30 April 2008

Labour MP urges against restricting immigration from the Commonwealth

A labour MP is urging the government not to restrict UK immigration from the Commonwealth through the coming points-based system, saying it will damage relations with other nations. Austin Mitchell said if the Home Office reduces visiting visas from six to three months they will do damage to relations with the former empire, reported ePolitix.

He added that the move was a reactive one to the influx of people from eastern Europe, but that should be no reason to shun people from other nations. He added that the proposed points-based system would still allow skilled immigration.

Mr Mitchell stated that while it would have little effect on actual immigration it would create a bad relationship with countries like Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. It was recently reported that UK immigration has boosted the economy over the past ten years. The Work Foundation has released the report which found that interest rates and inflation was kept lower due to immigration.

Anyone interested in getting a better understanding of their current position under UK visa regulations should request a call from a qualified UK Visa Bureau migration consultant to see if they are eligible for migration to the UK, or call direct on Freephone 0800 043 7011. Alternatively, HSMP visa hopefuls should try taking the HSMP online assessment.