Abstract

This paper provides the examination of the principal changes that took place in the UK in the sphere of immigration policy, as well as analysis of domestic climate in which it occurred and effects it has led to. Starting with the perception that British immigration policy has been highly restrictive throughout the second half of the twentieth century, this analysis recognizes fundamental transformation which came about in the sphere of immigration policy. Drawing on the primarily and secondary sources the research concludes that at the beginning of the twenty-first century Great Britain has moved away from the policy of «zero immigration» to the strategy of «managed migration» which consist in combination of rationally controlled routes for economic migration with fair procedure of granting asylum. The study argues that such factors as stable economic growth coupled with labour force deficit including that of unskilled and semi-skilled workers were the main reasons for relaxation of the immigration rules. At the same time the evidence showed that this shift chiefly related to the particular categories of migrants – mainly foreign workers and students – whereas policy towards asylum seekers and illegal migrants remained tough. Ensuing from the strategy of «managed migration» programs to attract migrant workers, which are briefly reviewed in the article, were initiated. Farther, access to the British labour market for the workers from eight new EU member-states was granted immediately in 2004. The paper argues that all these innovations point to more expansionary immigration policy of T. Blair’s administrations. The analysis of statistical data provided considerable empirical evidence to support this argument. As a result of liberalization levels of immigration turned to be much higher than it was anticipated. Largescale and rapid immigration to Britain, increased pressure on local communities strengthened hostility to immigrants. In such circumstances British government failed convincing public in the benefits that migrants bring. Consequently, after short period of unprecedentedly expansionary immigration policy British government got back to more restrictive one.