Leicester UK (SAMAJ WEEKLY) – Sital Singh Gill, General Secretary of the Indian Workers Association (Great Britain), has written a formal letter to the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, and the Home Secretary, Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, expressing urgent concerns over upcoming immigration policy changes set to take effect on 22 July 2025.
The Indian Workers Association (GB), founded in 1938, is the UK’s oldest national organisation representing people from the Indian subcontinent, and speaks on behalf of wide sections of the South Asian community and beyond.
In the letter, Mr. Gill warns that the proposed changes — which impact international students, care workers, and the South Asian hospitality sector — could cause severe economic, social, and humanitarian harm to both minority communities and British society at large.
1. Targeting International Students Damages the UK’s Economy and Global Reputation
The IWA(GB) criticised the decision to restrict post-study work opportunities for international students, who currently contribute £41.9 billion annually to the UK economy.
“International students are vital to our universities, our workforce, and our soft power abroad,” said Mr. Gill. “This policy sends a damaging signal that the UK is no longer open to global talent. It’s short-sighted and self-destructive.”
2. The Care Sector Needs Protection, Not Punishment
While acknowledging the need to address exploitation in the care sector, the Association condemned blanket restrictions on overseas recruitment.
“The government must prosecute those who exploit migrants seeking a better life — not punish honest care providers and migrant workers who keep our ageing society afloat,” said Mr. Gill. “Blanket bans will only deepen the care crisis.”
3. Ban on Overseas Chefs Is a Direct Blow to South Asian Restaurants
The new rule banning the sponsorship of overseas chefs was described as an attack on the 2,400+ South Asian restaurants across the UK, many of which rely on trained chefs from the subcontinent to maintain authenticity.
“This industry is a cultural cornerstone and a vital small business sector. Without skilled chefs from South Asia, many restaurants will be forced to shut. This is a targeted blow to our heritage,” Mr. Gill warned.
4. Legal Migrants Punished While Human Traffickers Profit
The Association highlighted the alarming increase in illegal crossings — over 20,000 arrivals via small boats in the first half of 2025, a 48% rise from 2024 — and accused the Government of punishing lawful migrants instead of cracking down on people smugglers.
“Those who follow the rules are being punished, while those who arrive illegally — and the traffickers who profit from them — are being rewarded,” said Mr. Gill. “This is a grave injustice.”
5. UK Must Reflect on Its Role in Global Instability
The letter also emphasises that migration cannot be viewed in isolation from UK foreign policy.
“We must recognise that countries like Britain have bombed and interfered in other nations, creating the conditions for displacement,” said Mr. Gill. “We should advocate peace, not war, and focus on diplomacy over conflict.”
6. A Final Warning: Do Not Undermine Britain’s Success
The Indian Workers Association (GB) concluded by urging the Government to pause and consult before implementing such sweeping reforms.
“Tread carefully on immigration — you may destroy the very foundations of this great country’s success,” Mr. Gill said. “Britain has thrived because of its diversity, openness, and inclusion. We must not throw that away.”
The Association is calling for urgent dialogue between the Government and affected communities, and a complete re-evaluation of the current policy direction.
