British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has unveiled a Conservative party pledge to implement annual caps on migrant visas, promising a reduction in the number of visas available each year, subject to parliamentary approval. This move, aiming to address concerns over immigration levels, follows the recommendation of the expert Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) and marks a notable policy shift ahead of the upcoming election.
Under Sunak’s proposal, MPs would have a say in yearly government proposals aimed at progressively reducing visa numbers. While specific figures for the cap were not provided, Sunak emphasized the Conservative party’s commitment to taking decisive action to curb immigration if elected on July 4th.
Labour’s Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, criticized the Conservatives for recycling failed policies and highlighted the significant increase in net migration despite previous promises to reduce it. The issue of immigration has emerged as a key battleground between the Labour and Conservative parties in the upcoming election.
Sunak’s announcement comes amidst pressure from within his own party, with some Conservative members expressing discontent over immigration levels and advocating for stricter border controls. Sunak aims to differentiate his party’s stance by presenting this new policy as a central component of the Conservative manifesto.
The proposed visa cap would apply to both work and family visas, with exemptions for temporary work routes such as Seasonal Agricultural Workers. The MAC would prioritize economic considerations in determining visa limits, including the impact on public services, wages, and productivity.
This initiative represents the latest attempt by the Conservative party to address immigration concerns, following previous efforts under Theresa May and David Cameron. However, Sunak has faced criticism from within his Cabinet for not going far enough in curbing legal migration, highlighting the complexities of immigration policy in the UK.
Despite the tightened regulations introduced this year, including restrictions on dependent family members and minimum salary hikes for skilled worker visas, the immigration system continues to face challenges, particularly in sectors such as health and social care where staff shortages persist.
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