New Conservatives' Call for Reducing Immigration: Overview

By Sanwar Ali:

Index:

1. The New Conservatives' Plan for Reducing Immigration
2. The Implications of Reducing Immigration
3. The Political Context of Immigration Control
4. The Impact of Brexit on Immigration
5. The Ethical Considerations of Immigration Control
6. The Feasibility of Reducing Immigration
7. The Role of Sponsoring Employers in Immigration
8. Visa Regulations and the Impact on Immigration
9. The Path to Permanent Residence
10. Looking Towards the Future: New Visa Categories

A faction within the Conservative Party, known as the 'New Conservatives', is advocating for a significant reduction in immigration. This group's demands have been directed at Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, and are grounded in a desire to fulfil promises made during the last General Election. The implications of reducing immigration are far-reaching and complex, touching upon economic, socio-cultural, and ethical aspects that demand careful consideration. This article aims to delve into these complexities, providing a comprehensive overview of the situation while adopting a critical stance towards government claims about potential successes in immigration policy.

1. The New Conservatives' Plan for Reducing Immigration

The New Conservatives, a group comprised mainly of MPs from the 2017 and 2019 intake, have put forth a detailed plan aimed at reducing net migration in Britain from 606,000 to 226,000 before the end of 2024. This group, which includes figures such as Lee Anderson, Miriam Cates, and Tom Hunt, is typically seen as loyal to the prime minister, yet their demands exhibit a high level of dissatisfaction with the current immigration policies.

Their proposed measures include the closure of temporary visa schemes for care workers and senior care workers, halting the provision for graduating overseas students to remain in the UK to work for up to three years, and restricting the entry of skilled workers to those earning £38,000 a year or more. Additionally, they propose a cap on the number of refugees accepted for resettlement in the UK and specific restrictions on future humanitarian schemes.

2. The Implications of Reducing Immigration

The call for reducing immigration, while politically appealing to some, has been criticised by some experts as being impractical, and potentially damaging to the economy. The Migration Observatory at Oxford University has called attention to the potential trade-offs inherent in such policies.

For instance, there are a number of reasons for a shortage of care workers. There is no easy solution to this problem. International students have been a significant source of revenue for universities. Proposals that would reduce these numbers cannot be considered in isolation from the funding of higher education. It begs the question; would more public funding be available to mitigate the costs of lower migration in these areas?

3. The Political Context of Immigration Control

The New Conservatives' focus on immigration control is not arbitrary but rooted in a broader political context. They argue that a promise to reduce immigration was a key element of the Conservative's victory in the 2019 General Election, particularly in the so-called 'red wall' seats, traditional Labour strongholds that swung towards the Conservatives.

4. The Impact of Brexit on Immigration

The post-Brexit era has seen a shift in the UK's immigration system, with the New Conservatives arguing that it has been "too lenient" and ineffective. They contend that "mass migration is having destabilizing economic and cultural consequences", a claim that echoes the sentiments expressed by many during the Brexit campaign.

5. The Ethical Considerations of Immigration Control

The proposal to cap refugee resettlement and restrict future humanitarian schemes raises ethical questions, particularly in light of recent global events. The situation in Ukraine and Hong Kong, for instance, has led to an increase in individuals seeking refuge in the UK. Turning away these individuals raises questions about the UK's commitment to international humanitarian principles.

6. The Feasibility of Reducing Immigration

While the call for reducing immigration may be politically popular among some segments of the population, the feasibility of such a move is less certain. The UK's economy relies on a steady influx of skilled and unskilled labour, and a significant reduction in immigration could have far-reaching economic implications.

7. The Role of Sponsoring Employers in Immigration

One of the key aspects of the UK's immigration system is the role of sponsoring employers. Employers recruiting overseas workers need a sponsor licence, a legal obligation that ensures they meet specific responsibilities and duties. The New Conservatives' plan could potentially affect this system, particularly in sectors experiencing skills shortages.

8. Visa Regulations and the Impact on Immigration

The regulations surrounding work visas, including the skilled worker visa and the tier 2 visa, play a significant role in controlling immigration. The New Conservatives' proposal to only allow in skilled workers who earn £38,000 a year or more could significantly impact these visa categories.

9. The Path to Permanent Residence

For many migrants, the ultimate goal is to secure indefinite leave to remain (a type of permanent residence) in the UK. Changes to immigration policy, particularly those affecting the salary threshold and the 'going rate' for certain occupations, could impact this path.

10. Looking Towards the Future: Visa Categories

Especially since Brexit, the UK Government has been making entry and stay in the UK easier in some respects. For example, there is no quota for the Skilled Worker visa and you no longer need to show that there is no one else who can fill the vacancy. However, the total cost in Government fees is still very high.

Some visa categories such as the innovator founder visa and global talent visa are difficult to obtain. The UK expansion worker visa, and the senior or specialist worker visa under global business mobility allow temporary entry to the UK. Currently, you can switch into another visa. How the New Conservatives' plan would impact the various immigration categories remains to be seen.

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