SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood
Said the Foyle MP: “Building an economy fit for the post-Covid world requires us to challenge outdated economic and political orthodoxies.
“Given our attractive location and status within the EU single market, Northern Ireland, especially the north west, is undoubtedly the best place in the world to work from home.
“We should now be attracting our highly skilled diaspora home again and attracting a new generation of workers from around the world to call the North their home.
“It is time that the British government rethought it’s approach it migration to Northern Ireland and remove blockages to those who wish to live and work here.
“Following the end of the EU Settlement Scheme and Britain’s departure from the European Union, migrants who wish to come here to live and work face Visa application costs of up to £3,280 and a health surcharge of £470 per year based on the amount of leave granted on their visa.
“This would come at considerable cost to migrant families who wish to come to Northern Ireland.
“I’m calling on the British government to remove financial barriers for those looking to make a new life here and bring their skills to our growing economy by making it more affordable for those outside of Britain and the North to settle and work here through removal of the cost of Visa fees.”
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