UK restricts skilled workers; allows servants, scientists

Mar 01, 2012 (LBO) - The United Kingdom has tightened immigration rules, ending automatic settlement for skilled workers but allowing scientists and those in low-paid jobs where there are worker shortages and limited stay for servants. œOur reforms of the immigration system will ensure we are more selective, not only about those who are allowed to come here, but also those who are allowed to stay permanently, Immigration Minister, Damian Green, said.

œSettlement in the UK is a privilege," he was quoted as saying in a statement from the high commission.

"We are sweeping aside the idea that everyone who comes here to work can settle, and instead reserving this important right only for the brightest and the best."

The UK government is reforming all routes of entry to the UK in order to bring immigration levels under control and reduce net migration from the hundreds of thousands to the tens of thousands.

As part of the reforms, the UK government intends to retain a route for overseas domestic workers in private households, but only when they accompany a visitor and this is limited to 06 months’ stay, with no right to change employer.

It will also retain the current route of entry for private servants in