RP envoy concerned over new UK immigration system

RP envoy concerned over new UK immigration system

A new points-based immigration system to be implemented by the United Kingdom starting January 1 next year will adversely affect the status and deployment of Filipinos in that country, Philippine Ambassador to the UK Edgardo Espiritu warned Monday.

He said the proposed changes would classify UK visa applicants into five tiers and institute a points-based system that requires all foreign workers – except the most highly skilled – to have a UK sponsor when they apply for a visa.

“While the Embassy is concerned with the impact of the new system on the various sectors, its most immediate concern is its impact on the most vulnerable sectors," Espiritu said.

In particular, he said the Philippine Embassy has expressed concern over the rules that will govern domestic workers.

“The proposed system is not clear where the domestic workers stand nor is it clear on the status of those who are already in the UK," Espiritu said.

Espiritu urged the Filipino community in the UK to write their members of parliament (MPs) or parliamentary representatives, the Immigration and Nationality Directorate and the British media to make their concerns known.

Espiritu said immediately after proposed changes to immigration laws were presented to the UK Parliament in March, the embassy convened a meeting with various sectors of the Filipino migrant community and immigration advisers.

He said the Philippine Embassy has held consultations with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Home Office, Parliament and immigration solicitors and advisers. -GMANews.TV