New Delhi:
Britain today justified the new cap on immigration from non-European countries but assured that it will not affect Indian business interests in that country.
"We will be flexible and responsive," British Immigration Minister Damian Green told reporters in New Delhi. Green said his government may consider having a separate quota for professionals in the field of information and communication technology wishing to come to Britain. This was conveyed by him to NASSCOM.
Explaining the reasons for the cap, he said immigration into Britain has been "too high in the last 10 years" and that it has put "pressures" on the country's public services.
"Immigration level has been too high over the last 10 years that has put pressures on our public services and some areas of our society. One of the things I am extremely keen
is to cut down anything that gives rise to political extremism, anything that gives rise to any kind of racism," he said. Justifying the new norms, Green, however, said British Government will ensure that they did not affect the Indian business in the UK as well as the overall trade ties between the two countries.
Acknowledging that Britain has benefitted from migration from India, he said adding, "we want to continue to encourage the brightest and the most talented workers, entreprenerus and investors from India to come to the U K," he said. The aim of the British government's approach is to control immigration more effectively and reduce numbers to more sustainable levels to maximise the benefits to his country and all those coming to work and live there.
The issue figured prominently during talks Green had with Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi.
Ravi told Green about the "historical ties" between the two countries and requested him to ensure that Indian students and professionals do not suffer because of the changes in the immigration norms. "Our views have been expressed to Green. I requested him not to equate India with any other country. We have a historical relationship and I told him about our concerns on the issue," Ravi said.
Green, who is currently on a three-day visit to India, said a "properly controlled immigration system" will benefit all sections including the Indian-origin community. "Our overall approach is very clear. Britain benefits from the immigration. But we will be able to attain full benefit if it is properly controlled."
Both the sides also discussed ways to control illegal migration and decided to continue the dialogue in future also to address issues related to migration. The coalition government in UK had promised a cap on immigration from non-EU nations which will be coming into force from April 2011.