An article in the Independent warned that the Home Office's interim cap, and the final cap could have detrimental consequences on public services, and namely one of its most decried, vulnerable and crucial department, social services.
Following the Conservatives' promise that they would limit immigration to the UK to a maximum of 100'000 per year, the government introduced an interim cap in the course of the summer, which will run until 31st March 2011, affecting tiers 1&2 (Highly skilled workers, entrepreneurs and investors, and skilled workers with job offers)of the Points-based Immigration system. Under this scheme a monthly number of non-EEA invidividuals are permitted to enter via tier 1 and a set amount of certificates of sponsorship can be issued monthly by organisations wishing to hire international employees. Many worry that this will make it difficult to fill positions and deliver high quality services, especially in occupations which are strenuous, not valued (geriatrics, child protection) or suffer from a bad public image with the British and European public.
Though the Home office and its agency the UK Border Agency have set out to consult businesses, charities, think tanks and the public, it appears from a consultation meeting that there is in reality little room for discussion over figures, implementation or even justification for the cap.
The agency and the HO seem rather intend on enforcing the limit of 100'00 along lines similar to the interim scheme.
MAC Consultation ends september 7th.