This just in from Andrew Turner’s office. Ed
The Island’s MP, Andrew Turner has welcomed announcements made on Tuesday by Home Secretary Theresa May MP.
The Government will seek to reduce net migration coming from outside the EU from hundreds of thousands to tens of thousands.
Mrs May said, “Controlled migration has benefited the UK, economically, socially and culturally. But when immigration gets out of control, it places great pressures on our society, economy and public services. We can’t go on like this. We must tighten up our immigration system, focusing on tackling abuse and supporting only the most economically beneficial migrants.
“To achieve this, we will have to take action across all routes to entry – work visas or student visas – and break the link between temporary routes and permanent settlement. This will bring significant reductions in non-EU migration to the UK and restore it to more sustainable levels.
Tough talk requires action
Mr Turner commented, “I am very pleased that the Government is taking action on the issue of net immigration. For too long, under the previous Government, we have heard tough talk without the tough action needed to back it up.
“I am particularly pleased to hear that there will be large reductions to student entry into the UK. For too long this system has clearly been abused, with the supposed ‘brightest and best’ gaining entry to the UK to perform manual and low-skilled jobs, rather than obtain higher education. There are many dubious establishments that effectively sell visas – not education. It is also common for many of these would-be students to fail to return home after their studies and become ‘lost’ to the system.
I will be on my guard
Mr Turner went on to say, “I also welcome the news that the number of skilled immigrant workers will be reduced. Intra-company transfers will be outside the numerical limits, subject to a salary threshold of £40,000. This move will allow companies operating in the UK to bring in skilled staff when needed, but makes sure that only those on higher wages that are really necessary for the company will be brought in. Companies operating in the UK will need to become more reliant on skilled workers in the UK, which will help our employment situation.
“Many Islanders have contacted me with their concerns over these issues -they will be pleased to hear that the Government is taking control of the situation. There are some claims that these measures will not bring about a significant fall in inward migration. I am sure they will, but I shall be on my guard to make sure!”
Image: UK Home Office under CC BY 2.0
