India concerned over UK decision to impose cap on immigration

New Delhi, Aug 25 (PTI) Britain Wednesday 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 here.
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 National Association of Software and
Services Companies.
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. (MORE) PTI