UK cuts more jobs for non-EU workers  

London, Oct 18: Britain today (Oct 18) cut more categories in the 'shortage occupation list' under which professionals from India and other non-EU countries could come here for work, leading to an expected drop of 40,000 non-EU workers entering the country every year.

The David Cameron government accepted the recommendation of the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to specialist jobs such as pharmacists, veterinary surgeons, and speech and language therapists.

The 'shortage occupation list' is a list of jobs that Britain allows non-EU professionals to come here and take up employment. The new list will come into effect from November 14. The list is part of the Tier 2 immigration route via the Points Based System.

Highly skilled migrants from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) seeking to work in the UK must apply for visas via this route.

Official sources said the MAC recommended the changes where evidence from a range of industries and sectors showed resident workers are available to fill the vacancies.

Immigration Minister Damian Green said, "Alongside our limits on overseas workers we are also taking action to provide businesses with the skills they need from the British workforce and reduce their need for migrants".

He added, "We want the brightest and the best people from outside the EU with the skills we can benefit from in the UK. Occupations that the MAC recommended be removed from the list include: secondary education biology teachers; speech and language therapists; pharmacists; orthoptists; veterinary surgeons; and, rank and file orchestral musicians.

PTI