UK bars unskilled migrants from outside EU

UK: Unskilled migrants from countries outside the European Union will no longer be eligible to work in the UK, barring thousands…

UK:Unskilled migrants from countries outside the European Union will no longer be eligible to work in the UK, barring thousands of potential newcomers from countries such as India and Pakistan, the British government said yesterday.

Home secretary Jacqui Smith said she was concerned about the impact of record levels of immigration on British communities. Her department has set out rules that will allow people to enter the UK based on youth and academic ability and require more to speak English before they come.

"Migration brings great social and economic benefits to this country," Ms Smith said. "But people expect it to be managed robustly and in support of Britain's national interests."

The plan is part of a wider effort by prime minister Gordon Brown's government to fend off criticism from the Conservative party that a surging population is straining hospitals, schools and police.

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A record 591,000 immigrants arrived in the UK last year, with more than two-thirds coming from outside the EU, according to a report from the Office for National Statistics.

Immigration minister Liam Byrne rejected suggestions that the limits would hurt business, saying the UK can get all the low-skilled labour it needs from within the EU, even as London draws in construction workers to prepare for the Olympic Games in 2012.

The home office published details of its new points-based immigration system, which begins early next year and is aimed at encouraging highly skilled workers to enter the UK.

It awards points to people applying for visas, with marks going to those with qualifications such as doctorates, competence in English and previous earnings. Special concessions will be made for entrepreneurs and people investing more than £1 million pounds (€1.38 million) in the country. - (Bloomberg)