UK Government's New Immigration Plan 'Will Slash 90,000 Unskilled EU Migrants a Year'
Boris Johnson signs migration system to cut unskilled arrivals from European Union
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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has signed off on a new immigration plan that will slash the number of unskilled migrants entering the UK from the European Union by up to 90,000 a year, according to reports.
The plan is part of the government's post-Brexit immigration system and was approved by Home Secretary Priti Patel last week.
The Australian-style blueprint for immigration aims to offset the reduction in unskilled and welfare-dependent migrants with a rise in skilled workers coming to the UK.
Johnson and Patel are believed to have signed off on the new points-based arrangements last week.
After Mr. Johnson carries out his long-awaited reshuffle, it will be put to full Cabinet on Friday.
The new rules will then come into effect on January 1, 2021, after the Brexit transition period ends and the United Kingdom no longer needs to follow Brussels rules.
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Mr. Johnson has insisted he wants to "bear down" on immigration, according to the Daily Mail.
He has ditched the previous Conservative Party targets of the "tens of thousands," however.
Official figures showed net long-term migration was 212,000 in the year to June.
It is understood the new scheme will scrap the route into the UK for unskilled migrants.
That could immediately cut numbers of unskilled EU migrants by 90,000 a year.
But officials are said to have predicted a rise in skilled migrants coming to the UK - which was 65,000 a year on the most recent estimate.
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Under existing rules, skilled migrants from outside the EU must have a job offer with a minimum salary of £30,000 ($39k).
But this threshold is expected to be lowered to £25,600 ($33k).
That would be in line with a recent report from the independent Migration Advisory Committee.
Workers earning less could still get a visa to work in the UK if they work in a sector with a skills shortage.
Speaking good English or having an "outstanding" educational background will add "points" towards getting a visa.
A letter outlining the details of the policy is being sent to Cabinet this weekend, ahead of the meeting on Friday.
