Robert Jenrick, one of the final four candidates competing to succeed Rishi Sunak as leader of the Conservative Party, has unveiled a tough immigration proposal that includes imposing strict visa restrictions on countries that refuse to accept the return of illegal migrants. Countries like India and Vietnam are specifically targeted in this plan. Jenrick pointed out that while the UK granted 250,000 visas to Indian nationals in 2023 for work, tourism, and study, an estimated 100,000 Indians are residing in the UK illegally, with deportation efforts stagnating.
Plans to Drastically Increase Deportations
Jenrick introduced a five-point strategy aimed at significantly increasing deportations, targeting over 100,000 deportations annually—a fivefold increase. “It’s time to take a firm stance with these countries and suspend visa issuance until they agree to accept their nationals living here illegally,” he stated.
This proposal builds upon a 2021 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UK and India, designed to streamline repatriation processes. However, despite this agreement, only 22,807 individuals were deported in 2023, with Indian nationals accounting for 15% of this total (3,439 individuals).
Linking Visas and Aid to Compliance
Jenrick also suggested linking foreign aid and visa policies to a country’s cooperation in repatriating illegal migrants. He singled out Iraq, Somalia, and Afghanistan—nations that receive UK aid but fail to assist in returning their nationals—as examples. “The government must stop allowing other countries to exploit our generosity by enforcing strict visa limits and reducing aid to nations that fail to cooperate on repatriations,” he emphasized.
Expanded Repatriation Agreements and Legal Changes
As part of his immigration overhaul, Jenrick proposed classifying countries such as Vietnam, Turkey, and Brazil as “safe nations,” which would allow the UK to negotiate expedited deportation agreements. He referenced the existing agreement with Albania as a model, arguing that these nations are not “war zones” and should therefore cooperate in repatriation efforts.
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Additionally, Jenrick advocated for the UK’s withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), citing it as an obstacle to the swift deportation of foreign offenders. He pointed out that the UK houses approximately 11,800 foreign offenders, 4,000 of whom have been in the country for over five years post-incarceration. Foreign criminals make up over 10,000 of the 87,000 prisoners in English and Welsh prisons, costing UK taxpayers £47,000 per inmate annually.
Tackling Illegal Employment and Systemic Failures
Jenrick emphasized the need to address illegal employment, proposing criminal liability for companies that hire illegal workers. He warned that illegal migration places “intolerable pressure on communities and taxpayers.”
“The system is broken. Despite a significant rise in illegal residents over the past two decades, deportations have plummeted,” he noted. Reflecting on his previous role as immigration minister, he pointed out that he had increased deportations by over 50%, but stressed the need for more fundamental reforms, asserting, “Anyone arriving illegally from a safe country must be removed immediately.”
Political Momentum
Jenrick is emerging as a strong contender in the Conservative leadership race, topping the two parliamentary hustings held so far and likely advancing to the final party membership vote. However, Home Office officials have made it clear to The Times of India that visa bans are not currently part of the policy for the Labour-led government.
