British Home Secretary Charles Clarke announced a new government strategy to tighten immigration controls. According to the BBC, the main goal of the new immigration policy is to reduce the number of unskilled workers and political refugees coming to the country from outside the European Union.
According to Clarke, the government has developed a five-year plan that includes several types of measures to strengthen control over the number of foreigners living in the UK. At the center of the program is the gradual introduction of a points system for foreign citizens wishing to immigrate to the country. According to the Home Office, the measure will make it possible to identify those who are useful to the British economy and limit the number of foreigners residing without justification.
Points will be awarded depending on education, qualifications, income of the entrant and his knowledge of the language. In addition, a special committee will consider what specialties are required on the labor market of modern Britain. In-demand specialists will have an advantage over those for whom the British labor market has less need.
The implemented points system is designed for four groups of migrants. The first, priority group, is particularly sought-after specialists: doctors, engineers, programmers and financiers. They will be able to come to Britain without having a job invitation. The basis for issuing them a visa will be the number of points they will be awarded for education, work experience and current salary.
The second category is qualified social sector workers, such as nurses and teachers. They will be able to obtain a visa only if they have a specific job offer.
The third group is low-skilled workers. They will be able to come for a limited period of time and will not get the opportunity to stay in the country permanently.
The fourth group is students, as well as young people from British Commonwealth countries who come to Britain for two years under the working holiday program.
It is also planned that by 2008, all those receiving a British visa will have their fingerprints taken. This step, according to immigration authorities, should prevent foreigners from 'getting lost' in the territory of the United Kingdom.
Another measure that Labour intends to introduce is aimed at combating so-called chain migration, when a foreigner who obtains a residence permit brings many of his relatives. According to Clarke, immigrant families will lose the automatic right to obtain permanent residence in Britain. In an interview with The Times, Charles Clarke said: "We consider it fully justified that a person coming to work for us brings with him a wife or husband and his children. But the rest, in my opinion, are no longer necessary."
Restrictions will also be introduced on the right to obtain permanent residence. The period after which foreigners can obtain a residence permit will be extended from four to five years. In addition, not everyone will be able to obtain a residence permit; now residency will be granted only to qualified workers who are able to support themselves financially.
The law will also affect foreigners wishing to obtain political asylum in the UK. Currently, according to Clarke, refugee status is often granted unjustifiably. The government intends to take measures to reduce their number. In particular, at Clarke's suggestion, political refugees should lose the right to permanent residence in Britain. Every five years, a decision will be made on whether they should stay for a new term or whether the danger has passed and refugees can safely return home.
"Our country needs migration," said Clarke, speaking in the House of Commons of the British Parliament. "Tourists, students and incoming workers make a significant contribution to the UK economy. But we must be sure that we allow entry to migrants with skills and talents that could benefit the country and at the same time block the path of those who try to abuse our hospitality and place an additional burden on our society."