"The work permits system is the main mechanism for managing labour immigration to the UK. In recent years it has expanded considerably with several new schemes introduced. There are now four main elements in the work permits system: the main work permit scheme; the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme (SAWS); the Sectors Based Scheme (SBS); and the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP).Over the period 1995 to 2002, total applications in the main work permit scheme rose steadily every year from 38,617 to 155,216, an increase of over 300 per cent. In the last 3 years, the top five industry groups were: Health and medical services; Computer services; Administration, business and managerial services; Education and cultural activities; and Financial services. The main occupation groups were: IT related occupations; health associate professionals and other health/medical occupations; and managers and administrators. In terms of country of origin of workers issued permits, 15 countries account for over 75 per cent. The top three countries between 2000 and 2002 were India, United States and South Africa. However, patterns in country of origin have changed since 1995. Of the main scheme applications for work permits, around 30 to 40 per cent were intra-company transfers.Amongst the other schemes, in 2002, almost 20,000 people came as seasonal agricultural workers, the majority of whom were from Central and Eastern Europe. The new Sectors Based Scheme, introduced to address skills shortages in the food processing and hotels and catering sectors, has received applications for about 2,500 workers in its first 3 months of operation. The Highly Skilled Migrant Program, a new initiative launched in January 2002 to encourage individuals with exceptional skills and experience to seek work in the UK, granted 3,000 permits in its first year and a half of operation."

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