What do you think of the latest decision from May??

[ScaredFuture99]

So after asking schools to keep a record of the citizenship of their pupils (and maybe too to see/keep a copy of their passport), she has now decided that companies also need to keep a record of their foreign employees.
This is on the top of some PCT asking people their nationality and passport number when they fill in forms to be treated in hospital. (That sort of information again has never been part of the 'required' information).

I have to say, I find it scary. It very much looks like to me that all the elements are slowly being out in place to have a register of 'foreign people' living in the uk. And this, without any limits or boundaries that would be associated with a register being officially set up, is very reminiscent of the practices from other, not liberal at all, countries.

I'm really wondering I why no one is screaming about it yet, at the very least asking for clear guidelines as to how that information will be used (because it will)

[madamginger]

I work for one of Britains largest employers and they have a copy of my passport, it was part of showing I am legally entitled to work in the U.K. And that was at least 10 years ago

[acatcalledjohn]

Employers have to ensure that you are legal to work here anyway, which is normally proven through ID, which will show your country of birth, or a naturalisation document of some sort assume this shows your country of birth. Nothing particularly special or new.

[ScaredFuture99]

But that's not the same is it? If it was just about checking that people are working legally, then there would be no need to say that there will be some new measures.
Same with the schools.
Or with hospitals.

It's also very clearly linked with Europeans rather than non Europeans immigrants (as they will have to prove visa, work permit etc whereas European don't)

What they are asking employers is to keep a list of people who are from a foreign origin, regardless of whether they need a work permit etc...

In my eyes, it is very clear that May is paving the route to have a register of all Europeans before going out the EU, with possible cross checks.
Which is understandable.
But again NOT with some guidelines and boundaries to say exactely how that sort of information can be used, and by who.

[BombadierFritz]

thats exactly what it looks like to me as well, plus more anti immigrant rhetoric. veryvery concerning. all the more so because on threads like this most people see no cause for concern. we are sleepwalking into dangerous territory

[ScaredFuture99]

Yes I'm feeling very unconfortable.

I have a friend who is European. She says that now when she meets new people, within 2 mins, people are asking her where she is coming from. It had never been the case before. And her English is perfect, with a just twinge of accent (she has been living here for more than 20 years).
So the anti immigration rhetoric is making its way up very well indeed.

I'm finding it really scary.
I wish people had studied history a bit better. And weren't feeling so superior to everyone else to think that that sort of thing will never happen in the uk.

[CousinCharlotte]

I agree op, all very worrying

[Tuktuktaker]

I'm scared shitless. This is outrageous. She has not even been democratically elected. Words fail me, I'm in despair at what is hapoening to my country of birth.

[Tuktuktaker]

*happening, sorry - distraught.

[StealthPolarBear]

But isn't this pretty much what 'we' voted for?

[Tuktuktaker]

Was there a box for xenophobia?

[NNChangeAgain]

Britain is one of the few European Countries that doesn't have a Residents Register - if Brits work elsewhere in Europe they have to register their address with the authorities. Is this so different?

[ScaredFuture99]

NN because in most countries it has been officially done. IT's not an underhand type of things.
Because they have some clear rules and regulation on how that sort of information can be sorted and used and by who.
Because it isn't done along side other 'rules and declarations' such as
we need to train more doctors so we have less foreigners, no comments about xenophobic attacks being unacceptable etc etc.

The issue isn't a register (even though I don't think there is a register of European citizens in other European counties). The issue is a register that isn't controlled by rules and regulation and is therefore open to abuse. And the type of abuse that can come from that is frightening.

[cdtaylornats]

She has not even been democratically elected.

She most certainly has been, Theresa May is an MP.

Britons don't elect prime ministers, we elect MPs and the largest party able to form a majority government selects the PM.

[Tuktuktaker]

A Tory party led by Cameron, with different policies, was democratically elected. May's brand of Tory/UKIP was not.

[Tuktuktaker]

Sorry, this says it so much better than I can: Grauniad Opinion

[RufusTheSpartacusReindeer]

Which PCT are asking for passports

[StealthPolarBear]

I can say with absolute 100% certainty that none of them in england are

[RufusTheSpartacusReindeer]

Well thats a relief stealth

[yeOldeTrout]

A majority of people want "controlled immigration." How else can that start without an inventory of who is here. The rest is rampant speculation.

I am an immigrant, btw (non-EU, even).

[StealthPolarBear]

Yes agree. This is what 51% voted for imo.

[BigChocFrenzy]

I've worked many years on the continent, various contracts.
It's standard to have to show your passport when starting a new job.

BUT :
Firms having to record the % of foreign employees ? No, no country where I've worked.
Public naming & shaming those firms with the highest % of foreigners ? No, of course not.

btw, I moved longterm to Germany in late June (yes, because the result)
When I went to apply for a residence permit, the German officials informed me that I didn't need any - they said since 2005, my UK passport gives me unlimited right to remain.
They also said their department didn't need to know my address. However, exactly like a German would, I have to inform the tax office and the local registry of my address.
So, as a foreigner, I'm not being treated differently to a native.