CBI criticises new visa fees

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has come out against the fees for migrant worker visas.

According to John Cridland, the deputy director general of the CBI, an organisation run on a not-for-profit basis, the charges create a risk that businesses will be dissuaded from recruiting the necessary members of staff.

However, the Home Office has confirmed that the new proposals are not unfair.

"By seeking to recover far more than the cost of processing the application, the government risks putting up a barrier to firms hiring people with the skills they need to grow and create jobs for the good of the whole economy," said Mr Cridland.

Under the terms of the new fee structure, outlined by minister for immigration Liam Byrne, businesses with more than 50 employees will be required to pay a sponsorship fee of £1,000.

All firms wishing to employ staff - who require visas - will be required to become registered sponsors.