UK Policy Archives

Press Release - 8 June 2005

Recognise migrants' rights to realise benefits, say campaigners

The Government's immigration strategy amounts to a gamble with Britain's interests as well as people's rights. That's the verdict of a JCWI report published today.

With more asylum and immigration legislation on the way, Recognise Rights, Realise Benefits argues that only by recognising migrants' rights will Britain enjoy the full benefits of immigration.

New proposals for more immigration restrictions could deter vital workers, entrepreneurs and researchers from coming here - as well as people who need human rights protection. More controls could make the system unresponsive to the needs of business, the public sector and educational institutions.

The report singles out for criticism the Home Office proposals for

• a labyrinthine four-tiered points system
• further restrictions on rights of appeal
• increased detention of asylum seekers
• and intrusive surveillance systems such as identity cards.

Habib Rahman, Chief Executive of JCWI, said:

"If Britain doesn't recognise migrants' rights, it won't realise the benefits of immigration. The very people we need to attract could be discouraged from coming here by a system which seems harsh and unfair.

"We should be looking at ways of encouraging and protecting migrants, and cutting bureaucracy. Instead these over-zealous controls could deter migrants we need from coming here while ensuring the Home Office creates an administrative and technical burden it cannot bear."

JCWI is calling for immigration to be administered by an independent decision-making body directly responsible to Parliament.