Net Migration

Answer from James Cleverly

The Government have implemented a number of measures including restricting overseas students from bringing family dependants, stopping overseas care workers from bringing family dependants, increasing the salary threshold for skilled worker visas to £38,700 and increasing the minimum income requirements for family visas. We recognise that levels of migration have been too high and I immediately took action to bring those figures down.

Answer from James Cleverly

My hon. Friend makes an important point. I spoke with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and recognise GDP per capita as an important metric. We invest in a British workforce through apprenticeships and lifelong learning, aiming for a high-skilled, high-income economy rather than relying on mass migration.

Answer from James Cleverly

Our contractors are expected to maintain standards, where they fall below those standards, they will be held to account. I take note of the case raised by the hon. Gentleman.

Answer from James Cleverly

We recognised high figures in recent years and implemented measures such as a higher salary threshold for skilled worker visas. By our estimations, under the new regime that I have put in place, 300,000 people who would previously have been eligible will no longer be eligible.

Answer from James Cleverly

In rural communities, recruitment and retention of staff is difficult but there are plenty of people willing to work here recognising they cannot bring their dependants. The issue of where in the country those people work is actually a broader issue.

Answer from James Cleverly

It is right for any nation to put conditionality on those accepted within its borders. We have a tradition of being open and welcoming, but we take action when migration levels are high. Changes were given notice so people can make plans accordingly, with special cases exemptions.