North London Chinese Association 北倫敦華人協會

The Home Secretary announces a new route for skilled workers, strengthened border security and an end to free movement as part of a new immigration system.

Image of a female engineer working

From the Gov.UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/home-secretary-announces-new-skills-based-immigration-system

The Home Secretary announces a new route for skilled workers, strengthened border security and an end to free movement as part of a new immigration system.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid today (Wednesday 19 December) set out plans for a new single, skills-based immigration system which marks the end of free movement.

The new immigration system will introduce a new route for skilled workers which favours experience and talent over nationality. It will enable employers to have access to the skills they need from around the world, while ensuring net migration is reduced to sustainable levels.

The White Paper proposals will, in line with the recommendations made by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC);

• remove the annual cap on the number of work visas issued
• widen the skills threshold to include people with qualifications equivalent of A levels
• ends the requirements for labour market tests by employers wanting to sponsor a worker.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid said:

Today’s proposals are the biggest change to our immigration system in a generation.

We are taking a skills-based approach to ensure we can attract the brightest and best migrants to the UK.

These measures will boost our economy and benefit the British people.

There will also be a new route for workers at any skill level for a temporary period. This will allow all businesses have the staff they need as we move to the new immigration system but ensure they have the incentive to train young people in the future.

The 12-month visa will provide access to the labour market, but no access to benefits. People arriving on this route will not be able to bring family members with them, won’t accrue rights to settle in the UK and will have a 12-month cooling off period once their visa expires. These proposals will be discussed with business as part of the extensive engagement programme planned.

The White Paper proposals will also ensure there is no limit on the number of genuine international students, who can come to the UK to study. Proposals extend the time they can stay post-study to find employment to six months for those who have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree and 12 months for those who have completed a PhD.

The White Paper proposes measures to improve border security checks and support frictionless flow of legitimate passengers’ checks. These include:

• creating a single, consistent approach to criminality by aligning both EU and non-EU criminality thresholds
• ending the use national ID cards as a form of travel documentation for EU citizens as soon as is practicable, given these documents are more insecure and open to abuse than passports
• introducing an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme to allow vital information to be collected at an earlier stage before visitors, who does not require a visa, travel. This will give visitors greater certainty that they will be able to enter the UK on arrival
• allowing citizens from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, USA, Singapore and South Korea to use e-gates to pass through the border on arrival, alongside EU and UK citizens

The Immigration and Social Security Coordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill to be published on Thursday 20 December ends free movement and creates the legal framework for the future borders and immigration system. It also creates the legal framework for a future, single benefits system that will apply to both EU and non-EU nationals and maintains the Common Travel Area between the UK and Ireland.

The new immigration and borders system will be implemented in a phased approach from 2021 following an extensive 12-month programme of engagement with businesses, stakeholders and the public by the Home Office.

From The Times of India: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/pak-origin-sajid-javid-backs-plan-to-re-introduce-two-year-post-study-work-visas/articleshow/69695989.cms

LONDON: Pakistan-origin British home secretary Sajid Javid is backing plans to allow international students to remain in the UK for two years after they complete their studies.
Writing in the Financial Times (FT) on Friday, Theresa May’s last day as Conservative leader, Javid, among the Tory leadership hopefuls, said: “The former universities minister Jo Johnson has won support across the House of Commons for a programme of post-study visas for foreign students, allowing them to stay and work in the UK for two years after they graduate from a British university.

It makes no sense to send some of the world’s brightest and most enterprising people straight home after their time here. So as prime minister I would make Mr Johnson’s plan government policy.”
It was in 2012, when May was in charge of the home office (2010-2016), that the two-year post-study work visa was abolished. Indian student numbers subsequently fell from 39,090 in 2010-11 to 16,550 in 2016-17. In 2017-18, the number rose to 19,750.
Currently, Indian students have to leave the UK after six months or transfer to another visa.

MP Jo Johnson, an ex-FT South Asia bureau chief, has tabled a cross-party amendment to the Immigration and Social Security Coordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill, which has the backing of 78 cross-party MPs, to re-introduce the scheme and remove students from annual net migration targets.
His amendment states that European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals should be allowed “to remain to search for work or gain work experience in the UK for a period of at least two years after the completion of their higher education course” and they must not be “included in any numerical limit on the number of entry visas issued”. The bill is currently at report stage in the House of Commons.
Johnson, the brother of Boris Johnson MP, explained: “The scope of the bill is just about EEA and Swiss nationals as this bill is about ending EU freedom of movement in the UK so we were only able to get this amendment accepted, but that does not matter because government policy is for EEA and non-EU nationals to be treated the same post-Brexit. So once we have created the two-year post-study work visa, the government will need to level up for non-EEA nationals as it will all be one system and that is why this will affect Indian students.”
“It’s been a constant goal of mine to reverse the decline in the number of Indian students coming to study in the UK ever since I was universities minister. I hope this will help make the UK a top choice for Indian students in the years to come,” Johnson said.
“It can happen as soon as the bill is enacted or the home office can choose to make it policy now,” Johnson added. “The government has a choice. It either accepts this clause or it accepts defeat in the House of Commons as it will lose the vote if this clause is not added,” he said.

