Prime Minister Theresa May has apologised to Caribbean leaders for the anxiety caused by the Home Office’s threat to deport children of Commonwealth citizens over UK visa issues.
May has stated that the Windrush Generation, people from the Caribbean who came to the UK after World War Two to plug labour shortfalls, are “part of us”. However, some of their descendents have been threatened with deportation after being caught up in a tightening of UK immigration rules.
Speaking to 12 Caribbean nations, May added: “These people are British, they are part of us. I want to say sorry to anyone who has had confusion or anxiety felt as a result of this.”
According to the former interior minister, the government is now doing everything it can to help those caught up in the issue, which has resulted in many wrongfully being accused of having incorrect UK visas.
Specifically, she stated that those who arrived from the Caribbean before 1973 and lived in Britain in the 40 years since should have the right to stay in the country.
"As do the vast majority of long-term residents who arrived later, and I don't want anybody to be in any doubt about their right to remain here in the United Kingdom."
“The overwhelming majority of the Windrush generation do have the documents that they need, but we are working hard to help those who do not."
Ms May added that she doesn’t want Commonwealth countries to believe she has launched a drive to remove any Commonwealth citizens from Britain, particularly those from the Caribbean who have lived here for many years.