The UK government is to reform aspects of immigration rules implemented in November 2008, after universities warned that the system would prevent up to 2,000 overseas researchers a year from entering the country. Previously, overseas academics coming to the United Kingdom to carry out research for two to three years could enter the country on a 'sponsored researcher visa'. But under the new points-based immigration system, the visa was scrapped, leaving researchers with no clear entry route. Researchers will now be included under a 'tier 5' entry route, reserved for sponsored temporary workers.