[karupalli1]

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http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HSMP2006


HSMP changes -Unfair Retrospective Rules

Background
· In 2002, the UK introduced Highly Skilled Migration Programme (HSMP), which aims to bring Highly Skilled Workers to work in the UK. It is a point-based scheme and individual must score minimum of 65 points in order to qualify for this programme.

· Points can be gained for educational qualifications, work experience, past earnings, significant achievement on their own field and partner's achievement. After successfully gaining 65 points, a candidate is able to work for any employer in the UK, be a self-employed contractor or start their own business.
· After completion of 4 years period, they qualify to apply for permanent UK residency as long as the individual is in permanent employment and not dependent on public funds.
· Once 65 points have been achieved and the individual is in employment, there is no further review required.

Four years into the scheme, the government has now changed the rules, which will disadvantage people such as myself who are already in the programme:

Changes 2006
· In April 2006, it was announced by the Home Office, that the qualifying period for permanent residency would increase from 4 years to 5 years.
· In November 2006, the Home Office again announced that those who are working under HSMP would now require 75 and not 65 points in order to extend their stay in the U.K.
· No points are now given for qualifications such as professional experience, significant achievements, partner’s achievement etc, which were earlier considered by the old scheme.
· A review is now necessary during the extension period, which now requires 75 points regardless of the individuals’ employment status.

The effect of these changes now mean that having fulfilled the original requirements of the scheme and relocated and settled with my wife and daughter, I am now faced with having to leave the UK. I accept the Government’s prerogative to change the programme rules, but surely this must only apply to new entrants and not those who have met all the requirements of the scheme and been here for a number of years.

Whereas I understand that the Government needs to have effective immigration controls, particularly in light of the entry of more Eastern European countries into the European Union, to change legislation that effectively ejects invited foreign nationals such as myself who have met all entry requirements and are contributing to the economy, is completely unjustified. The UK Government has broken their agreement.

In summary, the Government devised a scheme to encourage qualified foreign nationals to come to the UK in order support the economy and fill the skill shortage. I accepted this invitation and have met all the requirements only now to find that Government has broken this agreement. As things stand my HSMP permit will expire in April 2008 and having

established a new life in the UK for my wife and family, purchased a new home, settled into a responsible job, I will be forced to leave.

There are hundrends of people like me who came to UK on HSMP scheme and betrayed. Please fight with us.