Key Highlights
In a big move on UK rules for those moving there, Robert Jenrick, a well-known figure in the Conservative group, has put forth an idea that may greatly affect people from India who want visas. Jenrick aims to stop illegal entries, and one bold idea is to halt visas for places like India and Vietnam if they don’t agree to take back their illegal citizens. This proposal has stirred much talk, given the UK's deals on migration and its ties with India.
Jenrick’s Bold Proposal: No Visas Without Return Agreement
Robert Jenrick is one of the top picks to take over from Rishi Sunak. He has made stopping immigration the main part of his plan. Jenrick says visas should be cut for countries that won't remove their illegal people from the UK. He points at India because about 100,000 Indians are said to be living in the UK without papers. In 2023, around 250,000 visas went to Indians for work, study, and trips. Yet, only a small number of those here without papers are ever sent back, “only in the hundreds” each year. Jenrick wants to stop all new visas for Indians until the Indian government agrees to take back its people living here without papers.
The Memorandum of Understanding
In 2021, the UK and India signed an agreement to tackle the problem of illegal migration. This deal was meant to make deporting people easier. Yet, progress has been slow. In 2023, the UK sent back about 22,807 illegal aliens and around 15% of them were from India. Despite the agreement, Jenrick says there hasn't been enough help from India. Because of this, he is asking for tougher steps, like maybe stopping visas.
Also, read: UK eVisa Transition
Five-Point Plan to Tackle Illegal Immigration
JEnrick's plan goes past visa limits for India. His big five-step plan aims to boost deportations a lot, aiming to send back over 100,000 illegal residents each year. This would be five times more than now. The plan also has:
1. Visa Limits: Aiming at countries like India that do not help with sending people back.
2. Laws for Safe Lands: Naming lands like Vietnam, Turkey, and Brazil as "safe places" for quicker send-backs.
3. Aid Cuts: Suggesting lowering aid to lands that do not take back their own people.
4. Quickening Deportation: Speeding up the sending back of illegal folks with legal changes.
5. Deals Between Countries: Pushing for new deals to make sending back illegal people easier.
Potential Impact on UK-India Relations
Jenrick's plan might impact UK-India ties, as both nations aim to boost trade and diplomacy. India is a top source of migrants to the UK, mainly for work and college visas. Limiting visas could hurt their relationship and slow talks on a trade deal. India has not yet shared thoughts on Jenrick’s plan, but based on past support for its people abroad, a big response could come. If put in place, the plan might affect many Indians hoping to work or study in the UK.
Also, read: UK Waives Fees for Bereaved Partners, Introduces Diplomatic Visas
The Road Ahead: Legal and Diplomatic Challenges
Jenrick's plan may hit legal and diplomatic snags. While it might win over those worried about illegal immigration, putting strict rules in place could be tricky. Deals between countries, like the one with India, often take a while to show real results. Any sudden move to stop visas might harm relations. Also, many Indians live in the UK and cutting visas could anger them and voters at large. The UK might also face money issues, as Indian students and workers add a lot to the economy.
Conclusion
Robert Jenrick's idea to stop visas for people from India unless their leaders help with sending back those here without papers is bold and stirs up talk. This move might change how we deal with people moving here. But, it could also make things tense between the UK and India. The next few weeks are key. We will see if Jenrick's plan catches on and how it might change the way people come and go between the UK and India.
To learn more about the UK immigration policies and ways to immigrate to the UK easily, you must contact TerraTern right away. With more than a hundred immigration policies and an expert team, TerraTern can be your go-to for all your immigration needs!
Why Trust TerraTern