Robert Jenrick, one of the last four candidates vying to replace Rishi Sunak as leader of the Conservative Party, has unveiled a bold plan to address illegal immigration by proposing to severely restrict visas for countries that refuse to accept the return of their nationals.

This proposal specifically targets India and Vietnam, with Jenrick emphasising the need for tougher measures in light of the estimated 1,00,000 Indian nationals believed to be residing illegally in the UK.

In 2023, the UK reportedly issued 2,50,000 visas to Indian citizens for work, study, and tourism. However, Jenrick highlighted a significant discrepancy, noting that only a small number of illegal migrants are returned, with removals remaining “stuck in the hundreds.”

Plans for increased deportations

Jenrick outlined a comprehensive five-point plan aimed at amplifying the deportation of illegal residents, with the goal of achieving a fivefold increase to surpass 1,00,000 removals annually.

He asserted the necessity of adopting a firm stance with countries like India, proposing that visas would not be issued until these nations agree to take back their citizens living illegally in the UK.

This proposal follows a 2021 Memorandum of Understanding between the UK and India, designed to streamline the return of illegal Indian nationals. However, in 2023, only 22,807 illegal migrants were removed from the UK, with Indian nationals making up approximately 15% of that total.

Jenrick stressed the importance of imposing strict visa restrictions and limiting foreign aid to nations that do not cooperate with repatriation requests. He cited countries such as Iraq, Somalia, and Afghanistan, which have received UK aid without engaging in effective return strategies.

As part of his strategy, Jenrick also proposed new legislation to designate Vietnam, Turkey, and Brazil as safe countries, which would facilitate quicker negotiations for the return of illegal migrants.

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