Skip to content

Sim Login

The current system isn’t fit for purpose, says immigration expert

In his latest article, Thom Brooks, an academic expert on migration, believes that the flaws in UK immigration policy have been kept out of the headlines in favour of Brexit and the search for the new Prime Minister. But his list of 15 concerns will not go away without ‘urgent, necessary, root-and-branch reform.’ Below, we highlight a few of his observations.

Identity checks don’t work

The hostile environment was created to deter illegal migrants. Everyone from overseas who wanted to open a bank account, get a driving licence or privately rent was subject to stringent checks. But instead, its heavy-handed use led to last year’s Windrush scandal when people were wrongly threatened with deportation.

Immigration costs the immigrant

The UKVI is self-funded by its fees and earns more than it costs to run.

Not that appealing

More than half of all appeals (60%) are lost or overturned. This is an administrative failing as well as an efficiency nightmare. There are insufficient records to show how much money is returned in compensation or reimbursement.

Immigration health surcharge

The compulsory £400 that each immigrant must pay (even those who can access private medical insurance) does not follow that person to cover their NHS treatment.

‘This is further evidence that the surcharge is about plugging non-migration-related spending gaps rather than NHS costs,’ said Afzal Khan, shadow immigration spokesman.

Detained migrants are paid £1 per hour

In the past two and a half years, more than two million hours were worked at much less than the minimum wage. Making people work in an immigration removal centre is exploitative, believes Brooks.

Citizenship test

More than two million would-be residents have taken this test, although most British-born citizens would find it hard to complete it successfully. With questions like ‘What did the Chartists campaign for?’ and ‘Which of these are British Overseas territories?’, Brooks has described it as ‘a bad pub quiz’.

… … …                           … … …                                       … … …

Any changes to immigration policy can have a profound effect on your business. Brooks’ concerns are timely, in light of the prospective changes to immigration policy after Brexit. By 2021, the Home Office has promised a complete overhaul of its current system. Our question is: will their proposed reforms go far enough?

How Smith Stone Walters can help

While we may not make the laws, we are able to keep you informed of any potential changes. We are committed to assessing new and proposed regulations on your behalf and advising you on any consequences. Furthermore, by building a strong coalition with your company, we are able to develop effective strategies and tactics to serve your best interests.


Insight magazine

Insight magazine

The team is outstandingly helpful, incredibly professional, exceptionally efficient, and impressively proactive. Their dedication and commitment are truly commendable.

JK, Accounting Company

A big thanks to SSW for their support and guidance, it has been a pleasure working with them on my case.

LA, Private client

A very pleasant and clear process with Smith Stone Walters. The team were always responsive, helpful, and positive.

WS, Software company

The whole team were the epitome of professionalism throughout the process. I would not hesitate to recommend Smith Stone Walters and have already done so.

NG, Healthcare Company

Super professional and responsive!

RM, Private Client

Exceptionally efficient and seamless delivery of services. Very friendly and helpful Consultants.

MG, Law Firm

Top notch experience. Thank you for your incredible promptness and patience in answering all the queries.

AK, Technology Company
Thank
you
We’ll be in touch shortly!