Foreign GPs, midwives and teachers are facing tougher immigration tests
Thousands of foreign GPs, midwives, teachers and social workers will find it harder to come to work in Britain under a new Government immigration clampdown.
By Christopher Hope
Home Affairs Editor
The Telegraph
Last Updated: 1:45AM BST 10 Sep 2008
Skilled immigrants coming to the UK have to pass a number of points based hurdles before arrival
The Home Office's Migration Advisory Committee published a new list of nearly 200 skilled occupations – rated as the equivalent of two A-levels or above – which can be filled by migrant workers under new immigration rules.
However they exclude a number of occupations which previously have been filled by migrants from outside the European Economic Area – the European Union plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein – under the old work permit scheme.
They include salaried GPs – such as those traditionally from the Indian sub-Continent – who will now find it harder to come to work in the UK.
Social workers, midwives and foreign teachers, apart from those teaching maths and science, skilled construction workers, IT specialists and architects from outside the EEA will also find it tougher to get into Britain.
The new list details 700,000 jobs which are potentially open to migrants, 15 per cent of which – around 105,000 – are currently vacant and could be filled by foreigners after the new “points based” immigration system comes into force in November.
This is despite a member of the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee recently warning that unemployment could hit two million by Christmas.
There were particular shortages among civil and chemical engineers, quantity ship and hovercraft officers, skilled chefs earning more than 8.10 an hour, skilled sheep shearers and vets.
Professor David Metcalf, the committee's chairman, said: “Don't think we are a soft touch. There are rather more jobs which we have excluded from the list than we have included.”
Additional job shortages in Scotland mean that migrants offering to fill a number of additional occupations will be allowed to enter the UK, including frozen fish filleters, nurses in elderly units and speech and language therapists.
The committee rated 353 occupations and 26,000 different job titles by five key indicators including pay, qualifications and training and experience to determine which and jobs were skilled.
They then used 12 different indicators to decide which sectors of the economy are suffering from a skills shortage.
Skilled immigrants coming to the UK have to pass a number of points based hurdles before coming to the UK including speaking English, a job offer paying more than 24,000 a year and a sponsoring employer.
Under the points based system, foreigners need 70 points to enter the UK. Speaking English is worth 10 points while other points come from skill and salary levels. If the job is on the shortage list, it is worth an extra 50 points.
Prof Metcalf admitted that the focus on salary would mean that pressures to keep wage inflation down in the UK could result in more migrants coming to the UK. He said: “If you keep wages down you probably will need more immigrants.”
Ministers will study the list before publishing the final version next month.
Home Office Minister Tony McNulty said the list “seems broadly right” and he expected the Government to issue a “remarkably similar” list in five or six weeks.
Plans for which unskilled workers under the tier three scheme are currently suspended because the Government said there are enough unskilled workers already in the EEA, the Home Office said.
The Tories criticised the plans. Shadow Home Secretary Dominic Grieve said: “This announcement shows yet again that when it comes to managing immigration the government still don't get it.
“A points-based system without an annual limit is pointless. The government need to understand that sound immigration policy is not just about admitting the right type of people to Britain but the right amount.”
The Recruitment and Employment Confederation warned that excluding social and hospitality workers could create labour shortages.
Tom Hadley, a spokesman, said: “The effect of the compromise position on social care and hospitality workers will need to be watched. It is vital that positions in these areas can continue to be resourced.”
The report comes after a coalition of MPs and peers from all parties called for significant cuts in immigration and a new “one in, one out” policy.
The Cross-Party Group on Balanced Migration called for a policy of balanced migration, under which immigration levels are capped in line with the number of emigrants to maintain a stable UK population over time.
The jobs foreigners will find it harder to fill:
Salaried GPs
Social workers
Midwives
Teachers (except maths and science)
Transportation and highways engineers
Traffic engineers or transport planners
Highways design/planning engineers
Electricity generation engineers
Hospital consultants working in areas including cardiology and geriatric medicine
Source: Migration Advisory Committee
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Comments: 28
WHY ?
Can someone please tell me why the UK is paying child benefit to Polish families living in Poland? Plum Tart on September 12, 2008 at 05:44 PM Report this comment
“However they exclude a number of occupations …”
“They include salaried GPs…”
This is dreadfully misleading writing. Are the subs still on holiday?
You apparently meant to write the opposite: that the excluded occupations list, among other, salaried GPs etc.
jaytt on September 11, 2008 at 11:53 AM Report this comment
We've been through this before on a number of occasions. General discontent about a current situation, in this case immigration policies out of control, so the government comes out with a new “eye catching” initiative and nothing really changes.
