Fury as Europe ‘directs’ migrants to UK as requires ‘refugee visas’ emerge | Politics | News | EUROtoday
The UK ought to absorb 10,000 refugees beneath a brand new “refugee visa” to stop them crossing the Channel in a small boat, ministers have been instructed.
Politicians stated the circulate of migrants and asylum seekers is “likely to increase this year”.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Refugees claimed extra protected and authorized routes are the one strategy to forestall extra folks dying within the English Channel.
They urged ministers to arrange a “refugee visa” which permits the UK to absorb as much as 10,000 folks. The APPG even instructed Labour ought to start negotiations with the EU in regards to the visa turning into “European wide”, probably opening the UK as much as extra migrants arriving on the continent.
Reform UK MP Lee Anderson: “This year has seen a record number of boat crossings—and a record number of deaths. This only reinforces the need to prioritise deterrence over border processing and detention.
“Our government is, in many ways, encouraging these crossings. Migrants know they will be met with free hotels and warm blankets rather than being swiftly returned to their country of origin.
“This reckless policy is putting lives at risk and must end.
“The APPG migrant report reveals that other countries, unwilling to accept high numbers of refugees, are instead directing them towards the UK.
“The current approach is simply unsustainable and unrealistic. It’s time to leave the ECHR and end mass illegal immigration.”
The Home Office was urged to repeat Switzerland’s humanitarian visa, which prioritises folks “in immediate, serious and complete danger to life and limb”.
The Swiss Government additionally considers the applicant’s hyperlink to the nation.
If they’re granted entry, they’ve 90 days to lodge an asylum declare.
Lord Alf Dubs and Laura Kyrke-Smith, co-chairs of the APPG, stated: “The year [2024] saw a record number of people dying attempting to cross the Channel.
“No matter your political persuasion, it is incumbent on all of us to seek to limit this tragic loss of life.
“To do this, we must be open to explore the role of safe and legal routes which has been the focus of our inquiry over the past year.”
Their report added: “The APPG is recommending the UK Government build on the evidence of the Swiss visa scheme and consult on the introduction of a pilot refugee visa, capped with nationality specific criteria initially.
“The APPG proposes the UK Government consult on the workings of a refugee visa targeted at high grant rate countries such as Sudan and Eritrea. This should be capped to issue no more than 10,000 visas during the period of the pilot.”
The group of MPs and Lords stated “current safe and legal routes are inaccessible and inadequate, leaving many with no choice but to undertake dangerous journeys.
“Well-designed safe routes can reduce reliance on people smugglers.”
But critics warned making a stronger deterrent is the one strategy to finish Channel migrant crossings.
Shadow Home Office minister Matt Vickers MP stated: “We need to stop hiding behind words around the increasing number of illegal immigrants crossing the Channel under Labour.
“When Labour removed the one deterrent to unlawful immigration, they laid out the pink carpet and signalled open season for folks traffickers.
“The only way to stop this vile trade is to put deterrents in place, and deport illegal immigrants when they arrive.”
Lord Alf Dubs added: “Safe routes save lives. This report makes it clear that, alongside enforcement measures, the Government should prioritise creating pathways that give folks a protected and authorized strategy to attain the UK.”
https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2009431/Channel-migrants-visas-boats-Labour