British government places ban on non-EU 'unskilled' workers

During a speech at the London School of Economics, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announced that there would be a ban on any ‘unskilled’ workers from non-EU countries entering the UK for the “foreseeable future”. She went on to claim that the government’s immigration policy was not just about economics but the impact on society and to "control those who come here, for the good of the country". Immigration Minister Liam Byrne confirmed the government’s position that “Britain's needs for low-skilled workers can be fulfilled from within the EU."

Under the new proposals, which are due to come into force in 100 days from the date of Smith’s speech, thousands of people from Africa and Asia would be prevented from coming to the country. In 2006, 12,000 ‘unskilled’ migrants came to the UK from Africa, Asia and America compared with around 93,600 ‘unskilled’ workers from the EU. There are currently no restrictions on ‘unskilled’ migrants from the EU with the exception of Romania and Bulgaria.

The declaration comes as the government announces their new points system for migrants to the UK which will see ‘highly skilled migrants’ being awarded points based on their level of education, salary, age or the projected financial contribution they will make to the British economy. They will then be entitled to bring their partners and children to the country. Byrne added that a "greater sense of shared protections and shared values should be a necessary condition of citizenship".