British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announced here on Wednesday a point-based immigration system to be introduced for highly skilled immigrants from non-European Union countries to ensure a more secure border, while the unskilled workers are to be barred from entry.
Under the new system, which comes in force in 100 days, unskilled immigrants from non-EU countries will not be welcome in Britain.
"Migration brings great social and economic benefits to this country. But people expect it to be properly managed robustly and in support of Britain's national interest," said Smith.
Applicants will be given points for past and current earnings, age (maximum points if under 28), qualifications including those post-graduation, and aptitude for English.
They will also need to demonstrate that they have the finances to support themselves, and those with criminal convictions will find it very difficult to enter.
According to the Home Office, high skilled migrants include university graduates, business people, investors, people with financial services background, IT workers, and those in the fields of education and health.
There is no point-based system for low-skilled workers, as the British government believes they can be sourced from within the EU, where people enjoy free entry to Britain.
Under new proposals, spouses who apply for entry to Britain may also have to sit English language assessments.
Last year, some 12,000 unskilled migrants from non-EU countries in Africa, America and Asia came to work in Britain.
Critics of the new system fear that it will bar low-skill workers who are needed in the British economy from entering the country.
Source: Xinhua
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