Taylor Hampton General Election Update

Immigration Election Policies stands as one of the pivotal issues in the 2024 general election. In fact, all major political parties are intensely debating the best path forward. Importantly, a recent YouGov poll, commissioned by Sky News, reveals that 43% of UK residents perceive immigration as having a negative impact on British society. This is compared to 35% who view it positively. As immigration remains a contentious topic, Taylor Hampton Solicitors guides you through immigration law complexities, ensuring you receive expert advice and representation.

Navigating the Political Landscape

Immigration policy has traditionally been a stronghold for the Conservative Party. However, in this election cycle, Labour has also taken a firm stance on the issue. Both parties are committed to reducing net migration levels – the balance between individuals entering and leaving the UK.

Conservative Immigration Election Policies

The Conservatives have intensified their efforts to curb illegal immigration, particularly through small boats crossing the English Channel. Their strategy includes increased cooperation with France to intercept these boats before they reach UK waters. Additionally, they have signed agreements with the EU and other countries to tackle smuggler gangs and enhance removals. This aims, of course, to deter asylum seekers from making the journey.

A significant and controversial aspect of their policy is the Rwanda plan, designed to act as a major deterrent. This policy involves sending asylum seekers arriving illegally from safe countries to Rwanda, where they can apply for asylum. If unsuccessful, they can apply to settle in Rwanda or seek asylum elsewhere, but not return to the UK.

Labour’s Approach

Labour proposes a different strategy. Instead of the Rwanda scheme, they aim to invest in enforcement activities. One of their key initiatives is the establishment of a Border Security Command, targeting gangs operating small boat routes. This unit, comprising hundreds of new specialist investigators, would employ counter-terror powers to dismantle these gangs. Labour also seeks to increase security cooperation with the EU, allowing for the return of asylum seekers to EU countries.

Addressing the Asylum Backlog

Both parties acknowledge the significant backlog in asylum claims. As of March, over 118,000 people were awaiting an initial decision on their asylum applications. The Conservatives have increased Home Office staff and introduced streamlined processes to address this issue. Their goal is to clear the backlog within six months and end the use of hotels for housing migrants.

Labour, on the other hand, plans to hire 1,000 additional caseworkers and create a Returns and Enforcement Unit to expedite the removal of individuals without the right to stay. They promise to negotiate more returns agreements and employ civil servants to facilitate these processes, aiming to reduce reliance on hotels and save costs.

Work Migration and Immigration Election Policies

The Skilled Worker visa remains a critical route for work migration in the UK. The Conservatives have recently raised the minimum salary threshold and limited the ability of social care workers to bring dependents. They also plan to cap legal migration and restrict visa access from countries that do not cooperate with the UK’s national priorities.

Labour focuses on reducing net migration by training more UK workers, thus decreasing the need to recruit from overseas. They also aim to retain restrictions on family members for health and care workers and pledge to pass laws to prevent employers from relying on skilled overseas workers by default. How this will play out in practice remains to be seen.

Student Migration

International students have greatly contributed to net migration increases. The Conservative government has recently restricted the ability of most students to bring family members. They have also increased visa fees and removed student discounts for the immigration health surcharge.

Labour has expressed its intent to retain the current restrictions on family members and has not commented on potential changes to the Graduate Visa scheme, which allows international students to stay in the UK for up to three years post-graduation.

Other Party Perspectives

The Liberal Democrats propose scrapping the Rwanda plan, introducing humanitarian travel permits, and setting a 28-day limit for holding adults in removal centres. Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, advocates for leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and implementing strict measures to prevent illegal immigration. The SNP and Green Party both call for more humane and fair immigration systems, with the Greens pushing for the abolition of immigration detention altogether.

How Taylor Hampton Solicitors Can Help

In the midst of these political debates and Immigration Election Policies, Taylor Hampton Solicitors offers expert guidance and representation in all matters of immigration law. Our services include:

• Visa Applications: Navigating the complexities of visa applications, including Skilled Worker visas, family visas, and student visas.
• Global Talent Visas: Taylor Hampton has a superb tack record in assisting individuals with a personal service and supporting them through the Global Talent Visa process.
• Citizenship and Naturalisation: Helping clients through the process of obtaining British citizenship.

Our team of experienced solicitors is dedicated to providing personalised service, ensuring that you understand your rights and options every step of the way. Whether you are seeking to enter, remain in, or settle in the UK, Taylor Hampton Solicitors is here to support you.

Contact Us

For more information about our immigration services or to schedule a consultation, please contact Taylor Hampton Solicitors. Our Head of Immigration, Leena Chouhan, is ready to assist you with all your immigration needs as a trusted partner in navigating UK immigration law. See also our colleague Greg Veal who assists with Australian Migration.  Taylor Hampton Reception:  +442074275970