Tory immigration plan sparks outrage after Priti Patel says all migrants should already speak English
The government has unveiled a new points-based immigration system, which will require anyone wishing to work in the UK to be able to speak English first and have a 'sponsored route' in order to gain a visa.
Speaking on Sky News, the home secretary Priti Patel, stated that it was 'right' that these laws are enforced upon those wanting to live and work in the UK.
We're being very clear about this - this is a system that puts the British government in control of its immigration policy for the first time in decades.
And, yes, it is right that people should speak English before they come to our country, that they should have a sponsored route, whether it's through employment or a sponsored route through an academic institution.
This complete overhaul of the immigration system is in line with the pledges made by the Vote Leave campaign in the 2016 EU referendum and will also require skilled migrants to have a salary of £25,600 from an approved sponsor.
The system which will be introduced on January 1 2021, has been compared to the one used in Australia, but shadow home secretary, Diane Abbott has called it a 'meaningless soundbite.'
This isn't an 'Australian points-based system', which is a meaningless government soundbite. It's a salary threshold system, which will need to have so many exemptions, for the NHS, for social care and many parts of the private sector, that it will be meaningless.
Ultimately, it will also be very difficult to attract the workers we need at all skill levels while the Tories' hostile environment is in place. It needs to go.
This major government reform has sparked anger online, with many experts pointing out that it is likely to have a major effect on the British job sector.
Priti Patel's comments on people having to speak English have also attracted criticism.
The hashtag #BrexitReality soon started to trend, with people pointing out how this system will affect EU citizens.
A Simpsons Meme feels an odd way to end this story but this is really fitting.
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