Immigrationboards.com - Archive

Archive » United Kingdom » UK considering restrictions re: new EU members

Author	Post
Cosmopol Member Member # 7165	Posted February 04, 2004 08:58 PM Here's an interesting (c) BBC article I thought I'd post an excerpt from: ----------- "Britain rethinks open-door policy for newcomers" By Oana Lungescu BBC Brussels correspondent Britain has become the latest European Union member to consider restrictions on social security benefits for future EU citizens. This leaves Ireland as the only country in the EU which will give workers from the 10 new states - mostly from central and Eastern Europe - equal rights with its own citizens when they join on 1 May. British officials say that Prime Minister Tony Blair and Home Secretary David Blunkett are now considering tighter measures to prevent what they call "benefits tourism." Estimates for migrant workers who will come to Britain after 1 May vary wildly. The UK Home Office expects between 5,000 and 13,000 migrants per year from new member states. But the immigration think-tank Migration Watch says the figure is more likely to be around 40,000. British officials insist the proposed changes, to be announced some time before 1 May, do not alter their previous pledge to fully open their labour markets to newcomers. But in effect, tougher tests for housing and income benefits will make life more difficult for those seeking jobs in Britain. [...] [ February 04, 2004: Message edited by: Cosmopol ]
bella_uk Member Member # 7162	Posted February 04, 2004 10:17 PM Do you steel want to move somewhere from USA?
Cosmopol Member Member # 7165	Posted February 04, 2004 11:01 PM bella_uk and Kayalami, It was nice to exchange comments re my situation; I think it would be a good tone to delete my part of it now as it's irrelevant for most of the board visitors and members, especially considering it's the UK forum. Thanks for sharing & best of luck! [ February 06, 2004: Message edited by: Cosmopol ]
bella_uk Member Member # 7162	Posted February 05, 2004 01:22 PM Thanks, Cosmopol. If you keep your status in USA whilst moving to the UK on WP or HSMP status, may be it is worth trying. But it is important to be completely sure about your status in USA because the trade market in USA is steel better then in the UK, especially considering prospective work force waiting for 1-May-2004. From long-perspective point of view this is for the best, but next 2 years could be difficult.
Kayalami Member Member # 5984	Posted February 05, 2004 01:26 PM Cosmopol, Can't recall if you provided your US status - are you USC, LPR or adjusting status. UK trends US in more or less everything so if US market picking up UK will follow. Having HSMP is ideal in this scenario as you can piggyback onto UK growth rise. -------------------- ---audi alteram partem---
Kayalami Member Member # 5984	Posted February 05, 2004 04:12 PM Cosmopol, Appreciate your response in particular on personal matter of status. You are in a pretty tight position vis a vis risking it all going HSMP route and/or chancing successful AOS how long this will take given you would have British Citizenship in time frame you quote. Have you sought redress on the attorney front and help of your congressman/woman on AOS-you might get some joy given election time is upon us and they all need your vote? I can only wish you the best of luck and hope you make a wise and suitable decision. God bless. -------------------- ---audi alteram partem---
Marcel3 Junior Member Member # 7171	Posted February 05, 2004 04:49 PM What are the steps to start a new life in UK? - be offered a job - social number - bank account - driving licence
Cosmopol Member Member # 7165	Posted February 18, 2004 04:32 PM Looks like there is some progress on the issue: "Tony Blair and key ministers say they have agreed a package governing access to UK jobs and benefits for people from the new EU member states." (Here is full BBC article) On a separate note, is there a chance Scotland may introduce its own "regional" scoring system, similar to province-based immigration in Canada? "Scotland's First Minister Jack McConnell said his country was facing a "serious population problem" with numbers due to fall below five million by 2009."
bella_uk Member Member # 7162	Posted February 18, 2004 04:55 PM At a No 10 meeting, the prime minister agreed to stand by the principle rejected by a majority of the current 15 EU members: that jobseekers as well as tourists should have free access to Britain when the 10 states get full membership... In Gordon Brown's American-style flexible labour market jobs are easier to get, no identity cards are required and part-time working is far more acceptable. http://www.guardian.co.uk/Refugees_in_Britain/Story/0,2763,1150502,00.html [ February 18, 2004: Message edited by: bella_uk ]