Immigration limit suits Woolas

Border and Immigration Minister Phil Woolas has hailed the success of the new Australian-style points system for immigrants.

He highlighted the fact that 4,875 businesses have registered as sponsors.

He says the new system ensures only those skilled migrant workers the country needs can come here — and no more.

Employers must prove a resident worker doesn’t want the job before offering it to a foreign worker. And the bar can be raised or lowered according to the needs of the labour market and the country as a whole.

Before a British business can bring in a foreign worker, they must apply to the UK Border Agency to become a registered sponsor.

If the agency is satisfied that they are reputable and willing to take responsibility for any foreign workers they employ, they will be given a sponsor licence. So far 4,875 businesses have passed the test.

Mr Woolas, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, said: “The points system is one of the most radical changes we’ve made to the immigration system in a generation and the figures show it is being delivered successfully.

“It is crucial that only those foreign workers we need come here and this new system will ensure that.

Skilled foreign workers must have:

::English language skills.

::Prospective earnings of more than £24,000, or slightly less if they have a decent qualification — or an offer of a job on the shortage list.

::Enough money to support themselves for the first month of their stay.

For any employer who breaks the rules fines are already being handed out by the UK Border Agency.

This year’s enforcement campaign has already issued over 1,000 fines worth around £10 million.