The persons who were willing to migrate to Britain will have to apply for visa under the new points-based system which comes into force in India from Tuesday. The point-based system-Tier 1 (PBS-TO), which covers highly skilled migrants, investors & graduate students, replaces the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, the Entrepreneur & Investor schemes & the International Graduates.

The initial visa will be granted for three years. India, Britain’s most important market for highly skilled migrants, will be the first country where the new visa regime is being introduced from Tuesday.
British High Commission said in his statement, “The roll-out for rest of the world will take place in summer”.

Under the PBS-TO, visa applicants will need sufficient points to qualify. Points are awarded for objective criteria such as qualifications, previous earnings, age & UK experience.

The new system is expected to make the visa process easier for legitimate travellers. It is also expected to make tough for those intending to cheat the system of immigration & ensure that unwanted outsiders do not enter Britain and settle there.

Anybody who will be trying to cheat the system will be banned from applying for a visa for 10 years.