UK IMMIGRATION NEWS

Immigration a Hot Topic in UK Election

Tuesday, 4 May 2010

In the run up to the General Election, there is no doubt that immigration is a hot topic for debate amongst the public.

David Cameron of the Conservative Party is proposing to put an annual cap on migration, but crucially refuses to reveal what the figure would be.

Nick Clegg of the Liberal Democratic Party would give amnesty to long term illegal immigrants and get them 'in to the hands of the tax man.' And our current MP, Mr. Brown? - Well he managed to brand a pensioner a "Bigoted Woman" after she challenged him on the increased number of European Migrants that have come to the UK in recent years.

So how do each of the parties fair on immigration policies in the coming years? - Here is a breakdown:

Labor

• Continue to tighten the newly-created points-based immigration system
• Introduced compulsory ID cards for foreign nationals
• Ensure migrants pass a tough English test before they arrive
• Break the automatic link between staying in the UK for a set period and being able to settle or gain citizenship.
• Support the new Border Agency to guard ports and airports

Conservatives:

• Bring down net immigration to 1990s levels
• Support Labor's Points-Based System, but also establish an annual limit for non-EU economic migrants
• Ensure only economic migrants who will "bring the most value to the economy" are admitted
• Apply controls on migrants next time new countries join the EU
• Crack down on student visa abuse
• Enforce English language test for anyone coming to the UK to get married

Liberal Democrats:

• Create an "earned route" to citizenship for migrants who have been in the UK for 10 years
• Assess the needs and resources of UK regions as part of a points-based immigration scheme
• Support a common EU asylum policy
• Allow asylum seekers to work

If you are interested in UK Visas, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to the UK.