A few days ago it wasn't possible. But now, talented people with exceptional skills, abilities or experience can migrate to Britain without a job offer in hand and seek work under the new Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). The scheme, which will initially be run for 12 months as a concession outside the current immigration rules of the UK, introduces a points-based system of qualifications and experience.

The Minister for Citizenship and Immigration, Lord Rooker says: "Till now, individuals other than those with ancestral ties to the UK could not come to this country without a job offer to seek and take up work. This made it difficult to attract highly mobile people with the special talents that are required in a modern economy. This programme is specifically designed to help highly skilled migrants come to the UK and seek work."

Uk Special

VISA COUNTER Educational qualifications: A maximum of 30 points awarded for those with a PhD, 25 with a Master's and 15 for a graduate degree. Work Experience: Five year's work experience in a graduate level job, or three year's with a PhD scores 15 points; 10 points more for two years at a senior level/specialist position in a chosen field. Past Earnings: Minimum earned income in the country of residence must be shown. Weightage is given according to a Minimum Income Level Code. Achievement in Chosen Field Professional Linguistic Assessment Test: For immigrant doctors to register with the General Medical Council.

With HSMP in place, an employer no longer needs to obtain a work permit to call in a highly skill person from abroad. Nor are detailed business and investment plans necessary as required in other business categories.

Under this programme, the applicant must obtain a minimum of 75 points from the five scoring areas: educational qualifications; work experience; past earnings; achievement in chosen field; and a specific category that will help facilitate the recruitment of suitably qualified overseas doctors to work as general practitioners in the UK. The latter offers Indian doctors an opportunity to apply directly to the authorities without going through recruitment agencies.

Indian doctors in the UK are excited about the move and have welcomed it. Professor R.C. Gupta, vice chairman of the Overseas Doctors Association said: "This is a brilliant move. There is a high demand for specialists in radiology and psychiatry."

However, according to the General Medical Council (GMC), Indian doctors like other doctors from non-European Union countries will have to appear for an English language test and Professional Linguistic Assessment test (PLAB). Also, no doctor can practise without being registered with the GMC. There are reportedly about 40,000 Indian doctors registered with the GMC. The number is likely to rise under the new scheme.

Doctors are, however, unhappy with PLAB saying Indian doctors could lose out on seniority because of such a test. Adds Gupta: "More specialists should be appointed at the sub-consultant level instead of making them join at a far lower level."

Recruitment consultants have also welcomed the move but warned that it will not be easy for an Indian doctor to come to the UK, then get registered and look for a job on his own. Dhiren Vadher of Davenport Recruitment Agency says, "The new scheme will give doctors an opportunity to come on their own but without local experience and without registration with GMC, they will find it difficult. However, this will make quick visas easier. Once the scheme becomes applicable to it professionals, it will be very beneficial."

Lord Rooker says: "This programme represents a further step in developing our immigration system to maximise the benefits to the UK of highly skilled workers who have the qualifications and skills required by UK businesses to compete in the global marketplace."

The scheme also facilitates the entry of foreign students graduating in the UK into the National Health System. Home Office Minister Angela Eagle clarifies: "We will allow those graduating from a UK university or completing their post-graduate medical studies to apply while remaining in the UK provided they have not been sponsored by their home governments."

The scheme would further allow eminent scientists to base their research projects in the UK and would encourage the movement of business and financial experts to London. Says Lord Rooker: "It gives those at the top of their chosen profession the choice of making the UK their home."