UK’s home minister Theresa May is going to take a new decision of imposing a cap of 24,000 on non EU professionals between the months of July 2010 to April 2011.But her decision will be affecting many non Europeans professional who every year migrate to UK for employment purposes. Many leading professionals from India and other non European Union countries have come together to speak against this decision.

This policy will affect the lives of many Indian professional as major non European Union migrants to UK migrate from India only. This is not fair because imposing the cap of 24,000 from this month to July 2011 means UK employers can not recruit more Indians and non Europeans once the limit is reached to cap. But this decision is going to face much opposition by Asians and non EU professionals.

Indians are highest in number to be hired as employees in companies such as IT, education, medicine and other service sectors annually. So, any such cap or limit will be facing maximum opposition from UK business and industries. Forcing a cap can stop easy movement of talented, capable and creative candidates who have contributed the most in making UK a strong nation.

Representatives from Cameron government and British trade have expressed their opposition to this new policy as this would degrade the economic conditions of the nation. Because it restricts the company to recruit capable individuals from other countries whose talent and creativity help the economy to boom

UK government has said that it is not against the immigration because it has cultivated the nation culturally and has also helped in developing the economy. But it must be controlled to protect the UK citizens with unemployment and depletion of country resources.

In a series of measures being brought out by the UK government to implement cuts on immigration, Indians who would want to marry the citizens of UK or be with their spouse who are UK citizens have to clear an English test.

Theresa May, the Home Minister announced these amends. As per May, this amend would be implemented this autumn and that it is mandatory to appear and qualify these examinations. This is specifically mandatory for Indians who would want to live with their partners in UK.

As per the sources from the Home Office, India has been one of the largest contributors of immigrants in the last one year. The UK has permitted around 230,000 immigrants for settlements in the last year which ended on 31st March. Off the above numbers, 50,000 came from India.

According to May, skills in English language should be an important eligibility criterion for those who wish to live in UK. With the new law in place, it would aid in further integration of the nation which would help in reducing barriers pertaining to culture. At the same time, it would also assist in the public services. Also, those coming to the UK are exclusive and hence, it is important to raise the standards for the permission of the migrants. This would make sure that those migrants in UK contribute to the society.

However, May also added that this is just the first of the many steps. As of now, an assessment being carried out for the eligibility criteria of English language for the visa system. This is being done in view to make the restrictions even tougher.

From now on, all the migrants not belonging to the European origin would have to prove their basic skills in English language. This has been implemented as a pilot scheme for now. The skills in English would permit them to go about with their daily life before obtaining a visa.

The above rules would be applicable for all the civil partnerships, same sex partners, spouses as well as unmarried couples. It would also be compulsory for those who would be applying from UK itself.

So, from now on, whoever intending to come to the United Kingdom would have to prove their skills at A1 for English. This level is also required for all the applicants filing under the Skilled Tier of Points Based System. All the spouses would now have to cater to evidence along with their application for visa that they have appeared and cleared the test. More so, they must have catered to a test that is approved by the UK Border Agency.

As of now, all those applying for a spouse visa must prove their marriage or relationship as being genuine and that they are capable to support themselves financially. Despite getting married in the UK or abroad, the applicant would have to obtain a settlement visa which is meant for two years. This would permit them to come and live as a spouse in the UK. Post this period of two years, they can apply for an Indefinitely Leave to Remain to the UK Border Agency.

For the above, another test has to be undergone by the applicant known as the Knowledge of Life and Language in the UK. This would be a level higher than the previous test where in the applicant has to prove the basic skills in English.

Qatar has made its point to curb providing visas on arrival to people from various nations including Britain and the U.S. The process will commence from May 1 onwards.

Before the arrival of these changes, UK and U.S. were amongst those countries whose passport holders were granted entry visas at the time of legal entry into the premises. But according to official sources, US nationals would no longer be able to opt for tourist visas, confirmed the U.S. embassy in Doha. Therefore, it is advised to consult an immigration expert before traveling to Qatar, especially before April 30.

A similar confirmation came from British embassy that in accordance with the new amendments, it is mandatory for the UK visitors to apply for a visa, either in their country of origin, or from wherever they live, before traveling to Qatar

In addition, nationals from countries like France, Germany and Italy will also have to apply for visas before traveling to Qatar. Other countries include Canada, Iceland, Japan, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand, to name a few. But Malaysian embassy confirmed that they have not received any official information on the same. Nothing has been concluded as to why these changes have been implemented.

