Re:locate magazine | Immigration & Visas | Immigration to hit all time high

Official figures show biggest rise in population for 50 years with five million increase predicted in ten years reaching 65 million people in the UK and reaching 70 million by 2031. Statistics released at the same time show 70% of population rise will be attributed to immigration over 20 years. The Government forecast for long term annual net immigration currently stands at 190,000. However this year’s net figure is expected to be 240,000, with next year’s net figure predicted to be 230,000. There are obvious implications for housing, education, health and transport.

Also this week, the European Commission presented its first proposal for measures to address legal immigration in the EU, including a proposed 'blue card' for EU immigrants aimed at recruits from Africa and Asia. Commenting on the proposals, UK Green and immigration spokesperson Jean Lambert, MEP said: “The proposed blue card for skilled workers is a welcome start as regards recognising that the EU will benefit from an increase in legal migration. This blue card is supposed to make the EU more attractive as a destination in the global 'talent war', but the Commission risks undermining its own goal. It is regretful that the Commission is proposing restrictions on mobility within the EU to accompany the card." Britain is opting out of the system but once workers are in Europe for five years they can then move freely around the EU.

Keep up to date with immigration and visa issues by reading the winter 07 edition of Re:locate, available early December.

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