NASSCOM Urges Members to Apply for UK's New PBS
By CXOtoday Staff
Mumbai, 27 Aug 2008, 1220 hrs IST

NASSCOM, the premier trade body and 'voice' of the Indian IT-BPO industry, has expressed its support to the new UK point based system, which will govern intra-company transfers and work permits, going forward.

NASSCOM also advised its member companies to register for the new PBS system introduced by the UK Government, on priority.

The UK Home Office's PBS is applicable to all companies who employ workers in the UK. According to an announcement made by the UK Home Office, October 1, 2008 is the last date of application, with the new system planned to go live on November 24, 2008.

From now on anyone wanting to go to or remain in the United Kingdom on an intra-company transfer (ICT)/work permit will need to show that he/she has enough points to qualify under the new points based system (PBS) being introduced by the UK Government.

Underpinning the new immigration system is a five-tier framework. The five tiers have different conditions, entitlements and entry-clearance checks. Largely, Indian IT professionals and NASSCOM member companies will fall under Tier 2 of this new system.

Under Tier 2, the issue of all ICTs and work permits will be done through the employers. Hence all employers in UK must apply for a license to sponsor in order to bring skilled professionals on work permits or ICTs into the UK. The employer will issue a certificate of sponsorship using the online sponsorship management system to the visa applicants.

Sponsor license application processing time by UK authorities is estimated to be between 6-8 weeks. To avoid last minute rush and delays, NASSCOM is urging member companies to apply for a license and become a sponsor as early as possible.


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