The new UK’s points-based post-Brexit immigration policy has lowered minimum skillset for immigrant job seekers to A-level or equivalent from degree-level under the 27-member European Union bloc. PHOTO | SHUTTERSTOCK Skilled Kenyans with experience working for British multinationals or firms with links in the UK may find it easier getting work permits in Britain under the new immigration policy that kicks in from January, a top UK government official has said.
James Duddridge, the UK minister for Africa, said “people who have lived and have done a bit of work” in the UK, worked for companies with links to British firms and “have cultural appreciation of the UK society” stand to score more points under the new work visa rules.
“It brings much greater clarity about what is required and …this is absolutely brilliant for Africa,” Mr Duddridge said, likening it to the world’s famed Australian-style points-based system for immigrant workers.
“That’s good news for African wanting to come to Britain.”
The new UK’s points-based post-Brexit immigration policy has lowered minimum skillset for immigrant job seekers to A-level or equivalent from degree-level under the 27-member European Union bloc which UK will cut links from at the end 11-month transition period this month.
The new UK work permit rule, which has been open for applications from December 1, treats all foreigners equally unlike the previous work visa policy which had “free movement rights” clause for citizens of the EU bloc member countries.
Under the new regime, an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) leave will be valid for up to five years in a rolling period of six years six-year, unlike currently where they are barred from re-entering the UK for 12 months after leaving.
High-income earners on a minimum annual pay of £73,900 (Sh10.88 million), or Sh906,879 a month, will be allowed to hold Intra-Company Transfer leave for nine years in a 10-year rolling period.
This will give advantage to Kenyans working with British multinationals such as Diageo (East African Breweries), Standard Chartered Bank, British American Tobacco, GlaxoSmithKline, Tullow Oil, De La Rue, among others.
Immigrant workers are required to score at least 70 points under new work permit rulebook.