Legal News

The Belgian House of Representatives has told an inquiry at the House of Lords that the UK should welcome more migrants.

The inquiry into youth unemployment comes after the Prince’s Trust recently called for company bosses and youth agencies to look into the effects of youth unemployment in the UK.

Research for the Prince’s Trust Macquarie Youth Index 2014 has found that long-term unemployment among under-25s can lead to feelings of lack of self worth and suicidal thoughts – especially among young adult females who are long-term unemployed or who perhaps have never had a job.

However, the Belgian House of Representatives has told the Lords inquiry that mobility across the EU – especially among young people – should be encouraged, despite high levels of youth unemployment in some EU member states.

Belgian MPs said that “dole queues” in any EU member state had “a negative impact on the whole union” – and young adults should be encouraged to move across the EU to find work or to study.

EU students can come to the UK to study without having to pay tuition fees –UK students have to pay £9,000 in tuition fees annually for their courses.

“Studying and working in another country is an enriching experience and helps the functioning of the EU labour market as a whole,” the Lords inquiry was told.

Encouraging more workers from EU member states to come to the UK is currently a subject of debate – and some controversy – as UK bosses have said they would like more migrant workers in UK businesses because of their strong work ethic and the fact they will accept low pay.

Labour leader Ed Miliband has said he will close a low-pay loophole which exploits migrant workers if Labour comes to power after the next election.

Labour Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has expressed concerns over migrants undercutting UK nationals in the job market by being willing to work for low wages – but some British bosses have said more migrant workers will help boost UK business.

The Home Office is currently considering capping the number of migrants from the EU who would be allowed to come to Britain every year. The suggested figure of 75,000 proposed by the Home Office has been called “illegal and unworkable” by LibDem leader Nick Clegg, however.

Mr Clegg said that imposing a cap on the number of EU migrants allowed to come to the UK to work each year would be pointless – adding that the City and the NHS would “fall over” if a cap were introduced.

The view of Belgian MPs that more migrant workers and young adults from across the EU should be allowed to come to the UK has been criticised by one senior Conservative MP, however.

Peter Bone – who is MP for Wellingborough in Northamptonshire – said that the UK’s view of itself was different from that of Belgium’s view of its place in the EU:

“Belgium thinks of itself as a province of a European superstate – while we are a proud, independent, sovereign country that wants to control our own borders,” said Mr Bone.

“It’s a very clear indication of the difference between the European elite’s view of the EU and our view,” Mr Bone added.

Duncan Lewis Immigration Solicitors

Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors can advise on all UK immigration issues, including student visas and the right to work in the UK.

Duncan Lewis can also advise on asylum and asylum appeals, illegal entry to the UK and detention.

For expert advice on immigration, student visas and the right to work in the UK, contact Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors on 020 7923 4020.