU citizens. Between 1991 and 2001, the population of the UK increased by almost 50% and the reason is down to foreign-born immigration. From 46,000 in 2006, the population rose by 237,000 in 2007, directly as a result of more and more people moving to work in the country.
In 2006, Indians, Pakistanis, Somalis and Filipinos were given British citizenship in the highest numbers. Due to the EU’s free movement of labour, increasing number of citizens residing in the EU, but outside of the UK, mostly Polish, also entered for employment purposes.
The UK has launched a new points-based system that helps to manage migration processes to keep up with the growing demand for skilled labour deficiencies. The UK gladly accepts skilled workers from outside the EU, especially if the profession meets the Critical Skills Shortlist criteria, which currently includes engineers, teachers, doctors and nurses.
The UK also puts an emphasis on young people who are not interested in working in the UK. Tourists and visitors are most welcome to apply for visas to enter the UK.