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Britain one of the most welcoming countries for immigrants
Britain is one of the most welcoming countries in Europe for immigrants, a new research has revealed. The British Council report has ranked Britain joint fifth for the most favourable policies for allowing foreigners long-term residence and also for permitting immigrants to take on nationality.
Overall, Britain has been rated ninth for the ease of integration of immigrants, with Sweden coming first, the 'Daily Mail' reported here on Monday, citing the study. "Migration is one of the key issues facing Europe along with complex questions of identity, religious expression in largely secular societies and fears arising from terrorism and war.
"It is our hope that this transparent and accessible account of Europe's integration policies will trigger wider discussion, greater understanding and effective action," British Council Chief Executive Martin Davidson was quoted by the daily as saying.
But, Britain was rapped for making it hard for immigrants to vote, work and be reunited with their families. In fact, the British Council came to the conclusion after analysing how easy it was for immigrants to build their lives in the 25 European Union nations, plus Norway and Switzerland.
However, Shadow Home Secretary David Davis has called for an annual limit on the influx of immigrants. "While some aspects of this report are flawed, the key point remains that, above a certain limit, the more immigration there is, the greater the pressure that is put on housing and the public service infrastructure," he said.
A new study released by the British Council says that the United Kingdom is one of the most welcoming countries for immigrants when compared to 27 other European countries.
The 'Migrant Integration Policy Index' analyzed the integration of immigrants in the 25 European Union states, as well as Norway, Switzerland, and Canada. The UK ranked ninth overall in the report.
The UK was ranked fifth for favorable immigration policies that allow migrants to gain long-term residence and citizenship. They ranked ninth for overall for ease of integration of immigrants, with Sweden coming in first.
However, the UK faired poorly at 15th place in the study for allowing migrants the right to vote and take part in democratic processes.
The British Council study also said that the UK could do better at making family reunification easier. "The conditions for a sponsor include proof of income and accommodation, through a long and expensive procedure," the report said.
"It is our hope that this transparent and accessible account of Europe's integration policies will trigger wider discussion, greater understanding and effective action," said Martin Davidson, the British Council's chief executive.
Overall, Sweden was top country in the report -- followed by Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, Finland, Canada, Italy and Norway.
According to the report, previous research showed that 3.4 million people in the UK were born outside the EU -- approximately 1 in 18 of the population.
Overall, Britain has been rated ninth for the ease of integration of immigrants, with Sweden coming first, the 'Daily Mail' reported here on Monday, citing the study. "Migration is one of the key issues facing Europe along with complex questions of identity, religious expression in largely secular societies and fears arising from terrorism and war.
"It is our hope that this transparent and accessible account of Europe's integration policies will trigger wider discussion, greater understanding and effective action," British Council Chief Executive Martin Davidson was quoted by the daily as saying.
But, Britain was rapped for making it hard for immigrants to vote, work and be reunited with their families. In fact, the British Council came to the conclusion after analysing how easy it was for immigrants to build their lives in the 25 European Union nations, plus Norway and Switzerland.
However, Shadow Home Secretary David Davis has called for an annual limit on the influx of immigrants. "While some aspects of this report are flawed, the key point remains that, above a certain limit, the more immigration there is, the greater the pressure that is put on housing and the public service infrastructure," he said.
A new study released by the British Council says that the United Kingdom is one of the most welcoming countries for immigrants when compared to 27 other European countries.
The 'Migrant Integration Policy Index' analyzed the integration of immigrants in the 25 European Union states, as well as Norway, Switzerland, and Canada. The UK ranked ninth overall in the report.
The UK was ranked fifth for favorable immigration policies that allow migrants to gain long-term residence and citizenship. They ranked ninth for overall for ease of integration of immigrants, with Sweden coming in first.
However, the UK faired poorly at 15th place in the study for allowing migrants the right to vote and take part in democratic processes.
The British Council study also said that the UK could do better at making family reunification easier. "The conditions for a sponsor include proof of income and accommodation, through a long and expensive procedure," the report said.
"It is our hope that this transparent and accessible account of Europe's integration policies will trigger wider discussion, greater understanding and effective action," said Martin Davidson, the British Council's chief executive.
Overall, Sweden was top country in the report -- followed by Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, Finland, Canada, Italy and Norway.
According to the report, previous research showed that 3.4 million people in the UK were born outside the EU -- approximately 1 in 18 of the population.