Under the post-Brexit immigration rules, Kenyans without degree-level qualifications but are heavily skilled will from 2021 be allowed to apply for work permits in Britain.
This is due to Britain’s new points-based immigration system which will be implemented from January 2021. The new system has lowered the requirement for job applicants to minimum skill level of A- level or equivalent from degree-level under the 27-member EU bloc system.
In the new system, there will no longer be free movement for EU citizens who want to go to live and work in the UK, Instead, anyone who wants to live and work in the UK – whether from the EU or not – will need 70 points to be eligible for a visa.
Points will be awarded for key requirements like being able to speak English to a certain level, having a job offer from an approved employer, and meeting a minimum salary threshold.
While the new immigration regime is designed to cut the number of low-skilled migrants entering Britain, while making it easier for higher-skilled workers to get visas ,there will be no limit on numbers.
Under the new rules, “skilled” workers can only get a UK work visa if they earn 70 points and before migrants earn any points, their job must pay a bare minimum of ÂŁ22,000 (Sh2.97 million) a year which is 6.67 pc decrease, from ÂŁ30,000 per year currently.
Britain’s Home Office says the new system will “provide greater flexibility and ensure UK business has access to a wide pool of skilled workers”.
The new visa rules will enable Kenyans in competitive fields such as IT, accountancy, plumbing, and electrical works to go head to head with other migrants.
Skilled workers will pay a ÂŁ610 application fee – or ÂŁ1,220 for stays of more than three years – if applying for a visa from outside the UK.
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