The founders of Microsoft Corp, Apple Inc and Dell Inc are ineligible for the top tier of the UK visa system, the one aimed at attracting highly skilled people, because they lack college degrees. The rules, which didn't require Parliament's approval, are under attack by lawyers and lawmakers who say the country risks excluding the kinds of people it needs.
"It's a dumbing-down," said Sophie Barrett-Brown, head of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association. "If you're a 20- something American with a bachelor's degree and you earn 26,000 pounds ($52,000) a year, you're a high-skilled migrant. You can come in, but Bill Gates can't."
The prime minister is trying to reduce the inflow of immigrants after the arrival of more than 500,000 a year for the past five years. The record numbers since the Labour government took office 11 years ago have put a strain on schools, police and hospitals.
A report from Parliament's Communities and Local Government committee published today says rapid arrivals of migrants in some areas have increased pressure on housing and public services such as schools. It concludes public concerns "cannot simply be dismissed as racist or xenophobic."
Labyrinthine Rules: This year and next, the government is replacing a labyrinth of 80 separate categories under which immigrants could apply for a visa with a five-tier, points-based system.