Points system aims to cut economic migrants
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tough plans to cut numbers of economic migrants and return failed asylum-seekers will be set out by the Government on Monday amid alarm among ministers that the Tories have taken the initiative on the issue.
Tough plans to cut numbers of economic migrants and return failed asylum-seekers will be set out by the Government on Monday amid alarm among ministers that the Tories have taken the initiative on the issue.
Charles Clarke, the Home Secretary, will announce a "points system" to assess potential migrants for language skills, educational qualifications and job skills.
He will rule out setting an annual quota, as the Conservatives proposed, but the effect of the Labour proposals is bound to be a reduction in the number of arrivals.
This is part of the Home Office's long-awaited five-year plan for immigration and asylum, agreed by the Cabinet on Thursday. Ministers were warned that focus-group studies had concluded it was the one policy area in which Labour lagged the Conservatives in the eyes of the electorate.
Mr Clarke will tell MPs that the government plans to charge migrants who appeal against a decision to refuse entry to their relative. Ministers believe a charge of, say, £200, will be a disincentive to potential migrants considering stringing out the system for years by successive appeals.
The Home Secretary will promise a fresh attempt to accelerate the removal of rejected asylum-seekers. Although the number has increased, ministers realise they are vulnerable to the charge that many go missing after being rejected.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments