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| New UK plan to curb illegal immigration at source country |
| Prasun Sonwalkar/PTI / London Mar 05, 2010, 14:45 IST |
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Britain has announced a joint Foreign Office and Home Office plan to boost interaction and cooperation with India and other countries that are sources of illegal immigration.
Preventing illegal immigration in the source country is at the heart of a new international strategy outlined in a report titled 'International challenges, international solutions: managing the movement of people and goods'.
The objective of the new plan is to work more closely than ever with foreign governments, sharing data and intelligence with enforcement agencies abroad, and ensuring that developing countries have the skills they need to thrive.
The international action plan underlines the need to take the fight against human traffickers, forgers and foreign criminals to the source.
The government also committed to support 'circular migration' to reduce the impact of skills loss on other countries; ensuring that migrants are able to send money back home; and enabling those who need protection to seek refuge as close to home as possible.
Borders and Immigration Minister Phil Woolas said, "The message today is clear, we want the smugglers, traffickers and forgers out there to know, wherever they are in the world, we are watching them".
He added, "Three-quarters of the world's population now need a visa to come to Britain, and UK Border Agency officers are working in 135 different countries to stop organised criminals in their tracks".
The plan includes proposals to allow skilled temporary residents in the UK (from India and elsewhere) to 'pause' their journey to citizenship so that they can return home and contribute their expertise.
This would allow developing nations the chance to benefit from these skilled workers without interfering with the workers' path to citizenship in the UK, the Home Office said.
Woolas added, "There is no question that migration has brought benefits to the UK economy. Many of those who come here plug hard-to-fill jobs gaps, playing a key role in running public services especially in health and education".
He added, "But while Britain is benefiting, it is important that we do not deprive other countries of the skilled people they need most. It's in our long-term interest that they have the doctors, nurses and teachers who are so crucial to their development."
"That's why, particularly in these difficult times, we must ensure those that do come here are given the opportunity to help back home and invest their new-found skills."
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