Immigration: A Brief Insight

The subject of immigration generated much controversy when it was debated in Advanced Economics earlier this week; I therefore thought I would compose a blog post to highlight some of the concerns that were elevated during the discussion.

            Evidently, UK headlines are littered with varying viewpoints on immigration, some state that native brits are ‘hardening’ to immigration whereas others argue that politicians are ignoring the strong emotions the public seemingly have over the touchy subject, at their peril.  However, with 57% of our population viewing immigration as one of the three foremost concerns facing the country and 17% viewing it as a personal threat, it is certainly not a subject that can be overlooked.

            In my opinion, immigration imposes a threat on local public services, such as the overloaded NHS and nearby schools.  Yet, immigration does hold many benefits on a macro level.  Indeed, a higher proportion of migrants in the UK have had a tertiary education and more than 75% are employed; with the average age being 31 and many returning to their native countries before their fiscally draining retirement years, it may be interpreted that the income tax and VAT generated from the average 9 year stay is crucial for the UK’s budget position.   In fact, immigrants play a role in easing the debt burden that currently hangs over the UK.  If this financial strain was spread over native brits alone it is estimated that this debt would account for about £28, 650 per person.  However, when immigrants are included the amount per person decreases to £21, 800.  Immigrants certainly are not a quick fix for the UK’s debt burden but they do play a role in lessening the financial strain.

            Of course, this does not account for the half a million illegal immigrants, who currently leach of the system or refugees/asylum seekers. However, it is not the NHS’ job to police patients and some may see it as morally wrong to deny refugees or asylum seekers of treatment if needed.  Quite clearly there are issues revolving around welfare provision, merely by residency individuals qualify for these public services and this is what makes the UK an attractive country to migrate to.  Perhaps, if other countries implemented similar welfare systems, the UK’s immigrations levels would slump.

            There are benefits and consequences of immigration and here I have only covered the minutia of this considerable debate.  From an economic perspective, an increasing labour supply is vastly positive.  However, with UKIP growing in popularity, it is clear that the UK government will have to tackle the concern of migration.