As immigration to the UK rises, the Labour Party is focusing on deporting illegal immigrants. In this tense political atmosphere, a significant political figure has made a bold move.
Robert Jenrick, the top contender to replace Rishi Sunak as the leader of the Conservative Party, has proposed a new visa restriction policy. This policy targets countries that refuse to take back their illegal immigrants, and India was specifically mentioned in his announcement.
This move could significantly impact Indian nationals seeking UK visas.
Could Visa Bans Impact Indian Nationals?
Jenrick’s plan is raising concerns about the future of visas for Indian nationals. His proposal includes:
- Stricter visa rules for countries that don’t help with returning illegal migrants.
- Cutting aid to countries that receive UK support but don’t repatriate their citizens living illegally in the UK.
“It’s time to play hardball,” Jenrick said, hinting at possible changes in the UK’s visa policies, which could impact India.
UK-India Deportation Agreement Falls Short
Jenrick stated that the UK issued around 250,000 visas to Indian nationals, but 100,000 of them are still living in the country illegally.
He urged Prime Minister Starmer to impose strict visa restrictions and cut foreign aid due to this issue.
In 2021, India and the UK signed an agreement to help return illegal immigrants, but it hasn’t been successful, adding to diplomatic tensions. In 2023, only 22,807 illegal migrants were deported, with 3,439 of them being Indian nationals, which is 15% of the total.
Jenrick believes this number is too low and aims to increase deportations to over 100,000 per year if his proposals are accepted.
Broader Consequences for Immigration Policy
This would allow the UK to speed up deportations for migrants from these nations, similar to a current deal with Albania.
He also suggests the UK should leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to make deportations easier, especially for foreign offenders.
If adopted, these changes could lead to faster deportations from safe countries, including India, which might put more pressure on their visa systems.
Impact on Indian Workers and Students
Indian nationals make up a significant part of the UK’s student and skilled worker population. If Jenrick’s proposal goes forward, those applying for work, study, or visit visas may face stricter requirements or even bans, depending on the UK’s stance on repatriation issues.
Jenrick emphasized that illegal migration is putting “intolerable pressure” on UK communities and the economy, resulting in higher costs for taxpayers.
Will Visa Bans Become Reality?
Jenrick’s plans are bold, but they haven’t become official policy yet. As the leadership race continues, his views on immigration and visa restrictions will likely influence his support among Conservative Party members.
If he wins, his proposals could bring major changes to visa rules for countries like India, potentially limiting access to the UK for thousands of applicants.
Since Indians make up one of the largest migrant groups in the UK, the result of this leadership race could have a big impact on future visa policies.
