Latest news with #DCCA
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Honolulu agency warns against illegal construction activity
The Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting urges the public to take care when hiring contractors, designers, architects and engineers for building projects. DPP says some of these construction professionals actually may be engaged in illegal activities—a problem that could prove costly to unsuspecting homeowners. But if discovered and reported, the illegitimate construction contractors could pay as well. This reminder, according to DPP, comes in the wake of recent disciplinary actions by the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, including a case involving falsified licensing and unlawful permitting practices. DCCA and its respective state boards and commissions recently released a summary of disciplinary actions taken through April, DPP says. Among them was a $10, 000 fine levied against a business owner who, according to the DCCA's Regulated Industries Complaint Office, was aiding and abetting an unlicensed contractor on Oahu. In this instance, RICO investigations allege the business owner—identified as Alex G. Ramos, doing business as Triple A Electrical Service—obtained permits on behalf of the unlicensed contractor across multiple projects, putting them in violation of state law. In April that RICO case ended in a state Contractors License Board-approved settlement agreement with Ramos—who did not admit to violating any law or rule, but agreed to pay a $10, 000 fine to DCCA's 'compliance resolution fund, ' the settlement document states. DPP claims its building inspectors were the first to identify the unlicensed contractors and took immediate action by initiating revocations. 'Hiring an unlicensed contractor or design professional may seem like a way to save money upfront, but it can lead to serious consequences and additional corrective expenses down the line, ' DPP Director Dawn Takeuchi Apuna said in a statement. 'The DPP is committed to collaborating with the DCCA to identify these contractors and hold them accountable for their illegal actions.' As part of these efforts, DPP offers tips to help homeowners verify whether a contractor is properly licensed and operating legally. Homeowners looking to build or renovate their property should evaluate the following steps before hiring any contractor :—Verify licenses. Ensure contractor and design professionals hold a valid license with the DCCA that is 'Current, Valid and in Good Standing.' Visit DCCA's Professional and Vocational Licensing Search to confirm credentials.—Check for complaints or disciplinary actions. To do so, use RICO's resources to research past complaints and enforcement actions.—Get multiple bids. Compare estimates from multiple licensed contractors and professionals. Be cautious of bids that are too low and seem too good to be true.—Insist on written contracts and estimates. Avoid contracts that are vague and only show the total cost of the work. To better understand the work to be done, contracts and estimates should provide separate and specific descriptions of the various items to be performed, including payment terms, project timelines and permits required. Structure payments so they are done after work has been satisfactorily performed and appropriate inspections have been completed.—Confirm building permits. Request to review all plans and permit submittal documents before they are submitted to the city or state for approvals. Keep paper and electronic copies of all documents and approved permits.—Be wary of numerous excuses for why delays are occurring and frequent requests for more money. DPP says projects that require permits but proceed without them will be issued a stop-work order and cited for work without a permit. 'Construction cannot continue until a proper permit is obtained through legitimate channels, ' DPP spokesperson Davis Pitner told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser via email. 'If the issue is not resolved, a notice of order will be issued to compel compliance.' He added that 'in cases where an unlicensed contractor is involved, the matter may be referred to RICO for further investigation and action.' 'There will always be those who want to skirt the law for larger profits but for the most part the majority of contractors do the right thing and follow the law, ' Pitner said. 'DPP's concern is with homeowners being taken advantage of, misinformed /misled, and /or receiving faulty or not up to code construction.' He asserted the number of cases or incidents DPP has investigated in the past year or so involving unlicensed contractors or other illegitimate building professionals has increased slightly. 'This hasn't been a common occurrence but we're seeing an uptick, ' Pitner said. 