UK politicians united on visa bond, disagree on final amount
The importance and economic value of immigrants to most developing countries cannot be overemphasized. So also is their positive impact on developed countries.
Remittances from immigrants make up a large part of the economy of most developing countries, in some cases outstripping development assistance.
According to the UK Border Agency (UKBA), about 35,000 Ghanaians applied for UK visas in 2012.
“The Accra Visa Section received around 50,000 applications in 2012, around 35,000 of which were from Ghanaians,” the UKBA has said.
There is an estimated over 500,000 Ghanaians living in the UK, according to Home Office sources. And Visit Britain, the UK tourism agency has said 21,000 Ghanaians visited the UK in 2012, spending £25 million in the British economy.
It was therefore not surprising when the news that the UK was planning a visa bond for citizens of some countries considered as ‘high risk’ was broken by Sunday newspapers, it stirred livid reactions from Ghanaians and nationals of the other countries on the list.
The Sunday Times newspaper first reported that the UK government has a pilot scheme, according to which visitors aged 18 and over would be forced to pay £3,000 for a six-month visit visa, and was expected to target visitors from November 2013.
Meanwhile, the money would be forfeited in case of overstay, the newspapers reported.
According to reports, the plans which aimed at preventing abuse of immigration rules in the country will initially cover India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and Ghana.
So far, citizens of Ghana, Nigeria and India have reacted to the story on social media and some news reports. India even threatened to apply sanctions against the UK in trade.
Some citizens have also called for retaliatory measures from their governments.
The UK Home Secretary, Theresa May wanted the trial of a £3,000 bond levied on short-term visitors from the listed countries.
While politicians on all sides in the UK agree to the bond in principle, they disagree over the amount to be charged.
The Guardian newspaper Tuesday June 25 cited an unnamed Liberal Democrat source saying, “The policy has not yet been signed off. We are in favour of the principle but the exact details of how it is to be piloted, including the size of the bond, is still being discussed in government.”
The publication also added that opposition leader Nick Clegg has said he favours the introduction of a £1,000 cash bond to deter overstayers.
The plan however, has been withdrawn to be given a second look.
According to the Financial Times “David Cameron has slammed the brakes on government plans to demand a £3,000 migrant bond from “high risk” overseas visitors after news of the policy provoked uproar in Delhi and threatened his attempt to boost trade links with India.”
The prime minister’s allies said Mr Cameron had “not signed off” details of the policy – trailed in Sunday newspapers – while Lib Dem and Tory business ministers warned that the idea would be damaging to Britain’s economic interests, it added.
The UK’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Peter Jones Tweeting about the issue said “To be clear: visa bonds a possible pilot. Nothing decided.” Thus giving a clear indication that the issue of bonds is on the agenda.
At this point therefore, the issue is not dead, it will come up, but only the amount might change.
By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi