Immigration Enhances UK Economy

25/04/2008 by Bryan Palmer

Over the past ten years a mass of foreigners have moved to the United Kingdom in search of new opportunities and economic success, this influx has in turn resulted in Britain itself reaping the benefits.

The UK economy has benefited greatly from the migration of immigrants, which ultimately affects price rises and rates of interest, as well as causing shortages in certain skills and jobs to be avoided.

This view has come to the fore following the publication of a report by David Coats, the associate director of the Work Foundation, praising immigration's affect on the UK economy.

According to Liam Clifford, director of www.globalvisas.com "Britain needs skilled people. Common immigrants, often from India, are hard working and skilled in specific areas."

Indian immigrants make up the largest amount of these immigrants living and working in the United Kingdom. These foreigners are an essential addition to the British workforce, working in specialised sectors such as IT.

However changes to the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP), directly affecting the past HSMP laws, particularly for Indians, has forced a few thousand Indians to return home. Following a recent court case labelling this new rule unlawful, the Home Office are now working to make sure those that left since the 2006 law change come back to the UK.

This exodus of immigrants has affected the workforce, with 5000 skilled workers, half of them being Indian, leaving the country because of the new laws; this verdict has been overwhelmingly welcomed as it allows those that have and may still contribute to British society to remain in the UK.

Clifford says that immigrants are advantageous to the general UK economic standings, as they are often willing to work for lower wages. The rise in minimum wages also works positively to benefit the economy.

The findings from the Work Foundation's think-tank contradict the House of Lords report stating that immigrants had a negative impact, particularly when it comes to lower skilled jobs and British citizens seeking employment.

However the stability of interest rates and low rates, as well as inflation levels is directly attributed to immigration benefits. Such an report issued yesterday will surely make immigrants feel welcome when looking at Britain as a prospective new home. 

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