'Each case is different based on the circumstances but are dealt with appropriately, whether it is revoking a building permit, issuing a violation, and /or reporting the unlicensed work to the DCCA for further investigation.' Ashton Stallings, a DCCA communications specialist, said her agency continues to deal with these cases. 'Each year, hundreds of complaints are received concerning unscrupulous and unlicensed contractors targeting and scamming consumers, ' she told the Star-Advertiser via email. 'The subject of contracting is consistently among the top three of all the industry complaints received by RICO annually.' In past years, DPP had noted issues with its third-party reviewers—licensed professionals brought in to help relieve staffing shortages as well as reduce its months-long building permit process. During a June 2023 City Council Zoning Committee meeting, Takeuchi Apuna told the panel that third-party reviewers—who are not regular DPP staff—review specific codes like mechanical, electrical and structural for commercial projects, and work on residential projects and the city's land use ordinance. But on April 11, 2023, DPP faulted a third-party reviewer for granting an unwarranted building permit. DPP said local architect Jimmy Wu—working on behalf of the city—reviewed and certified plans for what was later deemed a 'monster home ' in the Kalihi area. DPP issued a building permit on March 28, 2022, for the project at 1532 Hanai Loop. Based on an inquiry from Council member Tyler Dos Santos-Tam and former state Rep. John Mizuno, DPP 're-reviewed ' the plans and determined incorrect information was provided to DPP by the project applicants and that the planned two-story, single-family home with nine bathrooms, no side yards and insufficient parking was a gross violation of the city's 'monster homes ' ordinance, the city said. DPP revoked the project's building permit and issued a notice of violation and a stop-work order to the owners, Junqin Chen and Maonan Wang. This week, DPP said it was still reviewing its future use of third-party reviewers. 'DPP is doing its best to streamline and expedite building permit reviews so that the capacity provided by third-party reviewers is unnecessary, ' Pitner said. 'In time, DPP will be the best option for property owners when it comes to building permit review.' Homeowners are encouraged to contact the DPP or visit for resources on permitting, inspections and selecting licensed professionals. For information regarding contractor legitimacy, visit DCCA at or visit RICO at.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Agency warns against illegal construction activity
The Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting urges the public to take care when hiring contractors, designers, architects and engineers for building projects. DPP says some of these construction professionals actually may be engaged in illegal activities—a problem that could prove costly to unsuspecting homeowners. But if discovered and reported, the illegitimate construction contractors could pay as well. This reminder, according to DPP, comes in the wake of recent disciplinary actions by the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, including a case involving falsified licensing and unlawful permitting practices. DCCA and its respective state boards and commissions recently released a summary of disciplinary actions taken through April, DPP says. Among them was a $10, 000 fine levied against a business owner who, according to the DCCA's Regulated Industries Complaint Office, was aiding and abetting an unlicensed contractor on Oahu. In this instance, RICO investigations allege the business owner—identified as Alex G. Ramos, doing business as Triple A Electrical Service—obtained permits on behalf of the unlicensed contractor across multiple projects, putting them in violation of state law. In April that RICO case ended in a state Contractors License Board-approved settlement agreement with Ramos—who did not admit to violating any law or rule, but agreed to pay a $10, 000 fine to DCCA's 'compliance resolution fund, ' the settlement document states. DPP claims its building inspectors were the first to identify the unlicensed contractors and took immediate action by initiating revocations. 'Hiring an unlicensed contractor or design professional may seem like a way to save money upfront, but it can lead to serious consequences and additional corrective expenses down the line, ' DPP Director Dawn Takeuchi Apuna said in a statement. 'The DPP is committed to collaborating with the DCCA to identify these contractors and hold them accountable for their illegal actions.' As part of these efforts, DPP offers tips to help homeowners verify whether a contractor is properly licensed and operating legally. Homeowners looking to build or renovate their property should evaluate the following steps before hiring any contractor :—Verify licenses. Ensure contractor and design professionals hold a valid license with the DCCA that is 'Current, Valid and in Good Standing.' Visit DCCA's Professional and Vocational Licensing Search to confirm credentials.