British Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently announced plans to extend the residency period to obtain permanent settlement in Britain from five to 10 years, while also increasing the skill thresholds for migrant workers. LUI GODINHO contacted Goans affiliated with the major parties for their views and the impact on the Goan community
JOYCE D’SOUZA
Women’s Officer for the Constituency Labour Party for Parliamentary Constituency of Brent West in the UK
I support the stand taken by the Labour Party, which is fair to everyone and good for the majority. Labour Party’s white paper draft that will go through the process of consultation will consider the say of the majority.
As per my understanding, the recent immigration policy will not affect a majority of Goans in the UK, as a majority of them have the EU settlement status.
Article 8 of the ECHR (European Convention on Human Rights) provides for the right to respect for private and family life, and the UK courts have interpreted this to include the right to remain in the UK with family members.
The Labour Party’s approach to immigration has evolved significantly through the decades, reflecting broader changes in the political, social and economic landscape of the United Kingdom.
Historically, Labour has balanced the ideals of promoting social welfare and inclusivity with addressing economic needs and public sentiment.
Under the current leadership of Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour Party – now the ruling government – has adopted a more cautious and tempered approach to immigration than in previous eras, adapting to new political realities and considering voter priorities.
Despite economic benefits, the rapid increase in migration posed challenges to social integration. Communities in certain regions faced pressures as public services, such as schools and housing, struggled to adapt quickly to the growing demand.
Another prominent criticism was the strain on public services and housing. The surge in population led to increased pressure on public infrastructure, with schools and healthcare facilities facing higher demands than anticipated. The housing market also experienced additional strain, exacerbating existing challenges related to affordability and availability.
Since becoming leader of the Labour Party in 2020, Keir Starmer has sought to redefine the party’s stance on immigration within a complex post-Brexit and post-pandemic landscape.
With immigration remaining a key issue in UK politics, Starmer sought to balance progressive ideals with practical economic considerations while trying to balance the views of the people.
Labour’s immigration policy emphasises a fair and balanced approach. This policy aims to present a clear and pragmatic policy that acknowledges the complexities of migration. Starmer’s leadership has aimed to position Labour as supportive of managed immigration that benefits the UK, focusing on both economic gains and social cohesion. His rhetoric has often revolved around ensuring that policies are “firm but fair,” aiming to protect national interests while maintaining humane and ethical treatment of migrants and asylum seekers.
Starmer has promoted the importance of attracting skilled workers to address shortages in key sectors, such as healthcare and technology while ensuring that these policies do not undermine local employment opportunities. I feel that the 10-year route for permanent settlement for the future skilled workers visa holders is justified as this is the need of the hour to control mass immigration.
The white paper does not mention clearly about the status of the present people on skilled worker visa who are already residing in the U.K. But, I am sure that the Labour Party will definitely consider the pros and cons of the same during the consultation process and come out with a good decision for the public overall.
This balancing act seeks to satisfy business leaders who advocate for a strong, skilled labour force and voters who prioritise job opportunities for UK residents and the sustainability of public infrastructure.
CHRIS DA CRUZ
Active member of the local Conservative Party, who takes a keen interest in local and national affairs and socio-economic matters
In a dramatic announcement made by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on May 12, through a white paper policy document called ‘Restoring control over the immigration system’, the UK is now set to implement a “controlled, selective and fair” immigration system.
Fundamental to these changes is that migrants will now have to wait up to 10 years before they can apply for citizenship.
Following the huge damage inflicted on both the Conservatives and Labour Party in the recent local election by Reform UK, led by the very vocal Nigel Farage MP and leader of Reform UK, the Labour leader felt that something needed to be done, done quickly and done fairly. Starmer thinks that he has the solution to the problem, and that solution is documented in the recent white paper. But is this white paper all pie in the sky? Is it a knee jerk reaction to the growing threat from Reform UK? Or is it just smoke and mirrors?
Let’s try and understand just four key points of the white paper that could affect someone coming to the UK – and our Goans, in particular.
First and foremost is the ‘English Language Skills’. Those wishing to seek citizenship must be required to have the equivalent of A-level standard English: the equivalent of HSSC (Standard XII). This should not be an issue for our Goans as our fluency in English is of a relative high standard.
Secondly, the white paper sets out plans to return the ‘Education threshold’ for skilled foreign workers to a graduate level, as opposed to just an A-level. I would like to think that those wishing to migrate to the UK have, at the very least, qualified as a graduate. Lower skilled labourers can fall back on the points-based system introduced by the UK government in 2017.
Thirdly, a new ‘Levy on universities’ of 6% (circa £1k) on income from international students will be imposed on universities. It is just possible that universities may try to pass on this charge to international students, adding to their already high costs of education per annum and hitting their pockets.
Finally, is the shortening the skilled ‘List of jobs’ and increasing the ‘Immigration skills charge’ fee imposed on employers engaging staff from abroad. This fee will have a direct impact on our Goans seeking work sponsorship visas by potential UK employers.
There are other elements within the white paper related to illegal immigrants and the deportation of foreign criminals – none of which, I would hope, would apply to our Goans.
In addition, people married to British citizens and those with post-Brexit residence rights under the ‘EU Settlement Scheme’ are exempted and will have the right to settlement after 5 years.
In truth, the white paper, in my opinion, is a knee jerk reaction to placate labour voters following Labour’s implementation of the cuts to the winter fuel allowance, the inheritance tax changes and the pointless net zero programme policies.
My sincere advice to our Goans wishing to come to the UK is to prioritise their personal careers wherever they are, as the uncertainty of these poorly thought policies could take anything from a few months to many years to implement; thereby impeding one’s career. And should one be so lucky to achieve their dream of coming to the UK, and subject to the new changes, the process could be far easier.
RABI MARTINS
Liberal Democrats Councillor in Wayford, Hertfordshire
The recent pronouncement by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer that “we risk becoming an island of strangers, not a nation that walks forward together” has unsettled a large section of the Asian communities not least the Goan community.
Goans have been coming to the UK since the late 50’s and have formed settled communities in several large towns and cities including London, Southampton, Leicester and latterly Swindon.
Liberal Democrats politicians who have researched what gives people a sense of national belonging have dismissed the Prime Minister’s assertions and point out to the fact that there is ample evidence to demonstrate that immigrants, particularly Asians, are getting more and involved in the building and growth of British lives, be it in business, education, service, housing or political.
The last general election and local elections has seen a marked increase in Asians elected to office. It demonstrates a willingness on the part of immigrants to contribute to and help build inclusive communities.
It is true that there is some evidence that the divide amongst diverse communities is becoming more noticeable. But that is partly if not wholly attributable to policies of successive Labour and Conservative governments on housing, education and social services. The inequalities in these key areas have created a sense of divide.
Liberal Democrats contend that the loss of community spaces and assets in recent decades in the face of local government cuts and rising property prices is what has led strains developing amongst communities.
Towns need places like community centres to allow young people from different backgrounds to come together. When they do, they feel a greater sense of belonging in their communities. And live as one homogeneous community, town and country.
