PHILIPPINE EMBASSY, LONDON HOLDS CONSULTATIONS ON NEW UK IMMIGRATION POLICY  

28 May 2007 — Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Edgardo B. Espiritu reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that, immediately after proposed changes to British immigration laws were presented to the UK Parliament in March, the Embassy convened a meeting with various sectors of Filipino migrant community and immigration advisers for migrant workers to understand the concerns of the Filipino migrant community in the UK and collectively find ways to bring them to the attention of the policymakers.  

“The announced implementation of the UK 's new points-based immigration system beginning on 1 January 2008 has caused concerns for the Embassy as it will affect the current and future movement of Filipinos into the UK ,” Ambassador Espiritu said.  

The proposed changes 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 UK visa.  

The Philippine Embassy convened a meeting with various sectors of Filipino migrant community, the Centre for Filipinos, immigration advisers and Kalayaan, a non-government organization that provides advice, advocacy and support services for migrant workers.  Ambassador Espiritu actively led the consultations with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Home Office, Parliament and immigration solicitors and advisers.  

“The Embassy will continue to dialogue with various sectors of the Filipino community, immigration practitioners and the media on the effects of the new system on our migrant community,” said Ambassador Espiritu, adding “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.”  

Ambassador Espiritu stressed the point he made in one dialogue: “We take pride in the fact that our people have made positive contributions towards the enrichment and strengthening of the British society and we should be equally proud to convey the same to our British friends.”  

The Embassy has conveyed, both in writing and through regular dialogues with the UK government, the concerns of the Filipino migrant workers over the new points-based immigration system.  In particular, it has expressed concern over the rules that will govern the 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 ,” Ambassador Espiritu explained.  

As the Embassy continues to be actively engaged in the issue through consultations and dialogues, it advises members of the Filipino community to do their share by directly writing to their MPs (parliamentary representatives), to the Immigration and Nationality Directorate and the mainstream media in the UK to lodge their concerns.  END

/jay

(Home)