Non-graduate Kenyans to get work permit in UK under post-Brexit immigration rule

Under post-Brexit immigration rules, highly skilled Kenyans without degree-level qualifications will from next year be allowed to apply for work permits in Britain, enabling them to compete with job-seekers from the European Union and other regions, according to a news report by Business Daily.

Britain's new points-based immigration system, set to be implemented from January 2021, has lowered the requirement for job applicants to the minimum skill level of A-level or equivalent from degree-level under the 27-member EU bloc system.

Britain's Home Office says the new system will provide greater flexibility and ensure the UK business has access to a wide pool of skilled workers.

The relaxed visa rules will enable Kenyan professionals in fields such as IT, accountancy, plumbing, and electrical works to compete with other migrants.

Britain projects a huge climb in job vacancies after the new post-Brexit immigration system ended free movement of labor between it and the EU following the departure from the bloc earlier this year.

The British home office said, "an applicant's job must be at the minimum skill level of A-level or equivalent, rather than degree level under the current system."

There is no planned formal route for lower-skilled workers to enter Britain, although seasonal and sector-specific schemes may be created.

Britain has lowered the minimum general salary threshold for skilled migrants by 26.67 percent to 22,000 pounds (Sh2.97 million) per year, or 1,833 pounds (Sh247, 628) a month, from 30,000 pounds per year currently.

This follows a January 2020 proposal by Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), an independent entity that advises the British government, which had recommended Sh3.46 million minimum annual pay for migrant skilled laborers.