—Check for complaints or disciplinary actions. To do so, use RICO's resources to research past complaints and enforcement actions.—Get multiple bids. Compare estimates from multiple licensed contractors and professionals. Be cautious of bids that are too low and seem too good to be true.—Insist on written contracts and estimates. Avoid contracts that are vague and only show the total cost of the work. To better understand the work to be done, contracts and estimates should provide separate and specific descriptions of the various items to be performed, including payment terms, project timelines and permits required. Structure payments so they are done after work has been satisfactorily performed and appropriate inspections have been completed.—Confirm building permits. Request to review all plans and permit submittal documents before they are submitted to the city or state for approvals. Keep paper and electronic copies of all documents and approved permits.—Be wary of numerous excuses for why delays are occurring and frequent requests for more money. DPP says projects that require permits but proceed without them will be issued a stop-work order and cited for work without a permit. 'Construction cannot continue until a proper permit is obtained through legitimate channels, ' DPP spokesperson Davis Pitner told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser via email. 'If the issue is not resolved, a notice of order will be issued to compel compliance.' He added that 'in cases where an unlicensed contractor is involved, the matter may be referred to RICO for further investigation and action.' 'There will always be those who want to skirt the law for larger profits but for the most part the majority of contractors do the right thing and follow the law, ' Pitner said. 'DPP's concern is with homeowners being taken advantage of, misinformed /misled, and /or receiving faulty or not up to code construction.' He asserted the number of cases or incidents DPP has investigated in the past year or so involving unlicensed contractors or other illegitimate building professionals has increased slightly. 'This hasn't been a common occurrence but we're seeing an uptick, ' Pitner said. 'Each case is different based on the circumstances but are dealt with appropriately, whether it is revoking a building permit, issuing a violation, and /or reporting the unlicensed work to the DCCA for further investigation.' Ashton Stallings, a DCCA communications specialist, said her agency continues to deal with these cases. 'Each year, hundreds of complaints are received concerning unscrupulous and unlicensed contractors targeting and scamming consumers, ' she told the Star-Advertiser via email. 'The subject of contracting is consistently among the top three of all the industry complaints received by RICO annually.' In past years, DPP had noted issues with its third-party reviewers—licensed professionals brought in to help relieve staffing shortages as well as reduce its months-long building permit process. During a June 2023 City Council Zoning Committee meeting, Takeuchi Apuna told the panel that third-party reviewers—who are not regular DPP staff—review specific codes like mechanical, electrical and structural for commercial projects, and work on residential projects and the city's land use ordinance. But on April 11, 2023, DPP faulted a third-party reviewer for granting an unwarranted building permit. DPP said local architect Jimmy Wu—working on behalf of the city—reviewed and certified plans for what was later deemed a 'monster home ' in the Kalihi area. DPP issued a building permit on March 28, 2022, for the project at 1532 Hanai Loop. Based on an inquiry from Council member Tyler Dos Santos-Tam and former state Rep. John Mizuno, DPP 're-reviewed ' the plans and determined incorrect information was provided to DPP by the project applicants and that the planned two-story, single-family home with nine bathrooms, no side yards and insufficient parking was a gross violation of the city's 'monster homes ' ordinance, the city said. DPP revoked the project's building permit and issued a notice of violation and a stop-work order to the owners, Junqin Chen and Maonan Wang. This week, DPP said it was still reviewing its future use of third-party reviewers. 'DPP is doing its best to streamline and expedite building permit reviews so that the capacity provided by third-party reviewers is unnecessary, ' Pitner said. 'In time, DPP will be the best option for property owners when it comes to building permit review.' Homeowners are encouraged to contact the DPP or visit for resources on permitting, inspections and selecting licensed professionals. For information regarding contractor legitimacy, visit DCCA at or visit RICO at.
