[Text/Observer.com Liu Chenghui] According to the Financial Times on September 25, British Prime Minister Tras is planning to re-examine the visa system and relax immigration policies to attract foreign populations in order to solve the problem of domestic labor resources shortage in the UK and provide impetus for economic growth.
It is worth mentioning that controlling borders and reducing foreign immigration is considered one of the main driving forces for Brexit . Patrick Sturgis, professor at the London School of Economics, believes that the current Tesla eased immigration measures is equivalent to a disguised recognition of the negative impact of Brexit on the economy.
Financial Times: Tras will review the visa plan to alleviate the labor shortage in the UK
The Financial Times reported that Tras will modify the labor shortage list despite the opposition of anti-immigration colleagues, and allow key industries such as hotels to introduce more employees from overseas. The report quoted a British government official as saying that the new policy may also relax the requirements for English proficiency in certain industries so that more foreign workers can enter the UK. The UK government will also lift the quota limit for seasonal agricultural migrant workers to apply for visas. The visa aims to fill the gap in agricultural labor in the UK, with 38,000 visas issued to agricultural workers, but the UK's agricultural sector warned that the figure is not enough to solve the serious labor shortage.
The British " Guardian " also noticed this news. The report said that labor shortage is one of the main concerns of a series of industry employers in the UK, and Tras is facing industry calls for relaxation of immigration visas. In particular, companies, including the hotel industry, have always complained about the UK's technical work visa system, and they are disappointed that the visa policy has failed to solve the labor shortage problem. The Guardian reported that during his campaign for the head of the Conservative Party, Tras promised to solve the problem of agricultural labor shortage by expanding the seasonal workers program in the short term. To a certain extent, this problem was caused by restrictions on personnel movement after Brexit, and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the seriousness of the problem. A recent government report warned that the shortage has seriously affected the food and agricultural sectors, with some farmers forced to slaughter pigs in good condition due to lack of manpower and others had to let fruits rot in the fields.
In addition, a survey of 5,700 companies conducted by the British Chamber of Commerce this summer showed that more than 60% of companies need to recruit more employees in the UK, but more than three-quarters of companies have difficulty hiring people. In the construction industry, for example, 83% of companies report hiring difficulties.
The Guardian of the United Kingdom: Tras "plans to relax immigration policies to promote the economy"
Against this background, the news that Tesla relaxes immigration has been welcomed by domestic business groups.
The British Federation of Industry (CBI) said the new policy can alleviate the current situation of technicians and labor shortages, while also helping to curb inflation and ensure that businesses have the talents they need to develop, and benefit everyone.
The United Kingdom Small Business Federation (FSB) also believes this is "positive" news. “We have asked the Immigration Advisory Committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the list of shortage careers to cover all shortage positions, regardless of their skill level… In this way, we will see job openings in industries that are desperately in need of new employees.”
But on the other hand, the Financial Times predicts that easing immigration may face opposition from some Brexitists, as anti-immigration sentiment is a key driver of the 2016 Brexit referendum.
Patrick Sturgis, professor at the London School of Economics, retweeted the report on social platforms on the 25th and commented, "Although it is obscure, it is an acknowledgement that Brexit reduced the labor required by the industry, thus damaging the economy."
"This matter was obvious from the beginning, but the Brexitists have tried to deny it until reality knocks on the door."
A source from the Prime Minister's Office said that the review may not necessarily lead to a net increase in the number of immigrants.
"We need to take steps so that we can build the right capabilities needed to stimulate economic growth (including rural economies). This will involve a growing population in some areas, but a decrease in population in others... We also want to see people return to work."
When asked about the possible relaxation of immigration regulations, British Chancellor Quatten told BBC on the 25th that the UK needs to control immigration in a way that is beneficial to its country. As for whether more industries will be added to the entry list, he said the government will provide the latest news in the coming weeks.
"The Home Secretary will issue a statement in the next few weeks, but we must develop the economy," Kuateng said.
This article is an exclusive article of Observer.com and may not be reproduced without authorization.
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