A campaign to leave the EU has called for an Australian-style points-based immigration system for all migrant workers, not just those from outside the EU. The UK already operates a points-based system, introduced in February 2008 under Labour, but it only applies to non-EU migrants due to freedom of movement within the EU.
The UK system classifies migrants into four tiers: Tier 1 for high-value individuals (exceptional talent, investors, entrepreneurs); Tier 2 for skilled workers with job offers (capped at 20,700 per year); and Tier 4 for students. Tier 3, intended for unskilled workers, was removed as the government decided there was no need for further unskilled immigration from outside the EU.
Points are awarded based on criteria such as age, qualifications, and whether the job is on the Shortage Occupation List. For example, a job on that list earns 50 points, and applicants need a total of 70 for Tier 2 entry. The UK also requires medical examinations for stays over six months and tuberculosis tests for applicants from high-incidence countries.
Australia operates two immigration schemes: the Migration Programme (economic immigrants) capped at 190,000 in 2013-14, and the Humanitarian Programme for refugees. In contrast, the UK saw an estimated 630,000 immigrants in the year to December 2015, including 270,000 from other EU countries. The UK's system does not apply to EU nationals due to free movement.
