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Immigration Minister Mark Harper told Parliament that urgent changes were needed to tackle the abuse in the Entrepreneur migration route while protecting genuine entrepreneurs. The changes will take place with immediate effect.
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Mr Harper said that there is strong evidence that funds to prove eligibility are being re-cycled amongst different applicants and that artificial businesses are being created. He said: "We need to tighten the current rules to allow for a meaningful assessment of the credibility of an applicant for this route."
There are two basic changes:
- The introduction of a “genuine entrepreneur” test which will give UK Border Agency caseworkers the ability to test the credibility of suspicious applicants.
- A requirement that the necessary minimum funds to be held, or invested in the business, are on an ongoing basis rather than solely at the time of the application. This will apply to those already in the UK and those who apply to come here under the Entrepreneur route.
Mr Harper concluded: "I emphasise that these are technical but important changes to improve the effectiveness of the current rules. Those seeking to abuse the immigration system will always seek new methods to do so. We are vigilant and will take swift action where we see evidence of abuse.
"At the same time, we will protect genuine entrepreneurs and continue to encourage them to invest in the UK where they will be made welcome."
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Susie Hughes © Shout99 2013
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