The Society of Radiographers is urging members to respond to the government’s new consultation on ‘earned settlement’ for migrants living in the UK.
In November, the government published a report setting out proposed reforms to the current migrant settlement rules, which would ensure “that those granted settlement and citizenship are well-integrated, economically self-sufficient, and committed to the communities they join.”
The SoR is asking members to respond individually to the government consultation and to share their views with the society to help inform its own response to the proposals.
Richard Evans, CEO of the society, said: “As with many parts of the NHS, radiography has benefited over many years from colleagues coming to the UK to work. In recent years, there have been particularly productive international recruitment campaigns, often supported by the government, that have resulted in essential increases to the workforce. Radiographers who are recruited from overseas make a massive difference to the ability to provide imaging and radiotherapy services.
“The government’s proposals essentially make it more difficult for international recruits to become UK citizens. They threaten to discourage colleagues from around the world from seeking career opportunities in the UK, and consequently, they could damage workforce growth and service provision.”
In the proposals, titled A fairer pathway to settlement: statement and accompanying consultation on earned settlement, the government proposes moving to an ‘earned settlement approach to immigration.
This approach involves granting settled status to migrants who have made a “long-term contribution to the UK,” including demonstrating a sustained commitment through work and community involvement, replacing the current system where settlement is granted after a fixed period.
Announcing the consultation in parliament, home secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “The successful story of migration in Britain has always depended on two things. Firstly, that each wave of migrants becomes a part of our wider cultural life. And secondly, that they pay back to the country that has given them a home.
“To become a part of this country, permanently, is therefore not a right but a privilege – and one that must be earned. This government has already announced that we will lift the starting point at which most people can receive indefinite leave to remain to ten years. In this consultation, we set out the conditions by which settlement might then be earned.”
To read the full proposals and to respond to the government consultation, click here.
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