6 Things the Government Should Focus Immigration Policy on
This week, a leading Russian expert on countering terrorism, Joseph Linder said that following the attack on London Bridge, Britain should extradite thousands of people. With the upcoming general election, this is a sensitive matter to approach the public with.
According to The Sun, he said: “The political leadership of England must take radical measures. But ahead of the election, no-one will dare introduce tough total counter-terrorism measures that would mean extradition operations to send a huge number of people out.
“It is almost impossible to monitor migrants in the current situation, but the UK authorities do not want to take responsibility for extraditing thousands of people.”
Below Catherine Maclay, Senior Immigration Consultant at Gordon Dadds believes immigration policy should look beyond the common subjective perception of what immigration law comprises, with regards to terrorism and national security, but hone in on the economic factors behind immigration, the education benefits and fairness in human rights.
Brexit is causing some European Union nationals to seek certainty about their employment positions, careers, family life and futures in the United Kingdom. Similarly, British Citizens living within the European Union also want certainty about their respective positions. Not only are British citizens in the UK unsure as to what the future holds but they are looking for a better deal for themselves and also their foreign family members. Aside from British citizens and EU nationals, businesses are seeking clarity with Brexit, including speedy decision making on immigration related issues as well as on access to markets in and outside of Europe to be able to make important business decisions. The overarching message seems to be that society wants fairness and reason to prevail in the decisions of those in power.
UK immigration policy should address the areas below in the light of Brexit:
- Leverage complementary business migration routes for middle class migrants and SME business enterprises internationally to assist business growth and employment stimulation in both the UK and sending countries, thereby ensuring future global economic growth and socio-economic stability;
- Foster education of foreign students in strategic skills areas to benefit the domestic UK economy, and the broader global economy, in addition to better opportunities for foreign graduate students to gain work experience in the UK after graduation;
- Develop substantial and appropriate economic migration incentives for foreign companies to locate themselves in the United Kingdom;
- Develop a humane and affordable family migration policy fostering social stability and economic wellbeing;
- Develop systemic sensitivity to the challenges of women migrants and migrants from diverse cultural backgrounds;
- Modernise the UK’s approach to nationality and identity issues in line with international law, international human rights and best practice.
Brexit, whether you are for it or not, offers a chance to find fresh, creative, practical solutions for diverse society around the negotiating table.
