‘We need a migration system that works for Wales’ says Counsel General and Minister for European Transition

THE Welsh Government has joined forces with the Welsh NHS, business organisations, local government, universities, the voluntary sector and the Trades Unions to call on the UK Government to introduce a migration system that works for Wales.

A range of organisations from different sectors across Wales have signed up to the position paper, and in a letter to the Home Secretary, Priti Patel, the Counsel General and European Transition Minister has called for changes to UK Government plans.

The Wales migration position paper calls for:

The £25,600 salary threshold to be scrapped or reduced.
Any new immigration system to be low cost and minimise admin costs.
A route for unsponsored migration, consistent with a points-based system
The new policy to recognise the demographic challenge facing Wales;
Adequate time to introduce a new system; and
UK Government to ensure migrants are aware of their rights and have them upheld.
Counsel General and Minister for European Transition, Jeremy Miles said:

“The UK’s future migration policy is of profound importance to Wales. It will have significant impacts on our future, economy, communities and culture. Any reform must take into account the needs of Wales.

“Together, we are sending a very clear message – we need a migration system that works for Wales, that works for our businesses, our schools and Universities, our care homes and hospitals, so we continue to have the skills and people we need.

“What the UK Government is currently proposing does not work for Wales.

“The fact that this paper has been agreed by such a broad range of organisations, from across the public, private and voluntary sectors in Wales, speaks volumes about the strength of feeling we are articulating here. We hope this powerful message from Wales about our future immigration needs is finally taken on board by the UK Government.”

The signatories to the paper are:

Arts Council Wales
Care Forum Wales
Federation of Small Businesses
Food and Drink Wales Industry Board
Race Council Cymru
Royal College of Nursing Wales
Social Care Wales
South Wales Chamber of Commerce
TUC
Universities Wales
Wales Council for Voluntary Action
Welsh Local Government Association
Welsh NHS Confederation
Wales Tourism Alliance