Cameron sets out further migrant benefit restrictions

29 Jul 14
European Union migrants will be unable to claim Jobseekers’ Allowance in the UK for more than three months under plans announced by Prime Minister David Cameron.

By Richard Johnstone | 29 July 2014

European Union migrants will be unable to claim Jobseekers’ Allowance in the UK for more than three months under plans announced by Prime Minister David Cameron.

Cameron today set out the further tightening of restrictions as other measures, announced last year to restrict migrants’ rights to council housing and welfare benefits, came into effect through the Immigration Act.

The new three-month benefit limit, down from six months, was needed as people expect an immigration system that puts Britain first, Cameron said.

‘Over the past four years we have clamped down on abuses, making sure the right people are coming here for the right reasons.

‘At the same time, as part of our long-term economic plan, we have been fixing our education, training and welfare problems with radical school reform, record numbers of apprenticeships and an employment rate that has never been higher. All of these measures will ensure British people get a fair deal.’

The government also announced tougher immigration rules would be imposed on universities and colleges who sponsor international students to study in the UK.

Currently, institutions cannot enjoy highly trusted sponsor status if 20% or more of the individuals they have offered places to are refused visas. However, this proportion will be cut to 10% in November after a three-month transitional period to allow universities and colleges to re-examine their admissions procedures.
Home Secretary Theresa May added: ‘We are building an immigration system that is fair to British citizens and legitimate migrants, but tough on those who abuse it or flout the law.

‘We will always act when we see abuse of our immigration system. And that is why we are tightening the rules to cut out abuse in the student visa system. These reforms are helping to deliver what we have always promised – to build an immigration system that truly works in the national interest.’


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