NDTV
12-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
UK News
Share Twitter Twitter WhatsApp WhatsApp Facebook Facebook Reddit Reddit Email May 10, 2025 04:21 am IST Agence France-Presse The leaders of France, Britain, Germany and Poland will make an unprecedented joint visit to Ukraine on Saturday for talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky, vowing to ratchet up pressure on Russia until it agrees a ceasefire. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 09, 2025 12:59 pm IST Agence France-Presse UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced new sanctions targeting Russia's so-called shadow fleet ahead of a military summit in Norway on Friday. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 09, 2025 01:43 am IST Reuters The United States and Britain announced a deal to lower tariffs on some goods on Thursday, with U.S. levies on cars and steel being cut and both sides gaining better access to agriculture markets. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 08, 2025 15:43 pm IST Mihir Sharma, Bloomberg President Donald Trump may say "tariffs" are his favorite word, but the rest of the world doesn't have to agree. With or without America, trade deals continue to be signed. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 08, 2025 06:38 am IST Asian News International UK Member of Parliament Priti Patel condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and called on the British government to strengthen counter-terror cooperation with India. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 06, 2025 23:46 pm IST Press Trust of India India has secured a three-year exemption from social security contributions for domestic workers who are temporarily in the UK and their employers under the Double Contribution Convention Agreement (DCCA). Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 06, 2025 22:43 pm IST Written by: Abhishek Chakraborty Studying or working in the UK will soon become difficult for nationals of certain countries. The update comes from the UK Home Office, which says it has been identifying countries from which visitors are most likely to overstay and claim asylum. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 05, 2025 14:35 pm IST Edited by: NDTV News Desk Meghan Markle posted a black-and-white photograph of Prince Harry and their children at their Montecito residence, a day after her husband's request to restore his security in the United Kingdom was turned down. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 04, 2025 23:53 pm IST Agence France-Presse British police have said 14 children aged between 11 and 14 were arrested in a northeastern English town after a teenage boy died in a fire at an industrial park. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 04, 2025 10:45 am IST Reuters Britain's counter-terrorism police arrested five men, including four Iranian nationals, on suspicion of terrorism offences over a plot to target a specific premises, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement on Sunday. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 01, 2025 22:56 pm IST Reuters London department store Harrods said on Thursday hackers had attempted to break into its systems, the third high-profile cyber attack on a UK retailer in two weeks, following incidents at Marks & Spencer and the Co-op Group. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 01, 2025 16:19 pm IST Agence France-Presse A British woman, Ethel Caterham, became the world's oldest person aged 115 on Thursday after the death of a Brazilian nun who had held the record, according to research groups. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 01, 2025 11:04 am IST Agence France-Presse Eighty years on, the spritely 100-year-old - who now teaches yoga and saw in her big birthday with a celebratory flight in a Spitfire fighter plane. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email
NDTV
12-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Diaspora
Share Twitter Twitter WhatsApp WhatsApp Facebook Facebook Reddit Reddit Email May 06, 2025 23:46 pm IST Press Trust of India India has secured a three-year exemption from social security contributions for domestic workers who are temporarily in the UK and their employers under the Double Contribution Convention Agreement (DCCA). Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 05, 2025 18:56 pm IST Edited by: Sanstuti Nath A 21-year-old Indian-origin, who was just weeks away from graduating from the University of California, Berkeley, was paralysed from the waist down after falling from a balcony at a fraternity house party in April. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 05, 2025 16:04 pm IST Press Trust of India A 21-year-old Indian student has been arrested in the US after trying to scam a 78-year-old woman from North Carolina by posing as a law enforcement officer. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 02, 2025 22:07 pm IST Press Trust of India The Delhi High Court on Friday directed the Indian Consulate in Indonesia to ensure three Indian nationals on death row in the foreign country were given adequate legal aid to pursue remedies. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 01, 2025 18:28 pm IST Edited by: Anushree Jonko In Brampton, a city known for its strong Punjabi presence, the election results were particularly noteworthy. Five constituencies in Brampton featured candidates with Punjabi names, with both the Liberal and Conservative parties claiming wins. