Following up on the changes to HSMP being ruled illegal by the High Court, the Home Office has now decided to make arrangements for those benefited by that ruling.

On 30 June 2008, Tier 1 of the new points-based system will replace eight existing immigration categories: the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP); business people (persons intending to establish themselves in business); Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme; International Graduates Scheme; innovators; investors; self-employed lawyers and writers; and writers, composers and artists.

An estimated 2,500 highly skilled Indian workers who were forced to leave the UK due to the unlawful changes to HSMP may now be allowed to return.

Changes to the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme which affected individuals who wished to remain in the UK have been ruled illegal by a High Court ruling but the Home Office may appeal the case.

The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme forum is contesting retrospective changes to criteria in the scheme that could see thousands of skilled migrants forced to leave Britain.

Details of the new points based immigration system for highly skilled workers were announced today.

The new rules come into effect on 29 February for highly skilled workers who want to extend their stay in the UK; on April, for applicants from India; and all other applicants by the summer.

New immigration fees have been proposed by the Government. The fees are subject to change and will not be final until they are approved by Parliament.