Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Bilimoria (Crossbench). It was answered on Monday, 2 June 2008.

Visas: Performing Arts

Question: My Lords, the ethnic restaurant industry has contributed a huge amount to this country. Indian food, for example, has become a way of life. However, the industry is seriously concerned about the points-based system, which will make it very difficult to recruit skilled staff. Are the Government aware of this and are they planning to make some exceptions?

Answer: My Lords, the points-based system is designed to benefit migrants with high levels of skill who seek to come to the United Kingdom. I understand that we have not seen any major problems in the highly skilled sector at all. The points-based system, which is based on the Australian model, is fairer, offers a transparent process and ensures that applicants can carry out a self-assessment and understand exactly where they are in the points system. I am grateful to the noble Lord for pressing the point, but I urge the House to take a more rounded view of the way the points-based system will work.

Secondary information