“From what we know of the proposed measures in the immigration White Paper, they appear to be punitive. Wide-ranging evidence suggests that long pathways are detrimental to individuals and communities. No one should be subject to them. Rather than exemptions for some and not for others, we need a thorough overhaul of settlement and citizenship pathways so that people can settle in the UK in a timely and affordable way.” (Apsana Begum MP (Poplar and Limehouse) (Ind)
On 8th of September, MPs discussed two petitions relating to increasing the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (IRL) from five to ten years, as threatened in the Government’s Immigration White Paper in May this year.
While the debate was focused on two specific groups – skilled workers and British National Overseas (BNO) visa holders-, several key themes and questions were raised that apply to everyone, including the huge fear and anxiety the White Paper has caused among constituents who work here, have built lives here and have families and friendships here.
As raised by many MPs, the current pathway and criteria for indefinite leave to remain is already very strict (you must have worked for five years, meet a certain level of pay and be of “good character”) and exorbitantly expensive, and it is “manifestly unfair to change the rules for people who came on the basis of what they understood the rules to be” (Yasmin Qureshi MP (Bolton South and Walkden) (Lab)
Practically, MPs highlighted that increasing the qualifying period from five to ten years, would mean extending the period of uncertainty and reliance on potentially exploitative sponsors, significant additional visa and immigration healthcare surcharge costs and the inability to access welfare or pensions. The proposed ten year wait would also leave young constituents facing international fees for universities that their families simply cannot afford. Children born here could be left waiting until they are 11 years old before gaining a passport, and being able to access consular support, essential for those who cannot travel back or rely on the support of authorities in their country of origin. Together, these additional barriers and costs risk pushing more families and children into poverty and limiting their futures and opportunities to thrive as members of our communities.
MPs also spoke to the enormous contributions skilled workers, BNO holders, and other migrants make to their local communities, and the UK economy and society more broadly. Nevertheless, “it should go without saying that a person should not have to belong to a critical sector just to deserve compassion in our immigration system.” (Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP (Clapham and Brixton Hill) (Lab)). In a similar vein, MPs highlighted that the BNO visa is not a transactional visa; it is a moral commitment, and that is neither safe nor realistic for Hongkongers to return.
MPs called for clarity on:
- Who the proposals will impact
- When the promised consultation will take place, and who will be invited to participate
- When the Government will conduct an equalities and human rights impact assessment of their proposals to extend the qualifying period to 10 years and introduce the so-called earned settlement model
Alex Norris, the Minister of State at the Home Office, confirmed that a consultation will take place, and that “those who may be affected by the proposals have a fair and equal opportunity to make their voices heard.” and that “impact assessments will of course be carried out at the right moment”, but did not set out a timeframe for consultation to be launched or concluded.
The 164,000 and 108,000 people who signed the two petitions, and the packed room in Westminster Hall speak to the extent of uncertainty and distress caused by proposals outlined in the Immigration White Paper, and the need for the Government to change path.
The debate was the product of the tireless campaigning and advocacy by the communities directly impacted by the proposals. It marks an important first step, and there is still a huge amount of work to be done to challenge these proposals, and the overall direction of immigration legislation and framework.
If you are impacted by the changes in the Immigration White Paper, or want to stand in solidarity with those who are, you can sign up to join the ‘Not a Stranger’ campaign group here.
We’re currently carrying out a confidential survey to better understand the views and experiences of migrants, especially in light of recent changes to immigration policy. If you want to share your experiences, you can do so by filling it out anonymously here.
You can read the full transcript of the debate here