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Theresa May pledges immigration abuse crackdown | Theresa May pledges immigration abuse crackdown |
(about 1 hour later) | |
The Home Secretary, Theresa May, has pledged to crack down on immigration abuse in order to restore public confidence in the system. | The Home Secretary, Theresa May, has pledged to crack down on immigration abuse in order to restore public confidence in the system. |
In her first major speech on immigration policy, she said the number of non-EU migrants had to be reduced to "sustainable levels". | In her first major speech on immigration policy, she said the number of non-EU migrants had to be reduced to "sustainable levels". |
Between 1997 and 2009, net migration was 2.2 million people - more than twice the population of Birmingham. | Between 1997 and 2009, net migration was 2.2 million people - more than twice the population of Birmingham. |
A new English language test to combat sham marriages is to be introduced. | |
Net migration - the difference between the number of people coming to live in the UK and the number emigrating - stood at 196,000 last year. | Net migration - the difference between the number of people coming to live in the UK and the number emigrating - stood at 196,000 last year. |
The coalition government has promised at least to halve this figure by by 2015. | The coalition government has promised at least to halve this figure by by 2015. |
This is to be achieved partly with a cap on the number of skilled workers from outside the European Economic Area. | This is to be achieved partly with a cap on the number of skilled workers from outside the European Economic Area. |
In June, the Home Office introduced a temporary limit of 24,100 work visas for non-EU citizens. | In June, the Home Office introduced a temporary limit of 24,100 work visas for non-EU citizens. |
Permanent measures will be brought in from April 2011 but the final decision on the figure is not expected until next month. | Permanent measures will be brought in from April 2011 but the final decision on the figure is not expected until next month. |
Fake documents | |
Mrs May said public confidence had been undermined by individual stories of the immigration system being abused. She cited the example of a couple who made £600,000 providing fake documents, qualifications and certificates to support applications. | |
"We must take steps to crack down on this sort of abuse, in order to restore confidence in a well-managed system that can bring substantial benefits," she said. | |
The points-based system on its own was insufficient to tackle the problem. "Consistent management of all aspects of the immigration system" was required. | |
The home secretary said she wanted to "deal with a myth that has arisen in recent months". | |
"We can reduce net migration without damaging our economy. We can increase the number of high value migrants: the entrepreneurs, the investors, the research scientists - at the same time as we reduce the total number of people coming to Britain through the economic routes." | |
The interim limit introduced in June had reduced non-EU immigration by five per cent compared to last year. | |
Mrs May underlined the prime minister's surprise announcement this week that intra-company transfers would be exempted from the cap and went further, saying the limit should change annually in response to changing economic and social conditions. | |
Raising skill levels | |
Businesses had told her that they wanted the government to prioritise Tier 2 applicants, skilled workers with a job offer, over Tier 1, highly skilled workers without a job offer. | |
"Operating effectively, Tier 1 should only be used by investors, entrepreneurs and people of exceptional talent; in short, the genuinely highly skilled. | |
"Our research shows that many people entering the UK through the Tier 1 or Tier 2 routes are earning low salaries, are not highly qualified or are not highly skilled. | |
"So we will need to look at taking action to raise the minimum skill levels in Tier 2 and ensuring those coming to do skilled work will be undertaking a suitable job with a sponsoring employer." | |
Mrs May said family visas accounted for nearly a fifth of non-EU migration and 40,00 marriage visas were issued in 2009. | |
A clampdown on sham marriages this summer had resulted in 118 arrests, including a vicar who was later jailed for fixing more than 300 ceremonies. | |
"As well as tackling abuse of the marriage route we need to ensure that those who come here can integrate successfully into society and play a part in their local community." | |
From 29 November, people applying for marriage visas will have to demonstrate a minimum standard of English, with further measures to tighten this route in the pipeline. | |
Students and their families accounted for two-thirds of the visas issued to non-EU migrants under the points-based system last year. | |
Some areas of the education sector were of particular concern: | |
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Ministers wanted to improve accreditation and self-policing and to focus resources on those who posed the greatest risk. | |
"Working in Britain for a short period should not give someone the right to settle in Britain. Studying a course in Britain should not give someone the right to settle in Britain. | |
"Settling in Britain should be a cherished right, not an automatic add-on to a temporary way in." |