BRITAIN is to close the door on low-skilled migrants from outside Western Europe seeking work in the country under plans for a points-based immigration system.

Charles Clarke, the Home Secretary, outlined plans yesterday for a scheme aimed at attracting the brightest and best workers.

A new five-tier system will allow only skilled workers to settle permanently, with the low and unskilled allowed entry for periods of up to a year before leaving. Companies and colleges will help the Government to police the system by sponsoring skilled workers and students. They will be expected to report to the Home Office when people fail to turn up and take jobs or college places or go absent for lengthy periods.

Low-skilled workers will enter the country only if a skills shortage in particular sectors is found. They will not be allowed to bring spouses or children with them. The low skilled may be made to hand over a financial bond, possess a return ticket or have money docked from their pay and put in a bank in their home country to ensure that they leave Britain.

They will only be allowed to come if a new body identifies labour shortages in particular areas of the economy, such as the building or catering industries. Mr Clarke told a press conference that the five-tier scheme will replace the existing 80 work and study routes into the country.

He said that the plans would benefit the economy and protect British borders. Mr Clarke added: “Crucially, it will allow us to ensure that only those people with the skills the UK needs come to this country, while preventing those without these skills applying.”

Home Office documents outlining the proposals admitted that migration to Britain could leave the existing population “concerned about the impact on jobs, public services and their way of life”.

It outlined a scheme in which most low-skilled workers will be expected in future to come from the EU and applicant states. Under the system migrants will be awarded points based on factors such as their age, qualifications, previous earnings and whether they have a job offer.

Tony McNulty, the Immigration Minister, said that the strategy would reduce immigration by the “wrong” sort of people.

Damian Green, the Shadow Immigration Minister, said: “We welcome a points-based system in principle — it is something we have been suggesting for a long time.”

The CBI and TUC gave their support to the scheme, which ministers hope to begin implementing by 2008.

Julia Onslow-Cole, head of global immigration at CMS Cameron McKenna, an employment law firm, said: “I think that good employers have nothing to fear from this scheme. The scheme rewards good employers by giving a light touch to their immigration needs.”

THE FIVE TIERS

1 Highly skilled (such as a doctor) 75 points required. Bachelor degree 30, Masters 35, PhD 50. Points for previous wages, weighted to take account of home country: 5 for £18,000 salary to 45 for £45,000-plus. Points for age: Under 27 years 20 points; 30-31 5 points. Allowed to apply to settle in Britain permanently after 2 years. Allowed to bring dependants.

2 Skilled workers (such as nurses) 50 points required. Bachelor degree 10 points, Masters 10, PhD 15, NVQ level three 5. Points for likely UK earnings: £15,000 to £18,000 5 points, rising to 20 for £21,000-plus. Allowed to apply for settlement in UK after 5 years. Allowed to bring dependants.

3 Low-skilled in areas such as agriculture. No points system. Migrants only enter when there is a shortage of workers in a sector. Applicants may need open return ticket. Not allowed to apply for settlement.

4 Students. Must provide evidence they are studying with a accredited college. Allowed to remain in Britain for duration of study. Not allowed to apply for settlement. Allowed to bring dependants if over 16.

5 Temporary workers, au pairs, sports people in competitions, musicians on tour. Allowed in Britain for up to two years. Not allowed to apply for settlement. Temporary workers allowed to bring dependants; gap-year students no dependants.

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