Immigration plans will see 50,000 fewer visas issued this year, says home secretary

Summary

In this interview, the Home Secretary discusses key political issues, focusing on the UK’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, immigration control, and foreign criminal returns. She highlights plans to reduce net migration without setting specific targets, emphasizing a need for stronger border control and tighter immigration policies. There’s a focus on reforming visa systems, increasing returns of foreign criminals, and tackling illegal immigration. The conversation also touches on new trade agreements with the US and India, while maintaining the stance against free movement in the EU, with a clear commitment to reducing migration and reforming immigration systems.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Home Secretary calls for a serious response from Russia regarding peace talks on Ukraine, following international pressure for a ceasefire.
• 😀 The government is working on a new immigration plan but will not set rigid net migration targets, focusing instead on restoring control and order to the immigration system.
• 😀 There is a strong emphasis on reducing immigration numbers, with a goal to substantially lower net migration, although no specific target number is being provided.
• 😀 The Home Secretary stresses the need for stronger controls and changes to the immigration system, such as reducing low-skilled migration and focusing on training UK workers.
• 😀 Foreign criminals who have committed serious crimes will be returned to their countries of origin, with the Home Secretary promising to increase removals despite international challenges.
• 😀 New proposals will address the return of foreign criminals, particularly those not serving custodial sentences, by broadening the scope of cases to include offenders who haven't been incarcerated.
• 😀 Increased efforts to tackle illegal immigration will involve measures such as digital overhaul through e-visas, to track overstayers and illegal workers more effectively.
• 😀 The Home Secretary highlights a 16% increase in returns of foreign criminals since the election, showing determination to address the issue despite historical challenges.
• 😀 A new agreement with France has been established to prevent illegal crossings by small boats in the Channel, with French authorities now agreeing to intervene in French waters to prevent boats from reaching international waters.
• 😀 The government is working on a broader immigration overhaul, including limiting family reunion visas and cracking down on visa overstayers, with specific plans to be announced in upcoming weeks.

Q & A

What is the Home Secretary's stance on the possibility of talks between Mr. Putin and Ukraine?

The Home Secretary emphasizes the need for a serious response from Russia regarding the invasion of Ukraine. She stresses that international pressure has called for a ceasefire and that Russia's response so far has been lacking, hoping for a more serious approach from the Russian regime.

Is the Home Secretary planning to set a target for net migration in the new immigration proposal?

No, the Home Secretary explains that setting specific targets for net migration, like the Conservatives did previously, would not be the approach. Instead, she focuses on restoring control and credibility to the immigration system through practical steps.

What is the Home Secretary’s view on the ONS forecast for net migration?

The Home Secretary rejects the ONS forecast of net migration reaching over half a million, stating that these numbers are based on flawed predictions and will be revised. Her focus is on significantly reducing net migration, though she doesn't commit to a specific target.

How does the Home Secretary plan to address foreign criminals in the UK?

The Home Secretary plans to increase the removal and return of foreign national offenders, already showing a 16% increase in returns since the election. She also proposes expanding the scope of actions taken by the Home Office to include more individuals who commit crimes but are not in the prison system.

What challenges does the Home Secretary face when trying to remove foreign criminals from the UK?

Challenges include international barriers and issues with countries refusing to accept deportations. The Home Secretary intends to engage persistently with other nations to address these barriers and broaden the range of people being returned to their home countries.

What new proposals are included in the white paper on immigration, especially concerning the labor market?

The white paper will introduce new visa controls, with a focus on high-skilled migration and training within the UK. There will be new requirements for employers to train UK residents, as well as the closure of the care worker visa for overseas recruitment.

What is the Home Secretary's response to the rise in small boat crossings in the Channel?

The Home Secretary acknowledges the increase in small boat crossings and highlights new laws and agreements with France, which will now take preventive action in French waters to stop boats before they reach international waters.

How will the Home Secretary address family reunion visas under the new immigration plan?

The Home Secretary confirms that there will be new standards and systems for family reunion visas, ensuring they are not misused while also maintaining proper frameworks for families to reunite, with expectations on income and language proficiency for those coming to the UK.

What is the government's approach to illegal immigration through overstayed work and study visas?

The Home Secretary outlines a major digital overhaul with the introduction of e-visas, which will track individuals and their immigration status more effectively. Additionally, there will be more raids on illegal workers, increasing enforcement by about 40%.

How does the Home Secretary plan to reduce the number of low-skilled worker visas?

The Home Secretary plans to introduce tighter rules for low-skilled worker visas, focusing on high-skilled workers and reducing the number of low-skilled workers coming to the UK. These changes, particularly with the care worker visa, could reduce low-skilled worker visas by up to 50,000 this year.