By EmbHashmi
The new home office campaign that is targeted at illegal immigrants has received a mixed reception. The large marketing campaign which has been visible in certain parts of London is blunt and to the point summing up the new strategy to reduce immigration figures, its simply says ‘GO HOME’.
Some have described it as a revival of the old National Front Slogan
One person was so offended by the campaign he tweeted his feeling for the world to see “It’s worth noting that the #racistvan is only touring Asian-heavy areas of London (Hounslow, Barking & Dagenham, Ealing, Barnet, Brent and Redbridge) and offering only Asian languages for translation (Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu).”
Asian World went out on the streets of Small Heath an area with where the majority is of south Asian origin to ask locals what they thought of the ‘Go Home’ campaign.
AmmarKhalid us“Well, I have seen the billboards myself and I think that is quite cruel as I think they should be politely. Go home should be a little diplomatic to be honest, people should be approached respectfully. But at the same time, I guess the Home Office has the right to say that, you know, that whoever is here illegally hasn’t got the right to stay here in the UK, but their message should be more polite.”
“Of course, the message is impolite. I think they should change their campaign to something like, ‘people who are here illegally should approach us for advice’ or something on those lines.” Local resident MohammadWasim told us.
Local man Abdul saidwas not happy about the posters but did see why it was being done he told us“Well, it’s rude, very rude. But then again, it kind of opens doors. For example, I came here as an immigrant as well and then did my programmers and then went through hard work a lot of tear 1, tear 2, tear 3, etc, just to become a British national. I worked hard. I think people generally refugees should be given a chance and opportunity over here. But people who are abusing the system here should realise that it’s their mistake, so they should not really take advantage of the opportunity they’ve been given. I don’t disagree with the Home Office, but they need to be approach people in this situation more politely and diplomatically, so Asians don’t feel like they’re being singled out.”
Asian World contacted the home office about the controversial marketing campaign and where given an official statement from Immigration Minister Mark Harper who has said:
“We are making it more difficult for people to live and work in the UK illegally. Every single day our enforcement officers are arresting, detaining and removing people with no right to be in the UK.
“But there is an alternative to being led away in handcuffs. Help and advice can be provided to those who cooperate and return home voluntarily.
“This pilot is just another part of the reforms of the immigration system that have cut out abuse and seen net migration drop to its lowest levels in nearly a decade. The Immigration Bill being introduced later this year will build on this work by restricting illegal migrants’ access to benefits and services.”
Furthermore a Home Office spokesperson said:
“We have had a great deal of interest in response to the pilot and will evaluate it fully in the longer term.”
Only time will tell if this latest move by the home office will indeed reduce the percentage of illegal immigrants currently living in the UK.
