Will it become difficult to study and work in Britain? ‘Pressure’ to reduce the number of foreigners

UK Immigration Goals: In view of the increasing number of foreign student-workers in Britain, the government has been demanded to take action. A think tank associated with British Prime Minister Kier Starmer’s Labor Party has presented a new framework to control immigration. A think tank named ‘Labor Together’ has suggested setting long-term targets to control the number of foreigners. It has also asked to create a system like ’emergency brake’ to stop the influx of foreigners.
The think tank has suggested in its report that Britain should adopt an approach like Australia. In this, a limit on the number for each visa category should be fixed and an estimate should also be made as to how many people will be given entry in the future. The purpose of this proposal is to take care of the economic needs of the country while reducing the number of foreigners. ‘Labor Together’ says that if the government works on the plan given by it, then it will prepare a clear plan to reduce immigration.

What is the plan of ‘Labor Together’?

‘Labor Together’ has described the earlier limit on immigration as impractical. he/she says that it was not set keeping in mind the economic needs. The think tank says that targets should be set according to visas. In this, the shortage of workers, human needs and the impact on households and public services should also be considered. Its report says that if companies really need such skilled workers who are not in Britain, then these workers will be given to them.

Even though the new immigration system is expected to increase clarity and accountability, experts have also raised questions on it. he/she has warned that if there is a sudden decline in the number of skilled workers, it will have an impact on the economy. In response, ‘Labor Together’ says that if such a situation arises, the target of the number of foreigners can also be changed. The think tank has said that its plan controls the number of foreigners while meeting the economic needs.

The number of foreign students-workers is increasing in Britain

In fact, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), a record 9,06,000 foreigners were given entry into Britain in the year ending June 2023. However, the government then imposed visa restrictions on foreign students and tightened visa rules for families of healthcare workers. The effect of this was that in June 2024 this number decreased to 7,28,000. This also includes foreign students and workers. But it is still much higher than the last few years.

How is the immigration plan in Australia and Canada?

In fact, the immigration plan presented by ‘Labor Together’ is exactly like the systems of Canada and Australia. It talks about striking a balance between the country’s economic needs and social goals. Australia runs an annual migration program, in which different numbers have been fixed for skilled, family and humanitarian visas. Skilled migration is given priority in the country so that the shortage of workers can be met.

On the other hand, a long term plan has been made in Canada. Here, targets have been set to give entry to 5,00,000 new people every year till 2025. Emphasis is placed on skilled immigration through programs such as Express Entry. Additionally, regional input is also included through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Canada also limits the number of study permits issued to students each year. Something similar has been done in Australia also.