Click to play videoLondon: Nearly 40,000 professionals under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) in the UK are facing an uncertain future after new rules were applied in November 2006.
Time seems to be running out for Raj Ramdharee – an HR professional who came to the UK in 2003 under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme or the HSMP visa.
The foreign dream was going great till November 2006 when the government introduced new rules for HSMP according to which he doesn't qualify for further extension.
Ramdharee says, “When we came here, we fulfilled certain criterion and rules and no where was it mentioned that if the rules change that would affect us. After three and a half years, its like saying we don't want you anymore. Its really heartbreaking."
The reason - simply because Ramdharee does not qualify according to the new rules introduced in November 2006 which require the candidates to be much younger and earning higher salaries. On age alone his visa has been rejected.
Once he gets his formal letter from the Home Office, Ramdharee will have to leave within 10 days. An appeal in the courts is the only option he has.
HSMP forum Coordinator Amit Kapadia says, "The tribunal courts have already ruled that there is legitimate expectation. Once the judicial review comes and says the same that will be a relief to many. The judicial review also asks for a transitional phase whereby those before the 7th November be treated acc to the old rules, which is extension acc to economic activity."
While the judicial review might bring relief to some, for Ramdharee and thousands of others like him, it might just be too little too late.
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