Migration measures

PLANS were unveiled by home secretary Priti Patel on Monday (24) for a new fully digital visa system that is designed to make the UK borders more secure.

The new US-style system will require visitors to the UK to obtain an online permit before travelling. Patel promised the electronic permits would enable the government to tally who was coming in and out, including convicted criminals.

It is the latest step in the government’s pledge to scale back immigration numbers, an issue which was a key factor during the EU referendum vote in 2016.

However, the move has not come without backlash from some critics, who are accusing the government of “shattering public confidence” and for failing to confirm how much digitising borders would cost.

In the past, the Home Office’s socalled “hostile” environment policies have been called “inhumane” by activist groups who have condemned the government for making it as difficult as possible for migrants to stay in the UK.

The policies led to significant issues with the Windrush generation and other Commonwealth citizens being wrongly deported.

Now, more than ever, the contribution of migrants has been highlighted. Many have been working in frontline roles such as healthcare, retail, and hospitality – and countless among them have also lost their lives while doing so.

While the government has acknowledged the role of migrants by removing the cap on skilled workers and granting free-of-charge visa extensions for thousands of frontline health workers and their dependents, many have argued that more needs to be done.

Attracting talent from overseas would enable the UK to rebuild what has been lost during the pandemic – but experts have warned the ETA scheme and the new points-based system could deter skilled professionals from moving to Britain.

It is essential we make the UK accessible to top foreign talent. Whether it is academics, healthcare staff, scientists, students, artists or entrepreneurs, we need to ensure Britain does not turn its back on them.