Immigration news

The consultation period for Priti Patel’s much maligned ‘New Plan for UK Immigration’ closes today. The Home Secretary has faced heavy criticism over the plans, while the consultation process has been branded ‘a sham’. Plans to reform the UK’s asylum and refugee systems were first announced on 24 March.

 

Following virtual talks between UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, and Indian premier, Narenda Modi, India has agreed to take back illegal immigrants in exchange for more UK visas for its young professionals to work in Britain. It’s understood that 18 – 30 year olds will be able to apply for two-year work and study visas.

 

The agreement was struck between Johnson and Modi during talks over a ‘2030 roadmap’ to build ties between Britain and India on climate change, defence, health, science and trade. 

The Biden administration has announced that it aims to welcome up to 62,500 refugees into the US before the end of 2021. President Biden faced a huge backlash after seemingly avoiding a key campaign promise made to raise the refugee cap, which had been reduced by former US President, Donald Trump.  

 

A letter sent to Priti Patel, seen exclusively by The Independent, has urged the Home Secretary not to implement plans that the government has described as ‘the biggest overhaul of the UK’s asylum system in decades’. The letter claims that the recently unveiled ‘New Plan for UK Immigration’ will have ‘devastating’ repercussions on women fleeing gender-based violence.  

 

Tensions between Russia and the USA hit a new level recently amid news that the US embassy in Moscow is cutting its staff and ending visa processing services for most Russians. The Kremlin has now accused Washington of ‘fuelling tension with unfriendly actions’. It’s understood that the US embassy in Moscow is set to cut staff numbers by 75%. 

 

Priti Patel’s proposed ‘New Plan for UK Immigration’ has been branded ‘vague, cruel, unworkable and potentially unlawful’ by immigration and human rights groups. The plan is currently under consultation and welcoming feedback, but activists have described the government consultation as ‘a sham’ and a ‘thinly-veiled public relations exercise’.