The United Kingdom (UK) has unveiled the new immigration system which will allow highly-skilled Kenyans without degree-level qualifications to take up work in the European state. – By Gerald Gekara.
According to the UK home office, the points-based system kicked in after the much anticipated UK and the European Union post-Brexit trade agreement.
The aim of the new points-based immigration system is to provide greater flexibility to ensure the UK business has access to a wide pool of skilled workers.
Kenyan professionals in fields such as IT, accountancy, plumbing, and electrical works will benefit from the relaxed visa rules.
“Under the new system, those wishing to live and work in the UK must gain 70 points – and points are awarded for criteria such as having a job offer, holding a Ph.D. relevant to the job, speaking English and earning more than £22,000 per year,” an advisory by the Home Office says.
“There are also additional points for those with job offers in ‘shortage occupations’.”
The relaxed visa rules will also allow Kenyan students to stay longer after graduating from UK universities to find jobs.
International students undertaking their courses will be able to stay in Britain for two years for undergraduates and three years for Ph.D. holders.
