This week, hundreds of South Asian highly skilled workers protested outside Parliament claiming they are the victims of the next Windrush scandal. The protest comes after Sajid Javid was appointed Home Secretary after Amber Rudd resigned for misleading the Home Affairs Select Committee over targets for removal of migrants during the Windrush scandal.
On Wednesday, almost 400 professionals, ranging from IT consultants to NHS workers from India and Pakistan protested against the government’s current “taxing” immigration system. The Times of India reported that many protested against the Home Office’s lengthy visa processing times as well having their applications refused due to mistakes on their tax returns. Such migrants were refused under ‘general grounds’ for refusal under the immigration rules, a clause normally reserved for those accused of using deception in their application.
It seems that the Home Office is increasingly using this clause when considering visa or Indefinite Leave to Remain applications. The clause is intended to focus on an applicant’s character and intended to prevent the settlement of criminals.
Campaigners say the Home Office’s tactics are in part to create a ‘hostile environment’ intended to meet the government’s ambitious targets of reducing immigration.