Immigration makes a significant contribution to the UK both economically and culturally. For many immigrants the UK is an attractive destination with net migration in the year to March 2015 at 330,000. Though in recent years the Government has sought to overhaul immigration policy so as to clamp down on illegal immigration and make the system fairer for migrants who wish to contribute to our society and economy.Additionally, councils also have an excellent track record in supporting refugees. According to the Home Office, 25,771 people applied for asylum in the year ending June 2015 and around 2,000 unaccompanied children apply for asylum in the UK each year.
Crucially, this summer, the Prime Minister announced that Britain should resettle up to 20,000 Syrian refugees. To facilitate this work, the criteria for the existing Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation (VPR) scheme will be expanded, with the full cost to be met through aid spending for the first year.
With immigration and asylum now one of the most pressing issues facing Britain, this timely symposium provides an opportunity for policy makers, local authorities, legal professionals, third sector practitioners and other key stakeholders to understand the current immigration and asylum landscape in the UK.