14/05/2024
DUP Calls On Govt To Prevent Fracture In Immigration Policy
The DUP has called on the UK government to prevent a fracture in immigration policy between different regions of the United Kingdom after the High Court in Belfast found that operating the Rwanda scheme in Northern Ireland would be incompatible with Article 2 of the NI Protocol.
Responding to the judgement DUP Leader Gavin Robinson, said: "The DUP has repeatedly warned that the Government's efforts on immigration would not apply in Northern Ireland. The Government repeatedly closed its mind to the incompatibility of their legislation with the Northern Ireland Protocol, yet our concerns have been accepted by the High Court in Belfast this morning.
"Whilst today's judgement does not come as a surprise, it does blow the Government's irrational claims that the Rwanda scheme could extend equally to Northern Ireland completely out of the water. We presented the Government with an opportunity during the passage of the Safety of Rwanda Bill in the House of Commons and the Lords to accept an amendment which would have put beyond doubt what it claims to be the case around the operation of the scheme. It is telling that it chose not to do so.
"This ruling must also mark a watershed moment in the Government's approach. For Ministers to ignore what the courts have said would not be merely a case of sleepwalking into the creation of immigration border in the Irish Sea but rather embarking on such a path with eyes wide open.
"It is imperative that immigration policy applies equally across every part of the United Kingdom. As unionists, we are clear that our national parliament should have the ability to make decisions on immigration that are applicable on a national basis. If that were not the case, it would not only be a constitutional affront but would make Northern Ireland a magnet for asylum seekers seeking to escape enforcement."
Responding to the judgement DUP Leader Gavin Robinson, said: "The DUP has repeatedly warned that the Government's efforts on immigration would not apply in Northern Ireland. The Government repeatedly closed its mind to the incompatibility of their legislation with the Northern Ireland Protocol, yet our concerns have been accepted by the High Court in Belfast this morning.
"Whilst today's judgement does not come as a surprise, it does blow the Government's irrational claims that the Rwanda scheme could extend equally to Northern Ireland completely out of the water. We presented the Government with an opportunity during the passage of the Safety of Rwanda Bill in the House of Commons and the Lords to accept an amendment which would have put beyond doubt what it claims to be the case around the operation of the scheme. It is telling that it chose not to do so.
"This ruling must also mark a watershed moment in the Government's approach. For Ministers to ignore what the courts have said would not be merely a case of sleepwalking into the creation of immigration border in the Irish Sea but rather embarking on such a path with eyes wide open.
"It is imperative that immigration policy applies equally across every part of the United Kingdom. As unionists, we are clear that our national parliament should have the ability to make decisions on immigration that are applicable on a national basis. If that were not the case, it would not only be a constitutional affront but would make Northern Ireland a magnet for asylum seekers seeking to escape enforcement."
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Voting Underway Across Northern Ireland
Poll are open across Northern Ireland as part of the UK-wide General Election. A total of 136 candidates are competing across 18 constituencies. 127 of the candidates represent 11 total political parties, with the other 9 standing as independents. Eligible voters can cast their vote until 10pm tonight.
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Two Men Arrested For Overstaying Their Visas
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Two Men Arrested For Overstaying Their Visas
Two men have been arrested following a planned immigration raid at a Chinese takeaway in Newcastle, Co Down. A Chinese man, 53, and a Filipino man, 24, working in the Wok Box, were discovered by Home Office officials. Both men were found to have overstayed their visas.
21 June 2011
Illegal Workers Held In Belfast Raids
Two illegal workers have been caught in planned raids undertaken by UK Border Agency officers in Belfast. The enforcement operation was carried out as part of a nationwide campaign to tackle immigration crime. Officers targeted two restaurants, The Four Seasons in Dublin Road, Belfast and China, China in University Street, Belfast last Thursday.
Illegal Workers Held In Belfast Raids
Two illegal workers have been caught in planned raids undertaken by UK Border Agency officers in Belfast. The enforcement operation was carried out as part of a nationwide campaign to tackle immigration crime. Officers targeted two restaurants, The Four Seasons in Dublin Road, Belfast and China, China in University Street, Belfast last Thursday.
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Border Watch Office Creates NI Jobs
Over two dozen jobs are being created with the opening of a new Belfast office of the UK Border Agency. Billed as a 'one stop shop' for immigration services in Northern Ireland, it was officially opened on Monday in south Belfast. The facility will handle asylum claims, enforce immigration law and enrol foreign nationals on to the ID cards scheme.
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Govt Immigration Plans Threaten NI- Alliance
The UK Government immigration proposals for a points-based system have come under fire, with local concerns over tourism, retail, agri-food and social care being raised. The system would mean low-skilled workers would not receive visas after the UK leaves the EU.
Govt Immigration Plans Threaten NI- Alliance
The UK Government immigration proposals for a points-based system have come under fire, with local concerns over tourism, retail, agri-food and social care being raised. The system would mean low-skilled workers would not receive visas after the UK leaves the EU.