Foreign Doctors coming to UK to work should be required to sit examinations at strictest British standards. If they fail they can go back home or accept a lower grade position than what they are supposedly qualified for.
Before independence for India many Merchant Marine officers arranged to take professional qualifications for Mate or Master in India or similar spots. These were derisorily referred to as 'curry and rice tickets' as I recall. Irvin in US on September 11, 2008 at 11:50 AM Report this comment
Just one word….
'good' antony Lynton-Liar on September 11, 2008 at 11:48 AM Report this comment
Sir,
Since when has Uganda been in Asia? When I was in school it was in Africa.
Oh! well as Shirley Bassey says 'this is not the England…….
Yours sincerely,
J.S.Vazifdar J.S.Vazifdar on September 11, 2008 at 11:48 AM Report this comment
Getting admission in a medical college/school in India is tougher in India than in the UK. If you do not believe, try yourself. eshrar latif on September 11, 2008 at 11:48 AM Report this comment
In some third world countries it is possible to buy medical and nursing qualifications. I know because I have worked with some of these people in the Middle East who admitted to as much. Some were found out to be bogus and deported. Paul on September 11, 2008 at 11:47 AM Report this comment
In response to your comment steve, individuals recruited from abroad have to pass rigourous tests to meet standards of UK workers before being employed. Therefore, they have not necessarily been “lowering standards” – this is a dangerous and somewhat unhelpful misconception. The reason these roles were not filled by British workers in the first place was because either we were not qualified or we did not want to do the job (i.e we thought it was 'too hard', 'too dirty' etc). With this new legislation, hopefully many more British-born youngsters will now be encouraged and inspired to study harder for their A' Levels so that they will be deemed [cap]able to to fill these professional roles. Geoff on September 11, 2008 at 11:44 AM Report this comment
the same is happening in the states. in this case it is done in the name of stock holders profits. i don't recognize the profession i entered 30 yrs ago. DON F JOHNSTON MD on September 11, 2008 at 11:41 AM Report this comment
This labour government has run amok with its lax immigration legislation over the last eleven years. It has pursued the same policy every time it has been in office since 1946. The 1949 Commonwealth and Immigration Act was a forerunner to its flagrant disregard of the peoples concern of inward migration. It has continued to allow vast numbers to come: initially from the West Indies, then from India and Pakistan followed by Ugandan refugees, who were not refugees in fact, but Indian who should have gone back to India or to a neighbouring country inside Africa. But the Labour party in government had an agenda that they could not then, and cannot now disclose. It came about as they recognised that they could not stay in office or be subsequently re-elected unless they secured a base of supporters, which base was increasingly diminishing. They sought votes from afar. Foreigners, who, when they arrived, would be grateful to them and provide support, thus filling the hole that was widening by the day. As they have demonstrated so many times in the last eleven years, the Labour party are totally devoid of the ability to consider the consequence of their actions. I will not elaborate, but anyone who follows the political news will understand just what they are. They were probably unaware that vast numbers would move into our major cities, often taking over major positions there. When they did realise what was happening, Tony Blair was on the scene and it was a short step for him, with the domination of the inner cities (euphemism for immigrant control) to step into government. With their late belief in Europe – and now the 'Blair encouraged' inward migration from the eastern side of Europe – the Labour party see that any short-fall in support can easily be replaced, and this may well give some understanding to why they are about to restrict immigration from other than the European Union. In short, it was not magnanimity but the necessity for the labour party's survival that we have a major problem in the UK. But it is a problem and it has destroyed our cultural heritage which can never be put back together. It is the enduring legacy of the Labour party. Their proposed new immigration laws need careful scrutiny, a task which will not be undertaken by Cameron, as their is an apparent loophole which will allow them, through immigration, to maintain their political position. Our left wing biased, state controlled, monopoly broadcast corporation are Labours tool and we can expect them to front Labours direction and purpose in the coming months. Perduta on September 11, 2008 at 11:41 AM Report this comment
It is harder to qualify as a doctor in India or Sri Lanka than it is in the UK. Moreover all doctors from the subcontinent have to pass a very strict PLAB exam conducted by the General Medical Council. This includes professional as well as linguistic abilities. A trial attempt at the exam by UK graduates showed that the majority of them failed the professional part. I have seen doctors from EU appear at interviews in the UK with interpretors or dictionaries in their hands. They speak poor English and do not have to prove their competency by means of an exam; but they are ok because they are from EU. Care workers will not be allowed to come to the UK; how many British citizens you know would be willing to wipe your elderly parents' bottom in a nursing home or work with your mentally retarded children? The Migration Advisory Commitee has very conveniently ignored the positive contribution made by migrants to this country. The dedication and immeasureable hard work of the doctors, nurses and care workers who gave their life and soul to look after your sick and needy can so easily be forgotton; this ungratefulness is what beggars belief! TJ on September 11, 2008 at 11:40 AM Report this comment
So they've made it harder for midwives and GPs? Whats the bet they'll still let in Muslim fundamentalists, Russian mafia and ex-Somalian child soldiers. Alex on September 11, 2008 at 11:36 AM Report this comment
At the moment UK is in a recession. Who is responsible for this? Credit crunch?
As a result, an increasing number of migrants are leaving because of this undeniable fact. And increasingly, Europe-UK needs South Asia more than South Asia needs UK-Europe. Joe on September 11, 2008 at 11:33 AM Report this comment
What total rubbish, I cannot speak for the Indian Sub continent but Medical education in the Philippines is of a much higher standard than that in the UK, It is taught in English and the pass levels are far higher , Steve simply does not know what he is talking about. Ian on September 11, 2008 at 11:33 AM Report this comment
I guese it is time for packing for me. I migrated from Zibabwe worked as Teacher in PE decided to change my sudject to IT so did a post graduate in Education PE (used all my savings 16 000 -[kicking my self now should have bought a new Rav 4) and I will only be able to work for a year if I work on Graduate Program and after that it Goodbye. I had hope to stay so even learnt about UK and European history so I will pass the immigration test even my seven year old daugther got her into ballet. Now I will certanly not get a visa with the new rules, so i go back pennyless back to Zim. What will my family say i bring I cerificate to help start the fire and a mobile phone to use as touch at night. May I make it clear i do not hat anyone, I have enjoyed mytime, I am captain of Hall Green Football team, comitte member of Birmingham City Football club, and regular at Edbaston Criken club. See you when you visit Zim, we will have a lot of stories to talk about. Elton elton muzondo on September 11, 2008 at 11:32 AM Report this comment
It's good news at last,common sense may prevail,push this through …please.Continue with real policies and I'll encourage my son to train as a Doctor,stay and work in this country for the common good,there might be a future for the native population after all.Can we now reverse Thatchers privatisations.
Carry on and I may regain my pride in GB. Rob on September 11, 2008 at 11:31 AM Report this comment
my father was 'cared' for by nurses from the Phillipines, in reality, they either did not, or would not speak English, when I get older, I would rather have no medical care, than be cared by someone who refuses to speak English, in a hospital in England H.Villosa on September 11, 2008 at 11:31 AM Report this comment
Yeah, yeah,does anyone really believe anything of the kind will happen.
If it's labours intention to cut the numbers of foreign nationals,then why don't they start with the high percentage illegal immigrants and foreign criminals.
They can achieve nothibng without binning the heinous HRA and they won't be doing that anytime soon. Rosina on September 11, 2008 at 11:28 AM Report this comment
for Steve,
I have been in hospital a few times this year, and one of the nurses caring for me was from the phillipines she was a sister on the ward, she often stopped to chat to me laugh and joked I asked her the difference between her hospitals and NHS her answer was money she could earn a lot more here and they dont seem to have the problems of bugs on the wards like us.
she told me their training was far stricter than here and you could only get training if you were from a good family and could afford to pay for the training which was to a higher standard than here. Some of the NHS nurses agreed saying she has qualifications to be envied if the NHS nurse wants the same she has to sit different courses.
Of course the same cannot be said for other foreign staff a lot of which work for agencies most that I met could'nt speak English so how did they get in? Ed James on September 11, 2008 at 11:27 AM Report this comment
Does Steve live in the same country as I do? Were it not for the foreign medical staff, we would all be in a much worse state. Given the state of our education system, its a surprise that we manage tochurn out even one doctor who can spell let alone diagnose. This move will lead to a deterioration of the British health care sector. We should curb illegal immigration and let in more qualified foregners to wake up our obese and lazy youth ! raj on September 11, 2008 at 09:58 AM Report this comment
This labour government has run amok with its lax immigration legislation over the last eleven years. It has pursued the same policy every time it has been in office since 1946. The 1949 Commonwealth and Immigration Act was a forerunner to its flagrant disregard of the peoples concern of inward migration. It has continued to allow vast numbers to come: initially from the West Indies, then from India and Pakistan followed by Ugandan refugees, who were not refugees in fact, but Indian who should have gone back to India or to a neighbouring country inside Africa. But the Labour party in government had an agenda that they could not then, and cannot now disclose. It came about as they recognised that they could not stay in office or be subsequently re-elected unless they secured a base of supporters, which base was increasingly diminishing. They sought votes from afar. Foreigners, who, when they arrived, would be grateful to them and provide support, thus filling the hole that was widening by the day. As they have demonstrated so many times in the last eleven years, the Labour party are totally devoid of the ability to consider the consequence of their actions. I will not elaborate, but anyone who follows the political news will understand just what they are. They were probably unaware that vast numbers would move into our major cities, often taking over major positions there. When they did realise what was happening, Tony Blair was on the scene and it was a short step for him, with the domination of the inner cities (euphemism for immigrant control) to step into government. With their late belief in Europe – and now the 'Blair encouraged' inward migration from the eastern side of Europe – the Labour party see that any short-fall in support can easily be replaced, and this may well give some understanding to why they are about to restrict immigration from other than the European Union. In short, it was not magnanimity but the necessity for the labour party's survival that we have a major problem in the UK. But it is a problem and it has destroyed our cultural heritage which can never be put back together. It is the enduring legacy of the Labour party. Their proposed new immigration laws need careful scrutiny, a task which will not be undertaken by Cameron, as their is an apparent loophole which will allow them, through immigration, to maintain their political position. Our left wing biased, state controlled, monopoly broadcast corporation are Labours tool and we can expect them to front Labours direction and purpose in the coming months. Perduta on September 11, 2008 at 09:25 AM Report this comment
Geez what a surprise. Nice one Brownie. Keep the nutters running the asylum while all the Doctors etc are kept out. Great move. As much as I love my country, when I see the edumacation system being ripped apart by socialist, communist and moslem fanatical ass kissers, one has to wonder why a generation of brainwashed youth is unable or unwilling to achieve the status of Doctor, Nurse or any other formerly respected position in society. They are too busy playing video games, not reading, killing each other, doing drugs,acting anti social, disrespecting anyone older than 17, and God forbid they would be expected to actually WORK more than 7 hours a day.
So you wonder why the work ethic of people from Asia and other less well off places is so high… Sure Brownie, lock the gates of hell, and as they say in that old joke “OK lads, tea break over, back on yer heads!”
Oh, good luck with that policy by the way : ) Robin Thompson on September 10, 2008 at 05:47 PM Report this comment
I qualified in Medicine in Belfast and was unable to get a job as a Senior House Officer in Opthalmology in N Ireland or in England despite having passed the primary exam of FRCS . In every interview but one in England I was the only caucasian candidate and in at least 2 cases the post was given to a lesser qualified candidate . In Belfast 2 out of 6 training posts were specifically reserved for non caucasians . Now 50% of Doctors in UK are Asians .I emigrated to Australia in 1990 where I work as a GP . My services are highly valued in particular as there is a severe Doctor shortage here and no anti white racial discrimation as in UK . John Fogarty on September 10, 2008 at 02:43 PM Report this comment
Too late and not enough
EU gates have opened, we are already having Poles working as cheap labour and sending the cash “home”.
This country is finished Len on September 10, 2008 at 02:14 PM Report this comment
Does Steve live in the same country as I do? Were it not for the foreign medical staff, we would all be in a much worse state. Given the state of our education system, its a surprise that we manage tochurn out even one doctor who can spell let alone diagnose. This move will lead to a deterioration of the British health care sector. We should curb illegal immigration and let in more qualified foregners to wake up our obese and lazy youth ! raj on September 10, 2008 at 12:37 PM Report this comment
I have lived in Canada for more than forty years and some of the best nurse,s and hardest working come from the Philippines.May be they will get greedy like everyone else in the west where money means more than anything and love and caring are a thing of the past I hope not I still see many people from all over the world that are a joy to see and know.That gives me great hope for the future I know there are people that care about the greater good. Michael Elbourne on September 10, 2008 at 12:06 PM Report this comment
Its quite easy to buy a degree in medicine or nursing from the so called 'new Europe' third world countries.So the future doctors in UK will be ex-pimps, prostitutes and organised criminals with EU medical degrees :). Silent viewer on September 10, 2008 at 09:57 AM Report this comment
And about time too! Standards of health care in the UK have dropped drastically in recent years for very obvious reasons. It very much easier to qualify as a “nurse”, “midwife” or “doctor” in India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the Philipines than it is in the UK. Many people qualified in these countries have a desire to work in Europe and the UK, they will work for much less money and tolerate much poorer working conditions than an equivalently qualified person from Western Europe or the UK. So after so many years of going down the drain, someone has finally recognised that employing cheap labour in the NHS is a false economic measure and leads to other related social problems. Bravo! By the the time these idiots in government realise the extent and implications of the other mistakes they have made, and which are so obvious to so many of the rest of us, it will be too late to correct them and our country will truly have gone to the dogs.
