Why migration policy matters

In her last week at the Bevan Foundation, Claire Thomas explains why migration is important to Wales’ economic and social future   

Wednesday will be my last day at the Bevan Foundation. Over the last two years I have been working on migration and integration policy which has been enjoyable, interesting and at times challenging.

During the past two years it has often been difficult to generate debate on these issues, particularly because the Welsh Government has very little say over immigration policy and migrants’ rights which are reserved to the UK government. However, it is vital that the Bevan Foundation underlines the importance of the role that migration plays in Wales’ economic and social future.

Why is migration important?

Our work on immigration policy has highlighted the extremely important contribution that migrants have played across many elements of Welsh society. Migrants are vital or ‘key’ workers in our NHS, in social care and in our food production and hospitality sectors. Migrants can bring with them new skills and ideas which strengthen our economy. Importantly by moving to Wales they have prevented Wales’ population falling and the economy shrinking. Future concerns about future population growth, an ageing population, a declining working age population and rural decline means that migrants also have a very significant role to play in the future.

However, the UK government has shown a lack of appreciation of the situation in Wales and has pushed ahead with its reforms of the immigration system despite these issues. Recent changes to the immigration system coupled with the end of free movement will make it more difficult for people to come and work, live and study in Wales. The new immigration system does offer some flexibility for those migrants coming from non-European countries. However overall it will be more difficult for migrants to come and work in Wales particularly as they will have to meet the required annual salary threshold of £26,500.

Therefore, the numbers of people migrating to Wales in the future could decrease.

The impact of fewer numbers of migrants

Since the start of the pandemic there has been a considerable decrease in the numbers of passengers internationally suggesting that migration to the UK has decreased.  There has also been a reduction in the number of visa applications issued for work and study to non-EU nationals. However, it is difficult to understand whether this is solely due to the pandemic or whether changes to the the immigration system has had any effect.  Travel restrictions remain in place and therefore understanding the impact may not be known for some time. Understanding migration trends has also been limited due to the suspension of the main source of data collection on migration – the International Passenger Survey.

There is however anecdotal evidence that many migrants have left Wales because of the end of free movement or due to more favourable economic conditions in other areas of Europe. Since the pandemic and particularly in the last few months there have been many reports of Welsh businesses who previously relied on migrant labour and are now experiencing staff shortages. One recent example of the impact is Cardiff Council’s decision to cut garden waste collection due to a shortage of lorry drivers which is said to be caused by the impact of Brexit and changes to immigration rules combined with the pandemic. This suggests that we are already seeing the impact from a reduced migrant workforce. 

Protecting migrants’ rights in Wales

It is important that people who live in Wales can access the rights they are entitled to. However, migrants who live in Wales often find they face barriers when accessing their rights and can also face discrimination when attempting to do so. The end of free movement also saw the introduction of the European Union Settlement Scheme which required EU citizens to apply so they could continue to live and work in Wales.

By the June deadline there had been nearly 100,000 applications made in Wales. Looking at the numbers, in theory the scheme does seem to have been successful as it exceeds the original estimation of around 80,000 European nationals who would be eligible in Wales. However, many organisations fear that thousands of EU nationals have not yet applied. There are also concerns that those with pre-settled status would need to apply again in the future to receive settled status, failure to do so may mean they lose their entitlements to certain rights.

While the Welsh Government did not create this system, it has had a pivotal role in developing a structure of support and advice to EU nationals. Continuing to express messages of welcome is important but advocating for the rights of EU Nationals and other migrants will become even more crucial in the future, particularly given concerns around the UK government’s track record on migrant rights which includes the hostile environment policy and the Windrush scandal.

It is also important to recognise that this deadline does not represent a line in the sand, rather, it should be an opportunity to realise the benefit of providing advice and support service to ensure migrants can exercise the rights they are entitled to and help them to live well in Wales.

Enabling Wales to have a voice on migration policy

Despite many communications expressing its opposition to the UK Government’s approach on immigration, the Home Office has continued to make all the key decisions with little regard to the needs or wishes of Wales. While the Welsh Government has attempted to exert pressure on the UK Government there is a risk that, particularly given the importance of the pandemic recovery, migration policy will slip down the list of priorities.

The Bevan Foundation has an important role in continuing to stress the importance for Wales to have a say in who comes to work, live and study here and to protect the rights and give a voice to those who come to live in Wales. That is why I will keep on supporting the Bevan Foundation for many years to come!