Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín has said that the unveiling of a new policy by the British Prime Minister yesterday that includes new strict enforcement measures to reduce inward migration to Britain will inevitably mean more people entering the island of Ireland for asylum and economic migration.
The Meath West TD said:
“The new policy outlined by Keir Starmer this week will have huge ramifications for communities in Ireland, North and South. Britain’s new policy will divert migration to Ireland in larger numbers. Already 80% of the people seeking asylum in this state are coming here from Britain through the north of Ireland.
The change to work visa requirements in Britain will mean those without a degree-level qualification will no longer qualify, and there will be limits on bringing dependents. The doubling of the residency period before being able to apply for citizenship and the review of family rights and English language requirements could potentially mean that any reduction in inward migration to Britain means an equivalent increase in Ireland. The government needs to urgently review how it will address this. Our communities and IPAS system are already under strain.
Aontú has long proposed an Irish sea border for the movement of people that would require notification for anyone entering the island so we can monitor where people are coming from and share real-time information about ports of entry, background checks and where a person has registered for asylum, yet the government has ignored this call. We are now highlighting it again in response to this latest move in London. Our government must start to work with the British government to ensure that the integrity of our immigration system is protected. We need a strict system that reduces the number of vexatious asylum applications and gives protection to only to those who are fleeing war and violence”.
ENDS
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