Amnesty for UK Emigrants Could Cost £3 Billion

Reports now show that not granting amnesty to long term illegal emigrants could actually be costing the UK up to £3 billion. The Long School of Economics, the ones who published the report, said the move would not lead to a rise in emigration, but it would likely lead to a raise in spending on welfare services and, of course, housing.

Right now, almost 618,000 people are illegally living in the UK, and 442,000 of these people are found right in London. Boris Johnson, the London Mayor, said that the report highlights long overdue facts that should be addressed. The study went on to say that if a five year residency plan was introduced, then roughly about 67% of illegal emigrants would be able to live in the UK.

Mr Johnson went on to say that the report suggests that granting amnesty to illegal emigrants is far from a financial burden. In fact, not allowing amnesty could be costing the economy up to £3 billion a year. He also noted that the study also demolished any argument that amnesty would lead to increased emigration.

He went on to say that many of these illegal emigrants have already been making significant contributions to the capital's wealth.

A spokesperson from the Home Office said that the policy for amnesty for illegal emigrants remains unchanged and very clear. He continued saying that there will be no amnesty for illegal emigrants, and those found living illegally will go home. The spokesperson finished up by saying that the UK has a very proud tradition of offering to help those who truly need it, but not to grant amnesty to those who sneak in illegally.