Could an Australian-style immigration system work for Britain?

Politics Explained: The points system is championed by Brexiteers but could be more open than the UK’s current rules

An Australian-style points-based system for immigration is often mentioned as a post-Brexit alternative to today’s mixed system in the UK (free movement for EU citizens; stricter criteria for others). The idea, implicitly, is the points are awarded in such a way as to make sure only in a few select occupations where there are severe skills shortages should immigration be permitted. The number of immigrants would fall.

Assessments of skills and other criteria is how Australia indeed does it, and has done since the days when Australian authorities would actually pay Britons to go and live there. Their air fares and expenses (£10; about £500 today) were paid by the Australian government, hence the expression “10 pound poms”. That all stopped in the 1980s.

Now, wherever you come from, you’ll need some sort of skill or profession – solicitor, nurse practitioner, software engineer, shipwright – which the demand for is determined on the advice of the relevant Australian professional or regulatory body. Then you need to acquire more points based on your age, experience, proficiency in English, language ability and qualifications. There are extra points if your qualifications have been gained in Australia itself, and if you have a spouse. You may also enter Australia (with some difficulty) as a refugee and if you are directly sponsored by the government.