Immigration newsletter 01 Nov 2006

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Wyoming, with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the United States, is experiencing an economic boom in the mineral and energy sectors and is having trouble filling thousands of jobs. The local government has begun an aggressive recruiting campaign, hoping to attract skilled labour in welding and heavy machinary operation, among other positions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin that the government will prepare proposals by late November to bring order to immigration procedures. He wants to simplify the immigration process and help legalize the immigration status of people currently working and living in Russia.

The German government will issue a draft bill to implement EU directives on asylum and residency rights and to tighten entry regulations for foreign students by the end of the year. Germany missed an October 10th deadline to implement eight EU directives on immigration.

Germanys government has scrapped immigration reform at this time, despite previously agreeing that this was necessary. The coalition government has thrown out plans to ease gaining residency status in Germany for highly qualified academics and scientists, and is considering restrictions on spouses of immigrants. Business and economic experts have said that immigration reform to attract immigrants is critical to Germany's economy; however, current proposals are for further restrictions on immigration.

A government report out this week shows that migrant workers contributed nearly £37 billion to the British economy since 1997, one-third of which has been generated since formation of the EU-25 in May 2004. The benefits have not been shared equally, as is usual with most economic shifts. Many of the new workers have been educated abroad and contribute to tax revenues rather than receiving benefits.

Some UK industry groups are welcoming the recently announced immigration curbs by the government on workers from the new EU Accession Countries. The Home Office proposes to restrict access to the UK labour market for Bulgarian and Romanian workers. Nationals of the two new EU States will be allowed to come to the UK, but only if they can come under HSMP or work permit scheme or other visa category. Little will change following EU Accession, except that Bulgarians and Romanians will be allowed to visit the UK without needing a visit visa.

The UK Home Office has confirmed that in their view the Immigration Act 1971 gives immigration officers the right to ask women wearing veils to remove them so that their identity may be checked upon first arrival in the United Kingdom. Entry can be refused to anyone if immigration officials are not satisfied as to the actual identity of a person. Women will be asked to lift their veil in a private area with female immigration officials if there are "sensitive or cultural reasons" why the veil may not be taken off if in public.

The UK Home Office is reviewing the way migrants are charged for work permits, student visas and nationality applications. A sharp rise in fees is expected from April 2007. Officials maintain they are attempting to shift total immigration costs from UK tax revenues toward immigrants and businesses who employ immigrants.

The six largest countries of the European Union have formed a preliminary agreement to work together on several important areas. Tax fraud, fighting terrorism, organized crime and illegal immigration are at the top of the list. Particular focus on illegal immigration routes from Africa is highlighted. The nations are also seeking to engage European Muslim minorities in the fight against extremism. A final document of the meeting will be presented to EU interior and justice ministers meeting on the 9th and 10th December.