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email May 01, 2025 14:28 pm IST Edited by: Sanstuti Nath (with inputs from AP) Amid a wider crackdown on immigration, the Trump Administration in the United States is expanding the ways to strip international students, including Indians, of their legal status to stay in stay and study in the country. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email Apr 30, 2025 11:03 am IST Press Trust of India Two Indian citizens on student visas in the US have been arrested for scamming an elderly individual and charged with theft, according to authorities. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email Apr 30, 2025 00:09 am IST Edited by: Anushree Jonko According to USCPB data, between October 2024 and February 2025, 77 unaccompanied Indian minors were apprehended at the US borders. This trend is part of a larger pattern, with 1,656 unaccompanied Indian minors apprehended between 2022 and 2025. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email Apr 29, 2025 19:11 pm IST NDTV Newsdesk An Indian tech entrepreneur allegedly shot dead his wife and one of his sons at their home in the United States last week, said the police. The man, said cops, then died by suicide. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email Apr 28, 2025 12:50 pm IST Press Trust of India Two Indian nationals were charged in Singapore's district court on Monday after they allegedly used pieces of clothing to tie up a woman's limbs in a hotel room and robbed her. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email Apr 24, 2025 21:30 pm IST Edited by: Anushree Jonko Immigration officials are issuing Requests for Evidence (RFEs) in H-1B visa cases, seeking personal data, including home addresses and biometrics. This move has sparked questions about the federal agency's intentions. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email Apr 22, 2025 15:34 pm IST Edited by: Sanstuti Nath Thousands of migrants living in Canada, including Indians, are losing their work permits due to long delays in the paperwork renewal process, as growing backlogs and changing rules hinder efforts to maintain legal status. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email Apr 22, 2025 07:51 am IST Press Trust of India A 20-year-old Indian national will be charged in Singapore on Tuesday for allegedly outraging the modesty of a cabin crew member aboard an aircraft bound for the city-state. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email Apr 19, 2025 08:36 am IST Press Trust of India A 21-year-old Indian student was killed in Canada after a stray bullet struck her. She was waiting at a bus stop on her way to work when the shots were fired by a car occupant. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email Apr 18, 2025 23:59 pm IST Press Trust of India A member of the Scottish Parliament has tabled a motion in the House commending the work of a Gandhian society that has drafted a report that highlights the "rising levels of prejudice, discrimination and marginalisation" of Hindus in Scotland. Share Twitter WhatsApp Facebook Reddit Email
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Business Standard
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
India-UK FTA: How Indian techies will save on salary for three years
After nearly three and a half years of negotiations, India and the United Kingdom announced on Tuesday the conclusion of talks for a free trade agreement (FTA) that could reshape the way Indians work and do business in Britain. The deal, which covers strategic and economic ties between the fifth- and sixth-largest economies, includes an agreement on social security contributions that is expected to benefit thousands of Indians working in the UK on a temporary basis. Kajal Dave, Co-Founder of LaunchEd Global, a study abroad and e-learning platform, said, "Although trading in products and services is the primary objective of the FTA, discussions have also included the ability to move by qualified professionals. The regulations are expected to enable short-term business and professional visas, support mutual recognition of qualifications, and facilitate easier migration pathways in high-demand sectors. Even though they might not immediately change student visa restrictions," Dave told Business Standard. How Indians could benefit Under the Double Contribution Convention Agreement (DCCA), Indian workers temporarily in the UK and their employers will be exempt from paying social security contributions for three years. India's commerce ministry said this would make Indian service providers more competitive. 'In an unprecedented achievement, India has secured an exemption for Indian workers who are temporarily in the UK and their employers from paying social security contributions in the UK for a period of three years under the Double Contribution Convention,' it said. Business Standard reported earlier, citing estimates from the commerce ministry, that the agreement is expected to save around 20 per cent of an employee's salary. More than 60,000 employees, mainly from the IT sector, are expected to benefit. The total financial benefit to Indian companies and employees is estimated to exceed Rs 4,000 crore. Presently, Indian professionals working temporarily in Britain pay compulsory National Insurance (NI) contributions but cannot claim benefits once they return to India. Industry experts believe the deal could offer wider advantages beyond immediate cost savings. "The agreement is anticipated to help Indian professionals. Better post-study career prospects, increased acceptance of Indian degrees, and a more hospitable work environment for long-term employment in industries