I would agree on the more stringent checks statement- but for a different reason. I just got royally screwed over by a guy who only checked what was on my CV to make a refusal based on a NARIC check, when its obvious from what I also included that Ive done far and above what they gave me for educational value, and equivalent with a UK masters. If I dont get it on appeal then I will chalk the UK up as useless and move on.
Ive done work on their new Gambling Bill and the whole HSMP thing strikes me as a similar case- someone thought it would be a really great idea and a way to provide some industries with qualified people the country isnt churning out at the moment. Unfortunately, like most things in England, the policy and implications werent thought out quite completely ( thank god gambling was caught in time). Im really surprised there isnt a quota system like we use here in the US. I doubt this "free for all" will last much longer.
We all know too that getting HSMP isnt a guarantee for anything. Its not a guarantee for EC, not a guarantee for employment, its certainly not a guarantee for a better life. All it is is an opportunity and it is up to the applicant to make the most of the opportunity. I would be willing to bet of the X number of applicants accepted, it is assumed that X wont pass EC, or X will not go t the UK due to other issues at home, and upon arrival, X wont get FLR or X will return home due to lack of funds or have become disgruntled with the UK. Its survival of the fittest- those who do not have the qualifications and who did sneak through the HSMP process will eventually get kicked out by the system. Unfortunately this tends to make an impression on the quality of HSMP holders in general, and only makes it difficult for those from the same country/same field to get a job. But for those who stick it out, who integrate into the community and do in fact intend to make the UK their main home, as we are asked to do in a written statement, then this program is a good fit for them. I would hardly call myself a top expert in the US in anything, but for some strange reason I care far more about what happens in Doncaster than Des Moines, or how casinos are distributed in this country than my own, so HSMP is good for me. Now if they would only accept my app.....