Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the effect of the hostile environment policies on (a) current and (b) potential migrants from (i) India, (ii) Pakistan and (iii) Bangladesh.

The Government is committed to a firm, fair and humane immigration policy which distinguishes effectively between those with lawful status and those here illegally.

In common with other comparable countries, the UK has in place a framework of laws, policies and administrative arrangements, introduced under successive governments ensuring access to work benefits and services is permitted for those with the right access to them. Key measures were the subject of public consultations and/or impact assessments before they were introduced. These measures incorporate important safeguards, including the ability to exercise discretion where there are genuine barriers to persons leaving the UK or there are exceptional compassionate factors.

Eligibility checks are based on checking lawful status, not the nationality of those accessing work and key services, applying equally to all.