Home Secretary Hints at Change of UK Immigration Policy

The Home Secretary John Reid, the man in overall responsibility of UK immigration policy, has indicted that the government will in the future consider the impact on public services, such as schools and hospitals, when considering immigration policy.

The Labour government's policy was summarised in its 2005 manifesto which stated 'Our philosophy is simple. If you are ready to work hard and there is work for you do to, then you are welcome here'. Therefore immigration policy was dictated purely on an economic basis without any other considerations.

Mr Reid has now indicated that the previous straightforward approach will end. The remarks come as the UK government is deciding whether or not to allow nationals of Bulgaria and Romania, both of which will join the European Union in January 2007, the right to work in the UK as was given to nationals of the A8 Eastern European countries that joined in May 2004.

However recent figures revealed by the Home Office show that the majority of workers from the A8 countries are young, single, childless and able to find work, meaning that they have placed only a limited burden on schools, hospitals and the benefits system.

The Home Secretary has now made a number of remarks indicating that nationals of Bulgaria and Romania will not be given the same rights as A8 nationals to come and work in the UK, but a decision is yet to be announced.

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