'Ban' on unskilled non-EU workers
Non-EU migrants need skills to work in UK
Wednesday, 05, Dec 2007 12:00
Unskilled workers from outside the European Union will be banned from taking jobs in the UK for the "foreseeable future", the government confirmed today.
Speaking at the London School of Economics, the home secretary set out how the points-based immigration system will take effect in 100 days time.
The measure would affect the 12,000 unskilled migrants from Africa, America and Asia who sought work in the UK last year.
Jacqui Smith said today: "Migration brings great social and economic benefits to this country. But people expect it to be managed robustly and in support of Britain’s national interests."
Other reforms outlined by the home secretary include proposals to demand a minimum standard of English from people settling with a spouse in the UK and new powers to withhold citizenship from anyone breaking the law.
The proposals are designed to build on a package of measures already introduced, including electronic checks at borders, fingerprinting of visa applicants and ID cards for foreign nationals.
Explaining why the government wants all newcomers to speak a basic standard of English, Ms Smith said: "I want people coming to live and work in the UK and their families to be able to integrate fully into our society."
She continued: "For those foreign nationals already living and working in the UK, I also believe that it is right that they play by the rules.
"That is why I want to strengthen our ability to block the privilege of citizenship to those with a criminal record."
Ms Smith said anyone with an unspent conviction will normally be refused nationality.
"After all British citizenship is a privilege, not a right," she said.
The Liberal Democrats said the public would be entitled to be sceptical about the latest announcements.
Home affairs spokesman Nick Clegg said the government had spent ten years combining "tough-talking populism with utter administrative incompetence".
He continued: "Jacqui Smith should concentrate on getting the basics right first: an integrated border force with exit controls so we know who is coming in and out of the country; proper planning and money for local authorities dealing with sharp population changes; and greater promotion of integration."