Sent in by the London angel
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Some of you might remember a report I gave in October last year about the angel who was going to London and couldn't get her working visa etc. I mentioned how I was, at the time, trying to get in her pants and made a call to my mates at 1st Contact in London to sort her out. She was sorted out..... and so was I.

Anyway, there are very often people that I interact with and write about, who have no idea about this website and its readers. The little angel I wrote about, for example, had no idea - hence my being able to write about her. But now, three months later, she seems to have found out about it. I received the following email from her earlier this week.

Hi Seth (or should I say MR EDITOR),

Long time no hear. I just wanted to tell you how things are going in London and also to tell you that I found your website and that story about me! I don't talk THAT much do I? And it wasn't because of your help with my visa that I gave you that "house call" as you put it! Anyway I was very surprised to see that story and then a friend told me that she knew all about your website. So I thought that because you were so helpful to me then maybe I could mention some other stuff that has changed in the visa rules, in case anyone who reads your site wants to come to London.

She babbles on a bit after that (in a nice way, angel) so I'll cut to the chase and give you the info that might be handy to those of you planning to go and work in the UK.

CHANGES TO UK WORK VISAS
 
There have been changes in the HSMP (Highly Skilled Migrant Programme). There is a new points system and some people who previously qualified won't anymore. And vice versa. Those people who are currently on the HSMP and are required to apply to extend their visa will also have to be reassessed and comply with the new requirements. If you don’t meet the new required points your HSMP visa will not be extended.
The required points have been increased to a new pass mark of 75 and a minimum of a bachelor’s degree qualification is now required. Those without a degree qualification will not be able to meet the pass mark regardless of their earnings. Points can no longer be scored in areas of work experience, partner’s achievements, individual achievements and the General Practitioners priority has also been removed. Additional points are awarded dependent on your age and a mandatory English language requirement has been introduced.

On the surface the new regulations give the impression that the change in points will make it easier to qualify for the scheme, however new applications will be subject to rigorous and more stringent documentation requirements.

1st Contact can do a free no obligation eligibility assessment to see if you meet the required criteria for the HSMP, they can also best advise you of your options if you are one of the unlucky ones to no longer qualify.

1st Contact has also launched a Highly Skilled UK Kickstart Package for those highly skilled people planning on going to the UK. The package includes but is not limited to: Assistance in opening a UK bank account, London Orientation meeting, Free Money Transfer, International Calling Card with £5 credit, Cell phone sim card with number issued before you leave SA, Ltd Company & Visa Consultation and 1st Contact then deposit £50 into the bank account they help you open, considering the cost of this package is R590 at current exchange rates this package is a no brainer for those that qualify.

For more information Contact 1st Contact’s SA office:
Email: saoffice@1stcontact.com
Freecall: 0800 003 163 or visit the website

Seth Rotherham
Editor
2oceansvibe.com
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