UK Immigration Policies and Positive Impact of UK Elections 2024
UK Immigration is a dream of many; however, during the past decade, UK immigration policies have been anti-immigrant. Thanks to anti-immigration policies by the previous ruling party of the UK, the country lacks qualified manpower. The landslide victory of the Labour Party in the UK elections in 2024 means immigration policies may seem to be friendly.
Discussion of UK Immigration Policies in UK Election Campaign 2024
UK immigration was a hot topic during the UK election campaign 2024. The Labour Party of the UK ended 14 years of rule by the Conservative Party, and the UK PM showed signs of change from his very first speech when he discussed UK immigration policies. PM Keir Starmer announced scrapping the Rwanda migrant deportation plan by calling the plan dead and buried even before it started.
Rwanda Migrant Deportation Plan and Shift in UK Immigration Policies
The previous parliament of the UK passed the Rwanda migrant deportation plan in April 2024 to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda. PM Keir Starmer wants to handle the matter humanely rather than pushing people into a country where cases of human abuse are common.
He aims to balance the public concerns about migration to the UK and align the goals with the needs of the economy of UK.
Labour Party Manifesto Points for Immigration
The Labour Party manifesto about immigration policies includes points-based immigration and sponsorship systems that cover the following points:
- Control the flow of net migration by relying more on available talent and reducing dependency on foreign workers
- Reform the existing UK points-based immigration system by integrating immigration and skill policy and enforcing appropriate levels of restrictions
- Stop employers who violate immigration policies and employment laws who hire foreign workers
- Make sure that the migration policy tackles the skill shortages
- Initiate workforce training to limit dependency on foreign workers in health, social care and construction
- Concrete support for the Migration Advisory Committee and enhance collaboration with:
- skills bodies across the UK
- the Industrial Strategy Council
- the Department for Work and Pensions
Labour Party Immigration Policy in the Past
During 1997-2010 governments of Labour Party in UK, the immigration policies evolved and characterized by following key approaches:
Points-based System for Immigration
The Labour Party introduced a points-based UK immigration system in 2008. This system resembles the Australian immigration system with an aim at managing immigration based on skills and contribution to the economy.
Managed UK Migration
The Labour Party focused on managing the migration to UK rather than a total halt. This included setting annual quotas on specific immigration categories, such as UK work visas and UK student visas.
Work Permits and Highly Skilled Migrants
The Labour Party ensure sufficient availability of work permits for skilled workers and introduced the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) to attract highly skilled professionals to the UK. The program was replaced by a Points-based immigration system.
Integration and Citizenship
The then Labour Party government emphasized on the integration of immigrants and supporting pathways to citizenship for long-term residents.
Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Lawmakers from the Labour Party drafted and approved laws to manage asylum applications, including the dispersal of asylum seekers across the UK. Further, cooperation with international bodies on refugee resettlement was also a key factor.
Illegal Immigration
Measures were introduced to tackle illegal immigration, including strengthening border controls and enforcement.
What can you expect as a person interested in UK migration?
The previous track record, past experiences and current manifesto of the current ruling party of the UK shows a relatively soft corner for immigrants. Though we can’t predict clearly with confidence about what and when will the previous immigration policies will be softened, Immigrants to UK can expect a ray of hope favorable for them. You can also read about best second passport for British Nationals.