Click here to register for this Adam Smith Institute webinar

Before vast parts of the world began to shut down, the UK was in a unique position to rewrite our approach to immigration. We are in the midst of a crisis that has led to the shutting of borders across the world. Will these borders reopen? Are we witnessing the end of the Schengen zone?

When this is over will migrants find it even harder, or will immigrant doctors and nurses in the NHS show the importance of foreigners to our lives? More immediately, will countries like the US and UK be able to source the temporary labour that drives the spring and summer picking seasons and keep the country fed?

For the UK, Brexit provides exciting opportunities – or perhaps immense challenges – depending on who you ask. Now that the UK will be deciding her future migration policy, how do we create an immigration system that fulfils the economic and social needs of the UK?

There are so many different factions within the UK, all hoping to achieve their own goals. Would we prefer restrictions on lower skilled immigrants; priority given to Commonwealth countries; a points-based system or a lottery? Each of these options comes with their own pros and cons as well as political and social ramifications. We will have to put together the pieces of the puzzle, giving and taking in different areas to create a politically viable solution.

In this ASI Webinar, we will take a look at different possible solutions to this puzzle, taking full advantage of our opportunity to design an immigration system that reflects the social and economic fabric of our country, especially in a post-coronavirus world.

Panellists:

Morgan Schondelmeier is the Head of External Affairs at the Adam Smith Institute

Zenia Chopra is the Head of Client Services within the immigration team at Kingsley Napley

Kristian Niemietz is the Head of Political Economy at the Institute of Economic Affairs

Kate Andrews is the Economics Correspondent at The Spectator

Details:

Date: Tuesday, 14th April 2020

Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm 

The webinar will begin at 6.00pm, with an audience Q&A session taking place at approximately 6:45pm. The webinar will conclude at 7:00pm.