Tuesday 9 September 2008

BBC NEWS | Politics | New migrant worker rules outlined

The list of UK jobs likely to be open to workers from outside the EU has been unveiled as part of a new "points based" migration system.A panel of experts was asked by ministers to work out which type of jobs had shortages. The list includes skilled nurses and consultants, some engineering jobs, maths and English teachers.

Citizens of other EU states - except Bulgaria and Romania - are already entitled to work in the UK without restrictions.

Unskilled workers from other parts of the world are currently banned but highly qualified migrants or those with substantial sums to invest are allowed to live and work in the UK.

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) list refers to "skilled workers" - those with the equivalent of two A Levels or NVQ Level 3. They must also have a good grasp of English, a job offer with potential earnings of £24,000 and enough money to support themselves until their first pay cheque if they want to work in the UK.

Among the occupations on it are:

  • Consultants and specialist nurses
  • Some engineering jobs, including chemical and civil engineers
  • Quantity surveyors
  • Maths and English teachers
  • Ship and hovercraft officers
  • Veterinary surgeons
  • Sheep shearers
  • Jockeys and horse trainers

Doctors from outside Europe will no longer be able to work in Britain as salaried GP, under the new rules.

BBC NEWS Politics New migrant worker rules outlined