The British Prime Minister Faces Criticism for His New Anti-Immigration Policy
A controversial tax on employing foreign graduates raises questions about equal opportunities and xenophobia
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak continues to shock global public opinion with his controversial positions. This time, it is a new taxation policy targeting companies that employ young foreign graduates that is sparking outrage. Although Sunak did not explicitly target young graduates from other countries, he announced that any company hiring a British graduate would not have to pay anything. However, if a company chooses to hire a young foreign graduate, such as an Indian student who completed their studies in the UK, it will now have to pay a tax of £3,960 (about €36,000) per head to the British government.
A Relentless Battle Against Immigration
This measure is part of Rishi Sunak’s clear approach to curbing immigration in the UK. Sunak, a member of the Conservative Party, is well known for his firm stance on immigration issues. However, what is intriguing is that Sunak himself comes from a family of Indian origin. His parents left India to do business in Africa before settling in the UK, where Sunak received an education that led him to become Prime Minister.
Sunak seems determined to ensure that others do not have the same opportunities as he did. He fights immigration, particularly by targeting foreign students who, after legally studying in the UK, benefit from a visa that allows them to work in the country after graduation. This “Graduate Visa” is a legal right that has existed for a long time. British companies recruit these students because they are trained locally and often cost less to employ than an experienced professional. However, by imposing this new tax, Sunak is clearly aiming to dissuade companies from hiring foreigners.
An Apparent Paradox: Sunak, the Immigrant Who Became Prime Minister
Sunak’s journey, from the child of immigrants to one of the most powerful figures in the UK, seems contradictory to his anti-immigration policies. How can a man who comes from an immigrant background propose laws that indirectly close the door to those following a similar path? This is a question fueling public debate. Some see this policy as a form of disguised xenophobia, a desire to favor “native” Britons at the expense of others.
This measure has also sparked strong criticism within the Conservative Party itself. Figures like Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, former Foreign Secretary David Cameron, and James Cleverly have voiced their opposition, stressing that this policy could be harmful to the British economy. The reluctance of these political leaders to support Sunak shows that the issue of immigration deeply divides even the highest levels of British politics.
Is the Student Visa in Danger?
At the beginning of his term, Sunak even considered canceling the visa for foreign students. This initiative was quickly abandoned in the face of a general outcry within the government and civil society. Foreign students make up a significant part of the UK’s academic and economic fabric. In fact, statistics show that 40% of foreign students in the UK come from India, a figure that underscores the importance of this population for universities and the local economy.
A Double Standard in Refugee Reception
Sunak’s decision to specifically target foreign graduates also seems paradoxical given the UK’s history of refugee reception. When the war in Ukraine broke out, Ukrainian refugees were welcomed with open arms, with British families even encouraged to house them, receiving financial aid from the government to do so. In contrast, African students fleeing the same dangers were turned away at the borders. This double standard has sparked accusations of racism, with some observers pointing out that the skin color of Ukrainians played a role in their preferential treatment.
Read More: The New British Prime Minister Abandons the Deportation Plan to Rwanda
The UK, while powerful on the international stage, remains a small country in geographic terms. It cannot indefinitely accommodate waves of immigrants. But the question arises: why are so many people seeking to settle in the UK? The answer lies in the perception of better economic and educational opportunities compared to their home countries. This reality raises a broader question: why do these opportunities not exist in the home countries of these immigrants? The answer often points to corrupt and incompetent governments in many developing countries.
The Controversial Legacy of Sunak
Ultimately, Rishi Sunak’s decision to impose a tax on companies that hire foreign graduates is seen by many as an attempt to limit immigration by targeting a specific category of the population. This measure raises questions about equal opportunities and xenophobia in a society that claims to be open and inclusive.
Debates around this policy will likely continue to rage, as they touch on sensitive issues such as national identity, economic opportunities, and the UK’s role on the global stage. Whether you agree with Sunak or not, one thing is certain: his policy will not leave anyone indifferent.
Totally inspired by Zack Mwekassa’s video
L’EMPLOI SERA INTERDIT POUR LES ETRANGERS AU ROYAUME UNIS – YouTube
