With the new immigration system with points, the United Kingdom set itself free from the European shackles and regained control of its borders and migration policy. At least, this is one of the pillars of the pro-Brexit campaign. But the tragic sinking of a ship on November 24 off Calais is a reminder that the United Kingdom is a solo player when it comes to controlling its borders. So what is the real impact of the new British immigration policy?
Immigration to the UK: towards happy days?
On November 24, the Mori Memorial Foundation's Urban Strategy Institute released its Global Cities Power Index (GCPI), ranking the world's most powerful cities. Some of the factors considered were the economy, accessibility (transport), quality of life, environment, culture and social interactions, R&D. In 2021, London ranks first for the 10th year in a row, ahead of New York and Tokyo. Still, the British capital has lost its attractivity, mainly because of Covid-19, according to GCPI. Other studies highlight the deleterious effects of Brexit. For example, the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) points out a significant drop in immigration in 2020, following the Brexit and the pandemic. It is estimated that around 100,000 foreigners have left the UK between March and June 2020 alone.
But the British government insists that everything is fine. Official figures point out that 61% of visas issued in 2021 were skilled worker visas. This is the most significant rise compared to other visas. The government sounds convinced of the success of its new migration policy. According to Immigration Minister Kevin Foster, the points-based immigration system encourages employers to focus on the British workforce and their skills, which contribute to economic growth in a significant way. While the minister recognizes the need for foreign labour, especially in specific areas, he believes that the points system provides better regulation for recruiting international talents. In short, anyone wishing to contribute to the British economy and society is welcome as their selection will be based on their skills and talent, not on their origins. Until now, the British economy is picking up, despite the spread of the new Omicron variant.
The truth about the points-based immigration system
For Ian Wright, president of the Food and Drink Federation, the situation is alarming. He points out that the agricultural and agri-food sectors have been in crisis since Brexit. According to him, the Covid-19 pandemic has only masked how much the country depends on foreign labour in certain areas. Indeed, “qualified workforce” does not only refer to data analysts, finance specialists, community managers and other similar professions. There is a shortage of skilled workers, including carriers, delivery men and seasonal workers in the UK. Empty shelves in supermarkets and crops rotting in the fields due to labour shortage say it all. In September, Wright had already warned that things could get worse. "Gone are the days when British consumers could find just about anything they wanted".
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) predicts a perverse effect of Brexit in the long term. Richard Hughes, president of the OBR warns that the impact could be more significant than that of the pandemic. According to him, a decline in GDP of 4% can be expected in the long term, while the pandemic would only reduce it by 2%. The arrivals of new skilled foreign workers only mask a tense situation in the long term. Moving to the UK is more complicated today. Brexit has an impact, not only on immigration but also on the economy and the lives of Britons and foreigners.
In the short term, some effects are already being felt. Growth is in decline once again (5.5% in the second quarter, 1.3% in the third quarter) due to the pandemic and current restrictions. Immigration has become a sensitive topic once again, with three times more clandestine arrivals in 2021. The pro-Brexiters had been campaigning for a resumption of border control once the country left the EU, but that was impossible, with the Touquet agreements. Signed in 2003, following the “Sangatte camp” crisis, these agreements provided for British and French authorities to cooperate to strengthen border control. In short, both France and the UK British can control each other's territory. The recent tragedy, in which 27 people died, is still fresh on the minds of Britons.
The opposition hasn't failed to pinpoint the Johnson government and its immigration policies. But one thing is for sure: Brexit makes it more difficult for binational agreements to be respected. The migration issue is fueling debates. The government keeps on highlighting the outcomes of new immigration policies, convinced of attracting foreign talent in 2022. Still, some point out that foreign talent can also be found in these "small clandestine boats" stuck between the government rejection and negotiations of the smugglers.
