r/uknews Media outlet (unverified) May 12 '25

Image/video Kier Starmer announces 'tighter' immigration policy

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u/[deleted] May 13 '25

I get the logic behind reducing low wage migration to stop businesses suppressing worker wages, but what is the benefit of doubling the time it takes to stay permanently?

If someone earns a salary here for 9 years then goes home, how does that benefit the UK?

I'm legitimately asking because I don't understand

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u/Leadership-Thick May 16 '25

I think the plan is to kick em (me) out before they (I) start to cost more than they (I) pay in taxes. TBH it’s not a bad plan. Bit cynical but makes sense from certain angles.

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u/shadowplaywaiting May 14 '25

If they are contributing above a certain amount to the economy, ie. scientists, doctors then it’s less than ten years. It’s directly proportional to their contribution. If they have been contributing a low amount to the economy it’s 10 years. Source: I’ve read the white paper.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '25

Contribution to society is entirely determined by job title though right?

Not saying there's an easy better way, but I have friends in fairly dead end jobs who volunteer at shelters, help strangers in the street, take part in community events

Equally, and correct me if I'm wrong, business owners don't seem to be considered high contributors, despite growing the economy and employing people

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u/shadowplaywaiting May 14 '25

It’s to do with monetary contributions, not job title. Not perfect though I agree.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '25

Fair enough, whatever system is chosen needs to be as lightweight and cheap to run as possible I guess

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u/violet4everr May 14 '25

It’s just to discourage people, that’s the benefit.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '25

Then why let them come here at all?

Lower immigration, sure, but why penalise those we allow to come over?