In recent months the largely cordial relationship between the UK and China has deteriorated sharply. This has happened after over two decades when, regardless of the political complexion of successive UK governments, the trend was towards closer engagement and cooperation. This briefing looks at why and how this has happened.
Documents to download
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Post-Brexit immigration system proposals: responses from stakeholders (185 KB, PDF)
Most responses have focussed on the proposals for sponsored skilled worker visas (known as the Tier 2 (General) visa category in the current points-based system).
There are some recurring themes. Some aspects of the proposals have been broadly welcomed, notably:
- The abolition of the resident labour market test.
- The lowering of the skills and salary thresholds.
- The suspension of the ‘cap’ on the number of work visas available.
However, many stakeholders have caveated their responses by highlighting concerns about:
- The absence of a transitional visa category to assist employers to adapt to the ending of EU free movement law.
- The particular effect on sectors with many low-paid or low-skilled jobs, or with a large proportion of EU workers (e.g. social care, hospitality, tourism, construction).
- The continued use of national salary thresholds without scope for regional variations.
- The costs and administrative burdens associated with sponsoring work visas, and the particular impact on smaller employers.
- The ambitious timetable for implementation of the new system.
Documents to download
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Post-Brexit immigration system proposals: responses from stakeholders (185 KB, PDF)
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