IMMIGRATION NEWS WEEKLY ROUNDUP 7th JUNE 2024

As the UK gears up for the upcoming general election, the issue of immigration has taken centre stage in the political discourse.

?The recent pledge by the Conservative party to cap visas awarded to migrant workers to reduce immigration has raised concerns among industry figures, who warn that this approach could harm vital sectors of the UK economy. As both the Conservatives and Labour attempt to demonstrate their toughness on migration, businesses in tourism, hospitality, construction, and manufacturing are expressing their apprehension about the potential consequences of an arbitrary crackdown on migrant labour.

Representatives from these sectors, which collectively employ millions of people, argue that politicians are failing to understand the UK's need for migrant workers and that such measures could exacerbate existing skills shortages, limit output, and even accelerate the automation of certain roles.

The share of overseas-born workers in the UK has risen from 9% to 19% over the past two decades, according to the Office for National Statistics, and industry leaders emphasise the importance of investing in skills and helping people into employment to ensure that any long-term reduction in migration rates does not further contribute to labour shortages.

?This ongoing debate highlights the delicate balance between managing immigration and maintaining economic stability, with the UK's future immigration policies likely to have significant implications for businesses and the workforce.

?The UK education sector has already been significantly affected by the stricter regulations imposed on international students in 2024, including the prohibition on bringing dependents and the potential discontinuation of the UK graduate visa scheme, which has created uncertainty and concern among prospective students and educational institutions alike.

?The recently released Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) world university rankings have highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by UK universities, with 52 out of 90 British institutions receiving lower rankings compared to the previous year. Despite Imperial College London's impressive rise to second place, surpassing Oxford and Harvard and trailing only the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the overall picture for UK higher education remains concerning. Experts warn that the persistent funding pressures experienced by UK universities could lead to a decline in their international reputations and even potential closures. The rankings serve as a stark reminder of the need for increased support and investment in the UK's higher education sector to maintain its global competitiveness and ensure the long-term viability of its institutions.

In a positive step forward following a response to numerous allegations of exploitation faced by migrant workers in the British social care sector, the Labour party has pledged to launch an investigation into the matter if they secure victory in the upcoming election. Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, strongly condemned the alleged mistreatment, accusing the government of neglecting the issue and vowing to support the Royal College of Nursing's call for a comprehensive inquiry into the experiences of effected individuals. Reports suggest that some migrant care workers have been left stranded in the UK with substantial debts and little to no work, despite promises made to them. The proposed investigation would aim to ensure that standards are upheld, and exploitative employers are held accountable, with Labour's planned new enforcement body overseeing the crackdown on exploitation in the care sector. The Liberal Democrats have also criticized the Conservatives' handling of the immigration system and their apparent lack of effort in addressing exploitation within the sector, emphasising the urgent need for an investigation.

Considering the upcoming UK elections and the potential impact on migration policies, particularly those affecting UK business migrants, it is crucial for individuals and organisations to stay well-informed about the current rules and regulations. As both the Conservative and Labour parties vie to demonstrate their firm stance on immigration, the uncertainty surrounding future policies has raised concerns among industry leaders who fear that an arbitrary crackdown on migrant labour could have detrimental effects on crucial sectors of the UK economy.

?Given the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policy and its potential impact on businesses and the workforce, this course will be invaluable for anyone looking to stay informed and adapt to the changing landscape of UK migration. By providing a comprehensive overview of the current rules and best practices, HJT Training's course Skilled Workers & Global Business Mobility , will help immigration advisors understand and work through the complexities of the UK's immigration system and ensure compliance in the face of potential policy changes for their business immigration and High Net worth clients.

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