This forum was originally born from few small groups (HSMP FORUM, HSMP2006 etc) and then later most of them joined together at HSMP2006@yahoogroups.com
Our mission started due to the new rules implemented by the UK Home Office on existing HSMP immigrants who came on old rules and promises. Together we decided to fight against this injustice and unfair law implemented on us with retrospective affect.
The new HSMP
changes are unfair Retrospective Rules imposed by the Home Office on
thousands of HSMP holders and their families.
Background
In 2002, the UK
introduced Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP), which aims to bring
Highly Skilled Workers to work in the UK leading to settlement. It has
been a points based scheme wherein individuals
had to score minimum of 65 points initially in order to qualify for the
programme.
Points were gained for educational qualifications, work experience, past
earnings, significant achievement in their field and points were also
awarded for 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 can start their own business.
After completion of 4 years period, it was promised that we would get indefinite leave to remain (permanent residency) in UK as long as we are economically active and not dependent on public funds.
After
qualifying initially by gaining 65 points individuals were to get further
visa extensions based on economic activity alone.
After already qualifying for the scheme and many of us on the verge of
finishing four years are now forced to re-qualify for further extension on
the new points based system implemented in Nov 2006.
Changes 2006
In April 2006, it was announced by the UK Home Office, that the qualifying period for permanent residency would increase from 4 years to 5 years; thousands of existing immigrants got affected by it.
In November 2006, the Home Office again announced new drastic and inhuman changes that those who are already in UK under HSMP would now require to re-qualify for their visa extension as per a points based system (PBS) and gain 75 points this was against the initial promise which was made to HSMP holders of visa extension on economic activity alone.
In-fact as per the PBS for extension no points are given for qualification, professional experience, significant achievement and partner’s achievement etc, which were earlier considered under the old scheme in which we were accepted for the HSMP programme.
The PBS for
visa extension gives more points for younger age, higher salary and higher
qualification. This indicates age discrimination for older applicants who
doesn’t get any points for being above 32 years, people with highly
skilled experience but without a formal qualification are considered unfit
and HSMP holders are now being solely treated as cash machines rather than
human beings.
The effect of these changes now mean that having fulfilled the original
requirements of the scheme and relocated and settled with our families, we
are now being forced to leave the UK. The changes clearly indicates that
the Home Office is solely interested in getting investments from
immigrants and further tax from them and its least concerned about their
welfare.
We 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 have been here for a number of years.
There are thousands of people who came to UK on HSMP scheme and got betrayed by the UK Home Office due to the new changes. Please support us and fight against these unfair changes.
First meeting at Trafalgar Square on 18th November 2006 at 11am - 1 pm
