A new points-based system by the end of 2020?

Recent reports have suggested a renewed urgency by the government to bring forward plans for a new post-Brexit immigration system, ostensibly to be introduced by the start of 2021.

The Conservative Government has made no secret of its desire to change the UK’s current points-based system and implement an ‘Australian-style’ points-based system, although the details are so far sketchy. It now seems that the government is keen to devise the new system as soon as possible, to ensure that it is ready for implementation by the end of the transition period on 31 December.

The Migration Advisory Committee is due to publish its report imminently into the £30,000 salary threshold currently applicable to most non-EEA migrant workers. The noises from government are that the threshold will either be reduced or be abolished completely, which might cause consternation among voters in the 2019 who wanted to see a much more stringent immigration system.

The government does not have long in which to finalise plans for the new immigration regime given the clock is ticking on the transition period. Given that timetable, it is highly likely the changes will be phased in over a number of years. Watch this space…