UK Immigration Under Fire for Welcoming Bloggers, Poets Over Healthcare Workers
The UK immigration system is facing criticism for welcoming bloggers, diversity officers, and poets as 'skilled' migrants, despite the country's pressing needs in sectors like healthcare and education. The British public wants an immigration system based on economic logic, not ideology, but the current system prioritizes roles that contribute little to GDP.
In the last year, the NHS and Civil Service spent millions on diversity officers' salaries, funded by taxpayers. The government's shortage occupation list includes roles like 'equity and diversity officer', 'poet', and 'blogger', eligible for 'skilled' worker visas. Social media influencers and DJs are also classified as 'skilled workers', with visa categories created for professions that contribute little to the economy.
The UK immigration system's original purpose was to attract talent that contributes to the economy and integrates into British society. However, net migration figures have been high and unsustainable, with the last count flirting with one million. This has led to overstretched schools, congested hospitals, and overpriced rental flats. The system has been criticized for not addressing these issues and instead focusing on roles that are not essential to the country's needs.
The UK immigration system needs reform to better match the country's economic needs. It should prioritize people who build, heal, invent, and invest, rather than those who lecture, label, and blog. This would help address the pressing issues in sectors like healthcare and education, and ensure that immigration contributes positively to the UK's economy and society.