like technology, finance, and healthcare might all result from this for students and aspiring professionals," said Dave. "For Indian professionals working in the UK, the FTA has the possibility to greatly reduce tax costs and simplify employment laws. If well executed, it may save up to 20 per cent of salaries, which is a significant advantage that improves financial security and increases the UK's appeal to Indian talent," he added. Varun Singh, Managing Director of XIPHIAS Immigration, said the FTA represents more than a commercial agreement. "The India-UK FTA is more than just a trade pact — it's a gateway for skilled Indian professionals to dream bigger. While the full text is still under wraps, both sides have signalled a strong intent to include provisions that ease mobility for Indian workers, particularly in sectors like IT, healthcare, and finance," Singh told Business Standard. He added, "For Indians already in the UK, this could translate to faster pathways to permanent residency and broader career prospects. For those aspiring to move, especially young graduates and tech talent, it opens doors to smoother visa processes, potentially even a dedicated mobility scheme." India already has similar social security agreements with countries including Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, France, Denmark, South Korea and the Netherlands. Workers posted abroad to these countries continue contributing to India's Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) without double deductions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was pleased with the outcome. 'Delighted to speak with my friend PM Keir Starmer. In a historic milestone, India and the UK have successfully concluded an ambitious and mutually beneficial free trade agreement, along with a double contribution convention. These landmark agreements will further deepen our comprehensive strategic partnership and catalyse trade, investment, growth, job creation, and innovation in both our economies. I look forward to welcoming PM Starmer to India soon,' Modi wrote on X. In the UK Parliament, Douglas Alexander, Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade, said the agreement preserves Britain's existing rules on immigration. 'The deal does not affect the points-based system. It only covers business mobility, which is different from immigration, as it is about travel for specific and temporary business purposes," he said. Alexander further said that UK businesses would also benefit from increased mobility routes as they expand into India. UK Opposition slams govt The announcement drew criticism from opposition parties in Britain, particularly concerning the treatment of British and Indian workers under the new arrangement. Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper tweeted, 'It is very worrying to hear concerns that Indian workers coming over here, companies may not have to pay taxes on those workers,' calling for MPs to be given a vote on the deal. Conservative MP Harriett Baldwin raised concerns in the House of Commons about the potential cost to the British taxpayer. She said, 'Will the convention really mean that, for example, an Indian-owned restaurant chain in the UK could pay no national insurance here for its chef, while the British pub next door pays full national insurance for its curry chef? This government is literally putting up taxes for British workers but cutting them for Indian workers.' Baldwin questioned whether it would be 20 per cent cheaper for companies to hire Indian workers instead of British ones. Alexander responded that the arrangement is reciprocal and will benefit British workers posted in India. He said the exemption covers only a specific and limited group of Indian businesspeople, for three years, and pointed out that the UK already has similar agreements with the EU, the US and South Korea. What about student visas and immigration rules? The government clarified that student visas were not part of the negotiations. Alexander said: 'Student visas remained off the table.' He also confirmed that the UK has not created new visa routes under the FTA. While some business mobility routes have been expanded to cover additional sectors, they will only be available to highly skilled and experienced professionals. Applicants must still meet strict criteria on qualifications and experience. — No changes have been made to the UK's points-based immigration system — No new general visa categories have been introduced for Indian citizens — Business mobility provisions are strictly temporary and sector-specific The government reiterated that Indian workers benefiting from the agreement will still have to pay the immigration health surcharge, which funds the NHS. The United Kingdom's points-based immigration system is the framework used to decide who can work, study, or settle in the UK. In this, applicants must earn at least 70 points to qualify for most work visas. Points are awarded based on specific criteria such as: Having a job offer from an approved UK employer (20 points) Speaking English at a required level (10 points) Job being at an appropriate skill level (20 points) Salary level (0–20 points depending on the salary band) Occupation being in a shortage field (extra points) Having a relevant PhD (extra points if related to the job, especially in STEM fields) Types of visas under the system include: Skilled Worker visa: For people with an eligible job offer. Health and Care Worker visa: For doctors, nurses, carers, etc. Global Talent visa: For leaders or potential leaders in fields like science, engineering, the arts.