Shared from Sky News: UK braces for bank holiday heatwave as temperatures set to soar to record-breaking 33C https://news.sky.com/story/uk-braces-for-bank-holiday-heatwave-as-temperatures-set-to-soar-to-record-breaking-33c-13546561

The 32.8C record for May set in London’s Camden Square in 1922 could be surpassed.

Temperatures are set to soar this bank holiday weekend, with a chance of record-breaking 33C (91F) May highs in parts of the UK.

Health alerts have been issued as the country braces for a heatwave from Friday through to next week.

Sky News weather presenter Jo Wheeler said the UK could see the hottest day of the year so far – smashing the 26.6C (79F) at London’s Kew Gardens on 8 April.

Meanwhile, the 32.8C (91F) record for May set in the capital’s Camden Square in 1922 could be surpassed.

Over the weekend, temperatures in the UK are expected to exceed those forecast in Mediterranean hotspots including Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini.

On Friday, the mercury is forecast to hit 29C (84F) – with a 20% chance of 30C (86F) – across the East Midlands, East Anglia, London and north Kent.

On Saturday, temperatures of 30C (86F) – with a 20% chance of 32C (89F) – are expected in Greater London.

While on Sunday they could hit 31-32C (87-89F) – with a 20% chance of 34C (93F) – across south and southeast England and the South Midlands.

Monday looks set to be even hotter, with 32-33C (89-91F) – with a 50% chance of 34C (93F) – forecast for south England and the Midlands.

And on Tuesday, 31-32C (87-89F) – with a 20% chance of 34C (93F) – is expected in south England.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued heat health alerts covering much of the Midlands, eastern and southeast England.

Officials are warning of “minor impacts” across health and social care services, including a greater risk to life for vulnerable people.

The Alzheimer’s Society said people with dementia are likely to be more vulnerable in warmer conditions.

The charity outlined ways to support loved ones or neighbours with dementia by leaving drinking water within easy reach and ensuring they opt for light-coloured, airy clothes, stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, take cool showers and keep blinds closed.

The British Heart Foundation said heart patients also face potential dangers in the heat and should take extra precautions to minimise health risks.

Asthma + Lung UK also issued advice for those with lung conditions, including taking any preventer inhaler as prescribed and keeping a reliever inhaler handy to treat symptoms quickly.

Karen Spillett, deputy head of health advice at the charity, said: “Hot weather can affect breathing and make symptoms like breathlessness and wheezing worse for people with asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and other lung conditions.

“Warmer weather often causes rising pollen levels and increases the presence of a toxic air pollutant called ozone.

“These can make it harder to breathe and put people at risk of a flare-up or asthma attack, which can be life-threatening and require emergency care.”

There may also be an increased danger of water-related incidents such as drowning and cold-water shock.

The RNLI said choosing a lifeguarded beach, swimming between the red and yellow flags, and dialling 999 or 112 and asking for the coastguard in an emergency can make all the difference in staying safe on the coast.

Samantha Hughes, RNLI water safety partner, said: “If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, try to remain calm and remember float to live: lean back with your ears submerged, extend your arms and legs, and float until you can control your breathing and wait for help to arrive or before moving to safety.”

Campaign group River Action additionally warned of the health risks posed by poor water quality, even in designated bathing spots.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and Children’s Burn Trust are also urging people to take care if they are planning a barbecue.

Rebecca Guy, senior policy manager at RoSPA, said: “Barbecues cause serious burns every year, often because people underestimate how hot they stay long after cooking has finished.

“Children should be kept well away from barbecues at all times, and disposable barbecues must never be moved or put in bins until they are completely cold.

“Simple steps like safe placement, supervision and proper disposal can prevent life-changing injuries.”

A heatwave in the UK is officially recorded when an area experiences at least three consecutive days with temperatures meeting or exceeding the region’s threshold.

Steve Kocher, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: “Temperatures will climb through the weekend, especially in the south, where 30C is likely to be recorded on Saturday and 32C on Sunday.

“Temperatures are forecast to peak on Monday when we could see 33C recorded in southern England and the Midlands.

“It is likely that the May and spring UK temperature records will be broken over the bank holiday weekend, with forecast temperatures surpassing the existing record of 32.8C.

“As well as it being hot, there will be lots of dry and sunny weather for much of the UK.

“There will, however, be more cloud and some showers in Northern Ireland and western Scotland through the weekend.

“With relatively low sea surface temperatures, there is also likely to be some low cloud and sea fog clinging closely to western coasts.”

