Tough for Indian IT Pros in UK

Bangalore: The UK government has accepted recommendations for stricter immigration norms and restricting job opportunities for skilled migrant workers from countries like India, reports Economic Times.

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) report submitted by the committee's Chairman, Professor David Metcalf to UK's Home Office last month recommended that the threshold salary levels for allowing entry of a graduate skilled worker be raised from the current 17,000 pounds. This will make it tougher to earn points needed for allocation of work permits.


With more stringent norms, companies like TCS, Infosys, Wipro and Tech Mahindra which serve British customers such as BT, British Petroleum and British Airways by sending Indian professionals to the country on short term project assignments, may now have to look for local UK workers.

"These changes will ensure that businesses can recruit the skilled workers that the economy needs, but not at the expense of British workers, nor as a cheaper alternative to investing in the skills of the existing workforce," Home Secretary Alan Johnson said in a statement issued by the UK Border Agency. He also added that the threshold of income at which migrant workers become eligible for work permits will now be raised to 20,000 pounds.

As per rules, companies will need to advertise for available positions for four weeks before employing migrant workers. "This will mean that, from next year, all jobs must be advertised to British workers in Jobcentre Plus for four weeks - extended from two weeks - before companies can seek to employ individuals from outside Europe. This will ensure that British workers not only are first in line for jobs but also have more time in which to apply," the Home Office said.

MAC's recommendations for tougher intra-company transfer rules - a route adopted by many tech firms for sending Indian workers to work with customers onsite in the country, have also been accepted.