“Properly controlled immigration system would benefit all sections”- Damian Green

Green met the overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi, on the last day of his visit, and discussed regarding the non-EU immigration cap to be imposed in April 2011.

The basic reason, for new immigration norms, cited by the immigration minister was pressure from their public services and few areas of society. Besides, he also revealed that they intended to avoid situations leading to political extremism and racism.

"Immigration level has been too high over the last 10 years that has put pressures on our public services and some areas of our society. One of the things I am extremely keen is to cut down anything that gives rise to political extremism, anything that gives rise to any kind of racism,” Green said.

Green even said that the British government would ensure that the new norms do not affect the Indian business in UK and the trading between the two countries.

While briefing about their meeting, Ravi revealed, “Our views have been expressed to Green. I requested him not to equate India with any other country. We have a historical relationship and I told him about our concerns on the issue.”

Besides, Green had visited Chandigarh and met the Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Governor Shivraj Patil. He said that immigration to UK was leading to “social unease.”