The new policy will come into force from January 1 next year and treat EU and non-EU citizens the same. Photo: ReutersBritain will prioritise access for high-skilled workers from around the world in its post-Brexit, points-based immigration system, the government says, setting out its plans to put an end to a reliance on "cheap labour from Europe". The new system will assign points for specific skills, qualifications, salaries or professions and only give visas to those who have enough points. Skilled workers will need to meet criteria including specific skills and the ability to speak English, the government said, and those applying will need to have a job offer. There will be no specific entry route for low-skilled workers, something the government hopes will help reduce the number of migrants.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 18, 2020 22:41 UTC