Further tightening its noose on immigrants, the UK has proposed a bill under which five current application categories available to such people will be replaced with a clear-cut concept - 'permission' to be in the country.
Under the new Immigration Bill, immigrants will either be granted permission or refused, making the rules easier for applicants and staff.
Those in the United Kingdom must gain permission or face removal for breaking the law.
These proposals are the next step in building on the rapid progress the government has made in tightening up Britain's border controls.
Over the past three years the UK has seen the introduction of e-Borders to check individuals in and out of the country and the implementation of the points-based system which ensures that only those who benefit the economy can come here to work.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Gordon Brown had announced that doors will be shut to highly skilled non-EU doctors and engineers, and the government will consider denying visa to students seeking entry to short-term programmes.
In order to bring together the essential changes that have already taken place, the government is proposing a new bill to bring forward a new legal framework to simplify and consolidate 40 years of immigration laws.
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