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LibDdems call for wealthy grandparents of migrants to be allowed into UK (10 March 2014)

Date: 10/03/2014
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, LibDdems call for wealthy grandparents of migrants to be allowed into UK

The Liberal Democrats are calling for the grandparents of migrants to be allowed into the UK with their children and grandchildren.

The proposal would enable the partners and family members such as grandparents to move to the UK more easily with their relatives.

The Conservative Party is currently tightening up some areas of immigration law as both the European Elections this May and General Election in May 2015 draw near.

Allowing spouses and elderly relatives into the UK may help new migrants settle in Britain more easily – but could cause controversy.

Pressure on the NHS is currently being blamed by some critics on an increasingly elderly population in the UK, with more elderly people visiting A&E departments for treatment if they are unable to obtain GP appointments.

Conservative policies to limit access to welfare benefits to new migrants – making them wait for three months before becoming eligible – may also apply to extended family members. Elderly relatives of migrants who are retired may be able to claim pension benefits as well as healthcare if they are allowed to settle in the UK with their grandchildren.

The LibDems are proposing a new “super visa”, however, which would mean imposing a health levy for visas for older migrants who are joining family members in the UK, to cover the cost of healthcare or welfare and services they might have access to.

The government has also recently raised the earnings limit for migrants who wish to bring their husband or wife to live with them to live in the UK – The cost has risen to £22,400 from £18, 600, the Daily Mail reports.

Attracting wealthier migrants to the UK appears to be one of the main aims of the LibDems’ proposed policy – in line with other government changes to immigration rules.

However, many of the unskilled workers to the UK who carry out essential work in Britain – such as in agriculture and catering – may not be able to afford to pay a health levy to bring in partners or elderly relatives.

The LibDems’ immigration paper makes it clear, however, that the party considers encouraging wealthy family members to settle with migrants earning above-average incomes would help boost the UK economy:

“Our current system does not allow foreign grandparents to visit their families for an extended period,” says the LibDems’ proposal.

“Countries such as Canada have introduced an extended tourist visa for these circumstances.

“Allowing elderly relatives who can be adequately supported to visit enables them to spend time with their families – and makes Britain a more attractive place to settle for those highly-skilled and wealthy migrants who benefit our economy.”

The LibDems are also proposing to allow asylum seekers who have been in the UK for six months the right to work.

Recent controversy over whether migrant workers displace British workers in the jobs market is ongoing – including allegations that the government suppressed research which shows British workers have not suffered any disadvantage as a result of immigration.

Leading UK bosses such as Sir Stuart Rose of Ocado have called for more migrant workers to come to the UK, as their strong work ethic and willingness to work long hours for relatively low wages is seen as an asset to the British economy by the business community.

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Duncan Lewis immigration lawyers have a successful track record in asylum appeal cases – and can also advise issues such as illegal entry to the UK and detention.

For expert advice on immigration and asylum in the UK, contact Duncan Lewis immigration lawyers on 020 7923 4020.

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