In addition, applicants from UK intending to apply for a Qatari visa are required to show their financial conditions by showing last three bank statements, showing their identity proofs. In addition, it becomes compulsory fro them to show the presence of a minimum of $1,300 in account.

With these amendments coming into action, prospective immigrants, especially from the concerned countries are advised to take assistance from an Immigration consultant for further guidance.

According to a recent survey conducted by the government of United Kingdom on social attitudes, many locals feel that there should a major cut in the immigration. This response was inspite of the belief that the minority ethnic groups are amalgamating well with the local citizens.

The recent on the citizenship survey included the views and opinions on social attachments from 2001. The poll showed seventy seven percent of the local felt that three should a major reduction in the number of immigrants given a permit to enter. On the other hand, a little more than half of the respondents felt that the cut should be done by a lot.

The above results would now be easily used by all the anti – immigration lobbyists. According to these groups, the conventional political parties are always a step above with the electorate when it comes to this matter. Additionally, many voters also feel that it is one of the main issues which needs to given primary consideration.

The Department of Communities and Local Government conducted the above survey. The poll also said that eighty four percent of the local population nodded that a local suburb is an area where people of different ethnicities came together as one. The response to this was eighty percent in 2005 which clearly shows an increase and a positive sign. This clearly indicates that the response of immigration cut is not based on any form of racial discrimination.

However, the educated professionals and students had a favorable attitude towards immigration. This was not same case with the low wage workers who do not have good academic qualifications and usually end up competing with the immigrant workers. This has also led to the immigration as a backdrop for an electoral war.

Parties like the British National Party have raised doubts and fears in the minds of the people regarding immigration which has sidelined the local people. The survey included fifteen thousand participants from England and Wales.

However, according to the Labour government, the points based system which is applied for the citizens of the non – European countries has aided in the reduction of the number of immigrants.

A promise has been made by the Conservatives to put a hold on the number of immigrants being brought in each year. However, it is yet to be seen how it is to be implemented.

Temporary Visas are a great option to consider, if you are unable or struggling to immigrate to New Zealand on permanent basis! There are a number of options that come under the Temporary Visa Category- Work Permit; Study Visa; and Working Holiday Visa. Let’s find out what are these visa options and what they may require you to meet as prerequisites.

• Work Permit: This temporary visa is for you, if a New Zealand employer is offering you with an employment opportunity. In other words, Work Visas are issued by the Immigration New Zealand to workers from overseas in order to meet specific skills shortages in the country. This visa is granted only for the duration as per the employment contract, or for maximum three years.
• Study Visa: If you are intending to take a short course in New Zealand and that may require you to stay there over three months, you need to obtain a Study Visa for you! This visa will also allow you to work up to twenty hours on a week. However, if you are going to take a short course that requires you to stay in the country for less than three months, then you will not be required to apply for a Student Visa, a visitor visa will work.
• Working Holiday Visa: Under this type of visa category, citizens from certain countries are given the opportunity to undertake short-term employment in New Zealand, while traveling the country. This visa is usually granted for one year, however, with an exception of two years for UK citizens. This doesn’t permit an individual to undertake permanent employment.

To know more about the various New Zealand visa options, contact an Immigration and Visa Consultant!

During the phase of recession, a survey conducted on the UK citizens stated that almost four out of five people were eager to quit Britain and escape the recession. Some of the reasons mentioned for the purpose of immigration were better lifestyle; escape the recession, and the British weather, to name a few.

A majority of them said that they want to migrate to Australia! Let us find out as to what are the facets that actually make Oz a hot destination to migrate. Why not start with the lifestyle! Aussie people are famous for their ravishing and cool attitude that makes the entire place a perfect place to live and enjoy life big time. Not to forget good cuisine, awesome weather and apt cost-of-living.

Let me tell you that the cost of living in Australia is much cheaper as compared to the UK. The improved quality of life, world-class health care facilities, educational institutes and job opportunities, Aussie life is certainly one of the bets in the world. In addition, the place is attired with scintillating beaches and picnics outdoor that leaves no scope of boredom at all.

Also, Aussie cities offer a high standard of living with comparatively less expensive real estate and high politic stability that makes the country a hot-shot destination to travel, study, live and do business ventures, all at one place! Just hire an Immigration expert who would guide you on all queries linked with your Immigration and visa issues!