JCWI Press Releases

Wednesday March 7 2007

JCWI response to announcement of "get tough" policy on irregular migrants by the Home Secretary

Media contact: Rhian Beynon
Telephone: 020 7553 7464/07910 248417

Habib Rahman, Chief Executive of the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, said:

"Barring up to half a million irregular migrants in the UK from access to rights and services is not a realistic or humane response to irregular migration to this country. All the tough talk we are hearing from Ministers does not mean there is any practical possibility of the Government detaining or deporting anything like this number of people in the near future. In the meantime rendering them destitute will not encourage or enable them to return to countries riven by human rights abuses, conflict and poverty. It will force many onto the door steps of already stressed charities and churches, or into the arms of criminals facilitating forced labour.

"It should be remembered in any case that many of these individuals have been contributing their work, skills and taxes to the UK economy for a number of years. The total tax and contributions recoupable from the irregular population could be worth over £3 billion - enough to build 132 new schools. Some may have relatives, partners or children lawfully present in the UK. While a regularisation programme is not the only, or best option for responding to irregular migration, it is really the only feasible option for responding to those migrants already here. The Home Secretary should consider how those present for a minimum of two years could be offered a way to earn regular status in this country."

Notes to editors:

The Home Office estimates the irregular migrant population could be as high as 570,000. The National Audit Office has costed enforced deportation at up to £11,000 per person with the ippr putting the total cost at £4.7billion. The Public Accounts Committee has said enforced deportation of the entire irregular population could take around 18 years at current rates. A report by the National Crime Intelligence Service published last year summarises the total loss to the Exchequer from unpaid tax and NI contributions to be as much as £3.3 billion - enough to build 132 schools or 13 hospitals.

JCWI's recommendations on a regularisation programme are contained in its report Recognising Rights, Recognising Political Realities.