migrants to UK
Photo by Chris J Ratcliffe/Reuters

Outrage as Europe Funnels Migrants to UK Amid Calls for ‘Refugee Visas’

A growing chorus of politicians and advocacy groups is calling on the UK government to introduce a new “refugee visa” that would enable the country to legally admit up to 10,000 refugees, in a bid to stem the perilous Channel crossings that have claimed lives in recent months. Ministers have been urged to consider this proposal amid warnings that the flow of migrants and asylum seekers is “likely to increase this year.”

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Refugees (APPG) has been at the forefront of these discussions, asserting that providing safe and legal routes is essential to prevent further tragedies in the English Channel. Citing the escalating crisis, the APPG contends that more humane and practical measures must replace policies that have inadvertently driven desperate people to risk dangerous journeys, according to the Express.

The group’s report proposes a pilot scheme modeled on Switzerland’s humanitarian visa. Under this scheme, applicants—prioritized if they are “in immediate, serious and complete danger to life and limb”—would be granted a visa and given 90 days to lodge an asylum claim. The APPG even suggested that Labor should start negotiations with the EU to extend the visa on a European-wide basis, potentially opening additional legal avenues for migrants across the continent.

Reform UK MP Lee Anderson voiced strong criticism of the current government policies during an interview with GB News. He stated: “This year has seen a record number of boat crossings—and a record number of deaths. This only reinforces the need to prioritize deterrence over border processing and detention. “Our government is, in many ways, encouraging these crossings. Migrants know they will be met with free hotels and warm blankets rather than being swiftly returned to their country of origin.

“The APPG migrant report reveals that other countries, unwilling to accept high numbers of refugees, are instead directing them towards the UK. “The current approach is simply unsustainable and unrealistic. It’s time to leave the ECHR and end mass illegal immigration.”

The APPG’s co-chairs, Lord Alf Dubs and Laura Kyrke-Smith, emphasized the urgency of revisiting the current system. They noted: “The year [2024] saw a record number of people dying attempting to cross the Channel.
“No matter your political persuasion, it is incumbent on all of us to seek to limit this tragic loss of life.
“To do this, we must be open to explore the role of safe and legal routes which has been the focus of our inquiry over the past year.”

“The APPG is recommending the UK Government build on the evidence of the Swiss visa scheme and consult on the introduction of a pilot refugee visa, capped with nationality-specific criteria initially. “The APPG proposes the UK Government consult on the workings of a refugee visa targeted at high grant rate countries such as Sudan and Eritrea. This should be capped to issue no more than 10,000 visas during the period of the pilot.”

Critics, however, argue that a stronger deterrent is needed. Shadow Home Office minister Matt Vickers MP declared:
“We need to stop hiding behind words around the increasing number of illegal immigrants crossing the Channel under Labour. “When Labour got rid of the only deterrent to illegal immigration, they laid out the red carpet and signaled open season for people traffickers.

“The only way to stop this vile trade is to put deterrents in place, and deport illegal immigrants when they arrive.” “Safe routes save lives. This report makes it clear that, alongside enforcement measures, the Government must prioritise creating pathways that give people a safe and legal way to reach the UK.”

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