Right-wing Conservative MPs have proposed a 12-point plan pushing Chancellor Rishi Sunak to take action to reduce immigration levels. The New Conservatives, a group, contend that the existing system is too permissive and is resulting in cultural and economic instability.
These MPs consider it essential to address the issue to keep their 2019 election promises, especially with net migration hitting a record high of 606,000 in the previous year. Let's explore the specifics of their suggestions and any potential repercussions.
The New Conservatives' call for the closure of temporary visa programmes for healthcare workers is one of their main recommendations.
They contend that these programmes were put in place during the epidemic to alleviate labour shortages but have persisted even after the crisis subsided. They predict that the number of migrants might be decreased by about 80,000 by eliminating these schemes.
The necessity to invest in the UK workforce and potential staff shortages in the care industry are raised by opponents.
The number of refugees who can be resettled in the UK should be limited, according to the New Conservatives. They suggest a cap of 20,000 refugees, which might be increased or decreased in response to unanticipated crises like natural catastrophes or armed conflicts.
Except for Hong Kongers and Ukrainians, this cap exceeds the total number of persons who have been granted refuge or resettled in the UK in any given year since 2002.
While Number 10 has already rejected some of the group's recommendations, it hasn't ruled out this idea. It emphasises that rather than being decided by the government alone, such decisions should be made by Parliament.
Another recommendation in the report is to reserve university study visas for the most talented overseas students by disqualifying the institutions with the worst academic records.
The MPs contend that doing this would guarantee that study visas are granted in accordance with the standard of academic programmes and the employability of graduates.
They contend that immigration policy shouldn't be utilised to subsidise financially struggling universities. There may be disagreements, though, on how such policies will affect the variety of the academic environment and the enrollment of overseas students.
Conservative MPs are pressing Chancellor Rishi Sunak to act due to worries about immigration levels. While their plans are intended to carry out election promises, they are met with opposition and the possibility of negative effects in industries like caregiving and education.
The economic and cultural effects of mass migration worry conservative MPs, who think the existing system is too accommodating.
Some of the recommendations have been rejected by the government, which claims that its current plans strike the correct balance. Immigration is still a contentious subject within the party.