UK Acts to Fix "Broken" Immigration System

The UK government has pledged to tackle what it calls a "broken" immigration system, with net migration now four times higher than pre-pandemic levels. New statistics reveal net migration rose nearly fivefold over the past four years, peaking at almost one million, driven largely by overseas recruitment.

The Home Secretary emphasized a "new approach" linking immigration policy to training and labor markets within the UK, aiming to reduce reliance on international recruitment. Stricter visa rules introduced earlier this year will remain in place, with further plans to curb visa abuses by unscrupulous employers.

Enforced returns of foreign offenders and failed asylum seekers have surged by 30% since July, reaching their highest level in five years. Deportations of foreign criminals have increased by 25%, targeting offenders convicted of crimes including theft, rape, and murder.

The government is also tackling delays in asylum processing, which had collapsed earlier this year, with asylum decisions down 70% and interviews down 80%. Efforts to accelerate processing and ramp up removals of individuals without legal rights to stay are showing progress, according to the Home Office.

Additionally, plans for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system were unveiled, requiring non-European visitors to obtain ETAs starting January 2025, followed by eligible Europeans in March 2025. The measure aims to enhance border security while streamlining travel.

Yvette Cooper declared, "Migration has always been vital to our history and economy, but the system must be controlled and managed properly."