The new "open door" policy will be based on a points system similar to a Canadian model and is intended to attract highly skilled and high-earning migrants to fill skills shortages.

The highly skilled migrant programme, which starts next month, offers admission to applicants who gain at least 75 points on its scale. Points will be awarded for educational qualifications, work experience, past earnings and achievement in a chosen field. There is also a specific category to boost the recruitment of general practitioners.

People holding a PhD will gain 30 points, those with a master's degree 25 points and graduates 15 points. At least five years' work experience in a graduate-level job will score 15 points.

Income points have been adjusted to take account of differing pay scales around the world. Someone earning 250,000 pounds a year in America would get 50 points - the same score as a 90,000 pounds annual salary in Nigeria.

An applicant from Japan or South Korea would be awarded 25 points if they earned 40,000 pounds a year, whereas someone from India, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh or Zimbabwe would only have to earn 15,000 pounds to get the same number of points.

It differs from the existing system under which an employer must obtain a permit for an individual which allows them to work in the country. There will be no limit on the number allowed to enter under the system.

- nriol.com report

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