Skilled migrants oppose cap on UK immigration

United Kingdom, 13th May: A group of skilled professionals from India and non-EU (Eastern Europe) nations has opposed the recently announced cap on UK immigration.

The new Lib Dem/Conservative government had announced its plan to restrict the number of migrants from non-EU nations seeking immigration to the UK. As per the proposal, there will be an upper limit for non-EU migrants getting UK work visas.

The influential group named the ‘Highly Skilled Migrants Forum (HSMP Forum)’ comprises of skilled professionals from non-EU nations including India. The members of the group allege that a cap on UK immigration will not be workable for the economy of the UK.

The economy will suffer badly if such a cap is introduced by UK immigration because it will have a direct impact on various industries and companies in the UK.

The cap will have serious effects on skilled professionals and students hailing from India since the new immigration policies by new David Cameron government will make it quite difficult for them to come and work in the UK, director of HSMP Forum, Amit Kapadia stated.

Kapadia said that the forum will oppose against such illogical cap being sought by the UK government. He further added that the UK immigration cap will also likely be opposed by British industry and British businesses since it will hurt the UK economy.

The new coalition government’s immigration policy seeks to place an annual limit on the number of immigrants from India and other non-EU nations following an understanding between the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives.

As per the policy, an annual limit will be placed on the number of immigrants to be allowed into the UK since rising population is increasing burden on local communities and public services in the UK.  

The policy also states that the annual limit on UK immigration will be changed every year considering the effects of immigration on the UK society. In addition, there is a proposal to toughen UK immigration rules for student visa system, which is considered to be biggest loop hole in the immigration system. 

The policy clearly states that Britain can, undoubtedly, benefit from immigration, but not from uncontrolled immigration. Hence, the need of the hour is to attract the best talent to the UK.