The government has revealed details of its revised immigration system in the wake of the UK’s departure from the EU

Coming into effect on 1 January next year, the new Immigration Bill will mainly cater for highly skilled workers and end free movement, in the country’s continued commitment to reduce overall migration numbers.

The Migrant Advisory Committee (MAC), appointed by the Home Office, has recommended a point accumulation system for awarding visas, where a total of 70 points must be reached through set traits and skills.

Speaking English to a certain level and having a job offer from an “approved employer” at an “appropriate skill level” are essential conditions, equalling 50 of the 70 points required for visa eligibility.

A minimum salary of £25,600 is also required for working immigrants but a lower salary (up to £20,480) can be “traded” against certain qualifications or circumstances, like if the applicant has a relevant or STEM-focused PHD or has applied for a ‘shortage occupation’. A salary above £25,600 also offers extra points.

The bill is a result of the Leave Campaign’s key theme of immigration control, and according to a policy statement, “will attract highly skilled workers (who can) contribute to our economy, our communities, and our public services” and “prioritise the skills a person has to offer, not where they come from.”

MAC also hope the bill will stop employers relying on the free movement of cheap labour as an alternative for investment in staff retention, productivity, and technology and automation.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates that there were 2.3 million working EU nationals not originally from the UK. Under the new scheme, 70% of the resident citizens that have arrived since 2004 would be ineligible.

The Migrant Observatory found that 58% of EU workers in the UK were employed somewhere in the construction industry, all the way from low-skilled factory workers and machine operators, to more skilled contractors and tradespeople.

The report reveals some exceptions to the new legislation, mainly regarding family reunion, asylum seekers, and border-crossing checks which are all still outside of the system, but this may change in the future.There is also a fast-track visa scheme for foreign doctors and nurses to work in the NHS. Those applying for visa through the NHS route will also receive preferential treatment via extra points within the new system.