According to Building Design today the Home Office recent rethink could lead to a ‘virtual ban’ on non-EU architects.
Overseas architects will need to earn at least £75,000 in order to qualify for working visas after new Home Office rules resulted in a “virtual ban” on architects from outside the European Union.
Until now under a points-based system non-EU workers who earned at least £40,000 could get a crucial 45 points towards a work visa. That threshold has now been increased by £35,000.
The change to “tier one” visas has been introduced amid growing public concerns over immigration rates and rising unemployment. But critics believe the system is too restrictive and will drive firms out of the UK.
George Ferguson, a former RIBA president, said he was horrified by the “massive hike”, adding: “This is virtually a ban on overseas architects.
“This is a very high salary for most architects, and really will restrict visas to the associate or director level in London.”
The new system affects skilled migrant workers in general, but Ferguson pointed out that architects tend to earn less than other professions like doctors or lawyers.
This is a major change to the current threshold for Architects looking to work in the UK and could have a significant impact on the market, for more comment and reaction visit BD here.
http://www.bdonline.co.uk/story.asp?storycode=3161898&origin=BDweeklydigest
