As of today, “the brightest and the best” from across the globe can apply for the Government’s new skilled worker visa. From January, visas will be approved through a points-based system, with officials taking into account level of pay and language skills when making decisions.

Introducing the new system was a key Tory Party manifesto at the last election, with Boris Johnson promising to replace the EU’s freedom of movement is a new, fairer system modelled on Australia’s immigration rules.

Under Brussels’ laws, anyone in the EU can move to live in the UK, regardless of whether they have secured employment or can speak English.

Critics of the system have accused it of favouring EU citizens over those from countries from the rest of the world, including Commonwealth countries.

Freedom of movement became a central issue in the 2016 referendum, with the official Vote Leave campaign promising a leaving the EU would allow Britain to once again “take back control” of its borders.

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Under the new system, nationals from all foreign countries, including the EU, will have to apply for a visa.

Announcing the new system this morning, Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “This Government promised to end free movement, to take back control of our borders and to introduce a new points-based immigration system.

“Today, we have delivered on that promise.

“This simple, effective and flexible system will ensure employers can recruit the skilled workers they need, whilst also encouraging employers to train and invest in the UK’s workforce.

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“We are also opening routes for those who have an exceptional talent or show exceptional promise in the fields of engineering, science, tech or culture.”

The Home Office said the new visa would ensure British businesses could recruit “the most highly qualified from across the globe to drive the economy forwards and keep the UK at the frontier of innovation”.

The new system is expected to have a fast turn around time with most applicants getting a decision on their visa within three weeks.

The visa will last up to five years before it needs to be extended.

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Under the rules of the new system, applicants will need a job which pays at least £25,600 per year except in certain specific areas where there is a shortage of workers.

People will also need to prove they have enough money to pay the annual £624 healthcare surcharge – which then gives them access to treatment on the NHS – and at least £1,270 in savings.

EU citizens who already live in the UK do not need to apply for a visa as they have been given a right to remain under the EU Settlement Scheme agreed as part of the Brexit deal last year.

As well as promising a new points-based visa scheme in last year’s general election, Mr Johnson also scrapped the Conservative Party’s commitment to reduce net migration to below 100,000.

The pledge was introduced by David Cameron in the 2010 election but the party has failed to meet the target every year since.

The last time net migration stood at less than 100,000 was in 1998.

According to Home Office figures, in 2019 net migration stood at 270,000.

A total of 677,000 people migrated into the UK, while 407,000 people emigrated.