The i quotes Rose Carey on UK net migration figures
Net migration hit a record-breaking 745,000 in 2022, according to revised figures from the Office for National Statistics, as its latest numbers showed 672,000 people came to the UK in the 12 months to June 2023.
The new Home Secretary, James Cleverley, has stated that the government is completely committed to reducing overall numbers.
Rose Carey, Partner and Head of Immigration, comments for i News:
“Instead of over-promising and under delivering on reducing net migration figures, the UK government needs to focus on the positives of immigration and develop a system that delivers what this country needs, which is more migrant workers. With economists forecasting an increase in taxes due to the UK’s aging population, the conversation should be about the benefits of migrant workers. We will need more healthcare workers to care for the elderly and more young workers to contribute to the economy.
“Of particular concern is the Home secretary’s comment that ‘we do need to reduce our overall numbers by eliminating the abuse and exploitation of our visa system by both companies and individuals.’ This implies a review of the skilled worker visa category, the main route by which workers come to the UK and how companies in the UK employ migrant workers. In previous years we have seen a higher skill level and an annual cap. Introducing restrictions such as these would make the visa process difficult and more expensive for UK businesses.”
Read the full piece in i News here.
