As we are rapidly approaching D-day for the UK’s future Prime Minister and government for the next 4-years to be announced, we here at Global Visas wanted you to be aware of the immigration policies being peddled by the main political parties.

The election is on 6th May, so before you mark your card in one of the specially formed church-come-ballot booths, check out the main parties policies on UK immigration to make an informed decision rather than a knee-jerk reaction.

Labour 

Controlling or managed immigration is one of party’s 5 election pledges.

Main crux of policy is new points-based system, which has reduced numbers arriving (30 percent drop between 2007 and 2008). Party says will introduce similar system for settlement and citizenship.

Says has doubled immigration officers at borders and will continue to fight illegal entry with more border controls.

Conservatives

Want further controls on UK immigration than Labour

Will reduce net immigration to levels of 1990s and “tens of thousands a year,” instead of the “hundreds of thousands” under Labour.

Will cap numbers of non-EU economic migrants allowed to work. Says cap will change each year to allow flexibility on need. Will set up dedicated border police force to crack down on illegal immigration and trafficking.

Plan much tighter student visa system.

Want to introduce English language test for spouses.

Liberal Democrats 

Support controls. Will reintroduce exit checks abolished by the Conservatives and Labour in the 1990s.

Want regional points-based system to ensure migration targets under-populated areas that will benefit from more migrants, like Scotland.

Want to have an immigration amnesty, this would legalise the thousands here illegally. To be eligible they say that those immigrants would have to be living here for over 10-years, have no criminal record and must contribute to society.

National Border Force will be given powers of arrest.