The UK’s Conservative Party announced on Monday plans to introduce new annual caps on work and family visas to reduce immigration. This proposal responds to rising net migration levels, a key issue in the upcoming July election.
Prime Minister’s Proposal
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, facing strong competition from Labour’s Keir Starmer, proposed that parliament will determine the number of visas issued each year. This move aims to address public concerns about immigration, which saw a net increase of 685,000 last year. Although this number is slightly lower than the previous year, it remains significantly higher than in 2019 when the Conservatives promised to reduce immigration.
Labour’s Immigration Plan
Over the weekend, Labour leader Keir Starmer introduced his party’s immigration plan. It focuses on reducing regular migration and includes measures to penalize employers who breach labor laws and prioritize training British workers over hiring foreign labor.
Tougher Immigration Controls
The Prime Minister’s announcement aims to highlight the Conservatives’ commitment to tougher immigration controls ahead of a pivotal debate on Tuesday, where Sunak and Starmer will address key election issues.
“We have taken bold action to cut the number of people coming to this country. The plan is working, but migration levels are still too high, so we are going further,” Sunak stated. He emphasized, “The Conservatives are the only party willing to take the bold action needed to cut immigration figures.”
Details of the Proposed Cap
The proposed annual cap will be gradually reduced each year, aiming to lower migration numbers without affecting foreign students and seasonal workers. Official statistics reveal that more than 300,000 work visas were issued in the year ending March 2024, more than double the number from 2019.
Recent Government Measures
To control immigration, the Conservative government has introduced various regulations this year. These include restrictions preventing international students and social care workers from bringing dependents and increasing the minimum salary threshold for skilled worker visas. These measures have led to a sharp decline in health and social care visa applications, causing concerns about staffing shortages in the sector.
Opposition’s Response
Labour’s shadow home minister Yvette Cooper dismissed the new policy as a “meaningless announcement.”
Delays in Rwanda Relocation Scheme
Additionally, the government’s initiative to address irregular migration by relocating failed asylum seekers to Rwanda has faced delays. Prime Minister Sunak acknowledged that this scheme will not be operational before the election.
Conclusion
The new visa caps proposed by the Conservative Party are part of a broader effort to manage immigration more effectively. As the election approaches, immigration remains a hot topic, with both major parties presenting their strategies to voters.
