The British government unveiled a draft Immigration and Asylum Bill Wednesday which aims to bring in skilled migrants based on a point system rather than the work permit system.

The measures include fingerprinting of all visa applicants and penalties for firms who employ illegal workers, with a fine of 2,000 pounds (US$3,700) for each illegal worker, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported.

There will also be a limited right of appeal for students, workers and family visitors who are refused visas.

Ministers hope the proposals will cut down on abuses in the system.

Under the new scheme, the more skills a person has, the more points they will gain, increasing their likelihood of entry to the UK.

The Home Office will have the final say over who is granted entry, although it says it will set up an independent advisory board which can give accurate information about where gaps exist in the job market.

There will also be sanctions against overstaying. People in sectors prone to abuse will be expected to hand over a financial bond, repayable when they leave at the end of their visa.

Skilled workers who support themselves financially will be able to stay permanently after five years, although they must prove their ability to use English fluently.

The bill also allows the sharing of data between border authorities and allows the full use of biometrically-enabled travel documents, which are being brought in as part of a multinational initiative.

"The bill would allow the use of 21st Century technology to facilitate legitimate travel and help deter and identify illegal immigrants," said a home office spokesman.

(Xinhua News Agency June 23, 2005)