Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Fishing Industry: Visas for Foreign Workers

20 April 2023 · 12 other contributors

Opened by Sarah Dines Con Constituency

ImmigrationAgriculture & Rural Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Sarah Dines raised concerns about fishing industry: visas for foreign workers in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The minister discussed the Government's stance on foreign nationals working in UK waters, emphasising compliance with immigration laws under Section 43 of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022.
  • Previous reliance on transit visas instead of work visas was acknowledged, along with a six-month delay from October 2022 to allow for industry adjustment.
  • No further delays would be made beyond this six-month period, according to the minister.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Sarah Dines

The minister discussed the Government's stance on foreign nationals working in UK waters, emphasising that they must comply with immigration laws as per Section 43 of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022. She acknowledged previous reliance on transit visas instead of work visas and noted a six-month delay from October 2022 to allow for industry adjustment. However, she stated no further delays would be made beyond this period. The minister recognised the labour challenges faced by the fishing industry and its economic importance in rural areas but assured that generous support measures were being finalised to assist employers.

Other contributors (12)
  • Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland

    Question

    Fishermen have struggled with labour shortages and constructed a scheme similar to others available in aquaculture and renewables, but this was denied without a grace period. The exclusion affects safety and quota limitations, making the situation difficult for local fisheries.

    Minister reply

    The minister does not accept the accusation of betrayal and notes that generous support is being finalised to bring the fishing industry in line with others. She will put forward the request for a meeting between fishermen’s organisations and Home Office officials.

  • Robert Goodwill

    Question

    The scampi industry, particularly Whitby Seafoods with investments in Whitby and Kilkeel, faces significant risks without Filipino crew. Safety concerns due to language barriers need addressing.

    Minister reply

    While the minister acknowledges the importance of the fishing industry, she emphasises the necessity for all industries to comply with immigration laws. She notes that English language attainment is crucial for safety reasons and will convey this concern to the Immigration Minister.

  • Sarah Jones Lab Croydon West

    Question

    Labour recognises the vital role that the fishing industry plays in securing food for Britain and criticises the Government’s points-based system for not working effectively. Labour supports a fair, firm, and well-managed system but argues against the ad hoc nature of current changes, citing examples such as offshore wind concessions and HGV driver visas.

    Minister reply

    The minister emphasises that there has been extensive consultation and development of a skilled worker programme, which is not a panicked fix. She mentions a generous package to support the fishing industry's transition to align with other industries.

  • Patricia Gibson

    Question

    Critiques the Home Office’s decision to not create a bespoke visa scheme for the fishing industry, causing legal limbo and difficulty finding crew members. She asks about reassurances and support given the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation's concerns.

    Minister reply

    The minister states that skilled workers should apply through the skilled worker scheme. She promises generous support to be announced imminently, emphasising a level playing field with other industries.

  • Nick Smith Lab Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney

    Question

    Presses for details on when the generous offer mentioned by the minister will be made available.

    Minister reply

    The minister assures that there has been significant consultation, a six-month delay given to the industry, and sympathetic support from the Government. She confirms that a supportive package will be announced soon.

  • Brendan O'Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber

    Question

    Describes the Home Office’s decision as a betrayal of inshore fleets, criticising the Government for not listening to fishing communities’ reasonable requests.

    Minister reply

    The minister acknowledges concerns but emphasises that the six-month delay with generous support is part of a supportive approach. She rejects emotive language and promises imminent announcements.

  • Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale

    Question

    Highlights staff shortages in hospitality and tourism and asks for an update on bilateral negotiations over youth mobility visas to address the issue.

    Minister reply

    The minister confirms that the Government is aware of industry shortages, working hard with employers, and will implement measures such as a skilled worker scheme. She promises support for the fishing industry.

  • Peter Grant

    Question

    Points out that even the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation has criticised the Government’s approach, questioning the future of her Union given widespread rejection.

    Minister reply

    The minister responds by emphasising a whole-UK system and promises generous support for the fishing industry despite criticisms.

  • Jamie Stone Lib Dem Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross

    Question

    My right hon. Friend the Member for Orkney and Shetland has highlighted the issue. I spoke to William Calder from Scrabster Seafoods who pointed out that without crew for boats, fish cannot be caught leading to potential loss of business in Caithness. The MP asks if the Government supports businesses or not.

    Minister reply

    The Government supports nurturing business but aims to bring fisheries into compliance with national visa requirements. This includes using the skilled worker visa system and prioritising local recruitment due to language safety concerns.

  • Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West

    Question

    Emphasises that if fish are not landed, it affects food processing industries and hospitality businesses dependent on seafood. The MP questions whether these steps do not harm the economy.

    Minister reply

    The Government is not failing the economy but ensuring compliance with the skilled worker visa system through financial support for employers to recruit locally and use appropriate visas after a six-month grace period.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    Highlights concerns about 600 potential job losses in fishing communities if there is no extension. Proposes training in Sri Lanka to meet English language requirements and requests another year's grace period.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges the six-month delay but emphasises the importance of English proficiency for safety and successful integration, noting that migrants need to achieve B1 level English before applying through the skilled worker route.

Shadow Comment

Alistair Carmichael

The shadow criticised the minister's statement, suggesting it was insulting and a betrayal of the fishing industry. He highlighted that fishermen had struggled for years with labour shortages and sought to construct a scheme similar to others available in aquaculture and offshore renewables but were denied this opportunity without a grace period. Carmichael stressed the severe implications on safety and quota limitations affecting local fisheries, calling for meetings with Home Office officials to address these concerns.

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