Portrait of Jeremy Corbyn
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Jeremy Corbyn on Immigration

Opposes arbitrary limits (strong)

TL;DR

Jeremy Corbyn strongly opposes setting arbitrary numerical caps on immigration while championing the economic and social contributions of migrants and refugees.

Key Points

  • He argued in May 2025 that mass low-skilled migration has reduced per capita GDP and that businesses used it instead of investing in technology.

  • He stated that the problems in society are caused by an economic system rigged in favour of corporations, not by migrants or refugees, in May 2025.

  • In November 2019, Jeremy Corbyn asserted that Labour would not put an arbitrary target on immigration and aimed to expand family reunion rights.

  • He condemned the use of video footage showing migrants being detained and deported by a Labour government, viewing it as fanning racism.

Summary

Jeremy Corbyn has consistently voiced opposition to the practice of setting arbitrary numerical targets for immigration, arguing that such figures do not work and distract from deeper societal issues. He contends that the problems facing society, such as poverty or low wages, are rooted in a 'rigged economic system' favouring corporations rather than being caused by migrants or refugees. He advocates for a humane system that recognizes the desperation of those making dangerous journeys and treats asylum seekers with dignity, including granting them the right to work to support themselves.

His stance involves defending the value of migration to society, highlighting the significant contributions made by immigrants in sectors like the NHS and education. While acknowledging that mass low-skilled migration may affect GDP per capita, he advocates for welcoming small numbers of very high-skilled workers. He has also defended the rights of EU citizens to family reunion and the ability of UK citizens to work across Europe, supporting the principle of expanding free movement rights.

Key Quotes

Putting arbitrary figures on it as successive governments have done simply doesn't work.

We need to end the era of mass low-skilled migration and instead focus on small numbers of very high-skilled workers who should be welcomed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jeremy Corbyn's position is strongly against setting arbitrary numerical limits on immigration, which he believes is ineffective. He frames the issue as one of economic inequality, asserting that migrants are not the cause of societal problems. He advocates for treating refugees humanely and recognizing the contributions of immigrants.

His core principle of opposing arbitrary caps appears consistent; he rejected them in 2019 and continued to criticise restrictive policies while in Parliament more recently. He has always maintained that the focus should be on the economic system rather than blaming migrants for broader issues.

Jeremy Corbyn has frequently defended the positive contribution of migrants in various sectors, including health and education. He argued that those who come to the country and are exploited by making dangerous journeys are often desperate victims of war or abuse. He supports giving asylum seekers the right to work.