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Managing migration to the U.K.

Tony Blair

Tony Blair... for a new migration system. — PHOTO: AP

THE UNITED Kingdom has benefited immensely over many decades from the skills and energy of those coming to our country to live and work — not least from India. Our country would be far poorer in every way without their contribution.

This helps explain the U.K.'s long tradition of welcoming those migrants who play by the rules and contribute to our society.

Last year we issued more than 15,000 student visas from our posts in Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata and nearly 18,000 work permits to Indian citizens. We also issued 2,000 visas for Indians to come on working holidays. We want this managed migration to continue.

But our migration system has simply not kept pace with the rapid changes that globalisation has brought whether it is the ease of travel, the multinational nature of modern business or the global market that now exists for many skilled staff.

It can mean unnecessary obstacles and delays for those with legitimate reasons to visit, study or work in the U.K. while allowing others to abuse loopholes in our rules.

It is why we are overhauling the whole process to bring in a new points-based migration system. It will be simpler, fairer, more transparent, and rigorous.

It will be simpler because the present 70 different and confusing migration schemes will be replaced by just one with five different tiers including the highly skilled, those wanting to study in the U.K., and those wanting to come for a short working holiday.

It will be transparent because there will be an online self-assessment system, which will give an indication of the likely points score so those wanting to come to the U.K. can see whether they are likely to qualify before spending time and money on a formal application.

But it will also be rigorous. Those who have something to contribute will be actively welcomed. Those who seek to abuse the system or bypass proper procedures will be discovered and refused entry. We will ensure the system is secure, prevents abuse, and ensures that those coming to the U.K. are not a burden on our society.

As part of this new system individuals may need sponsors in the U.K. — whether a business or an education provider — to ensure those granted entry will stick to the terms of their visa.

These changes won't come in overnight. But you will begin to notice a difference very soon with the whole system being improved gradually over the next few years.

They will enable the U.K. to continue to welcome those Indians whose stay will benefit both them as individuals and our country but prevent abuse. I believe this modern, fairer, and more transparent system will be to everyone's benefit.

(The author is Britain's Prime Minister.)

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