Strikes that had been planned for London’s underground system this week have been suspended.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union members had been due to walk out at noon on Tuesday, and again on Thursday.

But on Monday it said there had been a change in stance from employers, Transport for London (TfL).

A union spokesperson said: “At the 11th hour the employer has shifted its position allowing us to further explore our members concerns around the imposition of new rosters, fatigue and safety issues.

“The dispute is not over and more strike action will follow if we fail to make sufficient progress.”

Strikes scheduled for 16 and 18 June have also been called off.

However, the union instead announced new 24-hour strike dates of 2 and 4 June if the dispute remains unresolved.

It says its members oppose a new four-day working week arrangement on the underground.

Nick Dent, director of customer operations for London Underground, said: “We are pleased that RMT has withdrawn its planned industrial action this week. This is good news for London.

“Our proposal for a voluntary four-day week is designed to improve both work-life balance for drivers and the reliability of service for customers.

“We look forward to further discussions on the implementation of these proposals with all of our trade unions.”

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

A number of Americans have reportedly been exposed to the Ebola virus. It comes after an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda was declared an emergency of “international concern” by the WHO. Follow the latest on the Ebola outbreak here.ganda cancels Christian celebration and tells pilgrims ‘to go home’

Uganda has asked pilgrims travelling to the country from the Democratic Republic of Congo for Martyrs’ Day to “return home”.

The annual Christian celebrations mark the executions of dozens of Catholic and Anglican converts in the 1880s.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said that after talks with his country’s epidemic task force, the event was postponed.

He went on:

“This decision was made because Uganda receives thousands of pilgrims annually from Eastern Congo, which is currently experiencing an Ebola outbreak. To safeguard everyone’s lives, it is essential that this important event be postponed. I encourage those who have begun their journey to return home.”

However, according to Vatican News, “a sizeable number” of pilgrims have already travelled into the country.

It said they crossed into Uganda on 15 May and are being hosted at a church in the Kasese District.

It added:

“Several additional groups are reported to be en route.”

For context: So far, Uganda has two lab-confirmed cases, which include one death.

The heart of the outbreak is in the Ituri Province, in the DRC, which borders Uganda.

The way learner drivers can book a test in the UK changes from today.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) started the overhaul, which sees only learners able to book, change or swap a car driving test, in March, with more changes to come.

The government says the changes are to tackle a backlog of more than 600,000 waiting for a test to be carried out. It comes months after it set out its new road safety programme.

But what else is changing? And why is this happening?

From Tuesday, the DVSA said only learner drivers will be able to book and manage a car driving test for themselves.

It is now against the law for instructors to manage bookings for their pupils. Those learning will have to make or manage bookings on the government website.

There will also be a new set of terms and conditions for learners to agree to when booking their tests.

The DVSA adds that learners will still be able to get help from someone they know – including a friend, family member, or a supporter at work – to book and manage their driving test, but the person helping must be with them at the time.

New regulations have already been brought in. A change in March means that learners are only permitted to make two changes to their test bookings before having to cancel the booking outright.

These include changing the date or time of a test, changing the test centre, and swapping your appointment with another learner driver who already has a test booked.

And last year, military driving examiners were mobilised to test civilians.

More rule revisions are to come: From 9 June, learners are only able to move their test locations to their nearest three centres.

The changes only apply to car driving tests – they do not apply to other types of tests, like motorcycles – and are not in effect in Northern Ireland.

Why is this happening?

The DVSA says the reforms were “in order to make the process fairer”, to tackle the driving test backlog, and to cut waiting times.

At the end of October, the government said there were 642,000 learner drivers in Britain with a future test booking.

The DVSA attributed that to an increase in demand and people booking tests much earlier than before.

Other government bodies have flagged an issue with tests. In a report from September last year, the National Audit Office (NAO) said the wait from booking to a test was 22 weeks across the UK.

It also found that the length of time spent waiting meant around 31% of DVSA survey respondents had paid a third-party reseller of test slots or a test slot cancellation checker service to secure a session.

In some cases, people paid up to £500 to third parties, which the NAO notes is “a significantly higher price than DVSA’s standard weekday test fee of £62”.

The DVSA also noted in January that attempts to cheat on driving tests in Britain had soared by 47% in a year. It said there was no evidence to link that with the backlog.

Have any other changes been proposed?

In January, it was reported that learner drivers could have to complete a minimum period of driving before being allowed to take their tests.

Ministers were considering introducing the minimum learning period for new drivers in England and Wales as part of a wider road safety strategy, which was subject to consultation.

The government believes introducing either a three or six-month learning period could save lives and reduce the number of crashes. However, this has not yet been announced as policy.

Drivers under the age of 25 represent 6% of licence holders but were involved in 24% of fatal and serious crashes in 2024, according to government figures.