Veterinary Recruitment Agency
Monday, 25 September 2023 03:30 GMT
UK set to abolish Commonwealth Ancestry Visa?
The UK Ancestry Visa may soon becomes a thing of the past
The British government is considering axing the rights of its Commonwealth ancestors to live and work in the United Kingdom. UK.
The current system, established in 1972, threatens to be replaced by a points-based system, with tougher restrictions for Commonwealth citizens seeking permits and obtaining British citizenship.
The Home Office, governing body of all immigration issues, has proposed a discussion to “decide whether a Commonwealth national’s ancestral connections to the UK are sufficient to allow them to come here to work without the need to satisfy a resident labour market test.`
The ancestry visa currently enables Members of the British Commonwealth with British grandparents to a four year residency in the UK with full working privileges.
After four years in the United Kingdom, Commonwealth residents can apply for full residency in the United Kingdom, a path followed by many.
What are the current requirements for an ancestry visa?
You must obtain permission to enter the United Kingdom on the basis of United Kingdom ancestry before you travel to the UK. Application is usually made by Commonwealth Citizens through the British High Commissioner in your home country.
After a period of staying in the UK for four years, you can then apply for `right of abode`
The following requirements are published on the Home Office website:
• you are a Commonwealth citizen
• you are aged 17 or over
• you have a grandparent who was born in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man
• you have a grandparent who was born in what is now the Republic of Ireland before 31 March 1922
• you are able to work and intend to do so in the UK, and
• you can support yourself and any dependants, and live without needing any help from public funds.
How does this potentially affect the Locum Situation in the UK?
Without a doubt, a change in the present legislation would tighten the Locum shortage significantly.
We at Alpha Impact have seen a steady influx in Locum practitioners willing to come for working holidays or on a permanent basis to the UK. However, with an increasing demand in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa and a dwindling exchange rate to the British Pound, adjustments in Locum wages and working conditions are required to support this volatile market.
According to the Home Office, nearly 9000 ancestry visa holders came to the UK in 2006, and around 20,000 Commonwealth citizens have applied for residency since 2002.Further information can be found on the Home Office web site.