The UK's population is ageing and the decline in birth rate exacerbated by pandemic, hasn't helped. The issue of how we (UK residents) will support the cost of social welfare is contentious. An ageing population has significant economic, financial and business implications.
One possible solution? Flexible immigration policies.
Attracting a younger workforce will help boost the UK's economy after the impact of Brexit and the pandemic. According to citiesalliance.org, almost 60% of Africa's population is under the age of 25; making Africa the world's youngest continent.
The Home Office has already taken steps to make the PBS routes more friendly and attractive to migrants who wish to relocate to the UK and settle here. Examples of the most notable changes brought by the Home Office are:
1. Skilled Worker visa (previously known as the Tier 2 visa). This route has the most changes where the minimum salary and the skill level is reduced, the requirement to advertise a vacancy according to a specific format is gone and there is no limit as to how many shares can be held by a sponsored skilled worker.
2. Graduate visa route (Tier 1 graduate visa revived). Current and future Tier 4 students will be able to take advantage of this route since it opened on 1 July 2021. The route allows a graduate to remain in the UK for up to 3 years after the completion of their studies, where the graduate will be free to take up almost any employment
Other visa routes are:
1. Tier 1 Investor visa
2. Innovator or start-up visas
3. T5 (Temporary Worker) visa
4. Representative of an overseas business visa
If a decision is made to relocate to the UK, there are other legal (e.g. Tax and estate planning) and practical issues (e.g. opening a bank account, finding suitable accommodation, finding schools) which need to be factored into your plans.
Howard Kennedy LLP is a full service law firm with a wealth of practical experience when it comes to the relocation of international talent and families.
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