Time for a migration policy based on sense

Throughout the Brexit process, as the government’s core objectives and red lines have one by one been compromised away, a single aim has remained front, centre, and non-negotiable: end freedom of movement and give Britain control over its future immigration policy.

The question, then, is how it will use this power.

The long-awaited government white paper on future immigration policy, finally published today after months of delay and debate, will give us an answer. To put it simply, it doesn't look set to be much of a Christmas present for businesses.

Home secretary Sajid Javid announced last weekend that he hoped to cut EU migration by 80 per cent, and impose a minimum income threshold of £30,000 for all migrants looking to come to work in Britain. This threshold is Theresa May’s preferred level, and the government looks wedded to it despite serious concerns from employers.

Many have pointed out that these proposals are unfair from a regional and sector-wise perspective (disadvantaging areas and industries where salaries are lower) and economically damaging, as they assume that workers below this income are not highly skilled. They are also likely to disproportionately hit smaller firms, particularly on the tech scene.

Yesterday, the Coalition for a Digital Economy, which represents the UK’s tech startups, launched its own report into how Britain can fix its broken visa system. Top of the list is creating a new visa route specially for tech entrepreneurs, but other ideas include scrapping the cap on Tier 2 skilled visas, and introducing a list of roles “highly in demand and needed by the UK tech sector” to be fast-tracked.

Other sectors will have their own demands when a public consultation on government policy opens.

Business leaders are desperate to get the government thinking practically about the skills the economy will need in the immediate and long-term future, rather than clinging to an arbitrary and outdated target of reducing the numbers.

A single, streamlined immigration system that treats applicants from all countries fairly is a worthy goal. But a look at the Home Office’s track record shows that, too often, common sense and pragmatism are shoved aside in a bid to cut numbers, regardless of the cost both to people’s lives and the economy.

As if businesses don't have enough on their plate, it now looks certain that May is about to make their life even harder – just when she should be doing everything to help.