A temporary limit on the number of people from outside Europe who can work in the UK has come into force.

Under the interim limit, the number of highly skilled people entering the country without a job offer is 5,400. To raise standards in this category of the Government's points-based system, the pass mark for eligibility will rise by five points. Meanwhile, the number of skilled migrants allowed to enter the country with a job offer is 18,700. These figures equate to a 5% reduction when compared with the same period last year.

This limit will operate until March 2011 when a permanent limit comes into effect. The Government is consulting business about what the permanent limit should be.

Immigration minister Damian Green said: "The interim measures we have put in place will ensure that the number of work visas issued will stay below 2009 levels while we consult on our tough new limit.
 
"Alongside our limits will be action to get people back to work and provide business with the skills they need from the British workforce — reducing the need for migrants at the same time as we reduce their number."