The BBC Africa will conduct a debate in the United Kingdom on 28th
November, the first on its kind, to examine British immigration policy
and its impact on African communities living here. So, How welcome is
the UK to Africans?
Immigration
is currently a hot topic in the country. Many voters express concern
over pressure on services such as health and education, while some
workers complain their wages are being driven down by the influx of
foreign employees. There has been anti-immigration rhetoric in the
press, and the anti-immigration UK Independence Party made huge gains in
recent local elections.
The
coalition government in the UK has responded to the popular mood,
pledging to decrease net migration to the country dramatically by the
next election. This commitment has brought with it some hostile
messages. They introduced lorries onto the streets of London carrying
the billboard message – “In the UK illegally? Go home or face arrest”.
There was also talk of introducing a scheme whereby people from ‘high
risk’ countries, including Ghana and Nigeria, would have to pay a £3000
‘security bond’ just to get a visa to come to the UK. Both schemes have
since been dropped; Home Secretary Theresa May conceded that the use of
mobile billboards in particular was “too blunt an instrument“.
None
of this appears to have deterred migrants, determined to come to the UK
by any means. Indeed, hundreds of migrants trying to reach Europe from
North Africa have drowned in recent weeks. But what is life like for
them if and when they make it? Under new measures, it could be
increasingly hard.
The
UK parliament is currently debating an immigration bill that would:
force landlords to check the status of tenants or face fines; see
bankers making checks before offering accounts; make temporary migrants
pay £200 a year towards the cost of the NHS; and urge registrars to
inform the Home Office of planned weddings between UK citizens and those
from outside Europe, in an attempt to cut down on ‘sham marriages’.
If
it is passed, what impact could this have on the UK economy and
business if tourists and investors are put off? Some business groups say
the changes could appear hostile to outsiders and might deter
investment in the UK. Nigerians, for example, are the 6th
highest spending tourists in the UK. At a time where economies in Africa
are growing at a much faster rate than those in Europe, does it make
business sense to put up these barriers?
While
at the same time, the government is trying to foster business relations
through multiple trade delegations to the continent. So, why the mixed
messages? Is the UK shooting itself in the foot with its immigration
policy?
There
is a lot of misconception across Africa about what these new policies
will mean for those wanting to travel to the UK. This programme aims to
unpick and explain the policies. It will give Africans in the UK the
opportunity to ask questions, air their opinions, share experiences and
challenges they face concerning Immigration issues.
The
debate will involve four BBC language Services –BBC Afrique (French),
BBC Focus on Africa (English), BBC Swahili (Swahili) and Somali Service.
As
one of Swahili speakers’ community we invite you to participate in the
debate to be held in Slough (You are allowed to attend other languages’
debate too).
Karibu sana.
Venue: St Mary’s Church, Church Street, Sough, UK
Date: Thursday 28th November 2013.
Time: 0900-1100 BBC Afrique (French)
1200 – 1400 Somali
1400 – 1500 Break
1500 – 1700 English debate
1730 – 1930 Swahili
Thank you in advance for your time and cooperation,
Yours Faithfully,
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