It is time to move away from the debate over numbers and ask "how we can benefit from immigration?", he will say.
Ministers have pledged to cut net migration from the current 242,000 to the "tens of thousands" last seen in the 1990s, with crackdowns on forced and sham marriages, bogus students and an annual cap on immigrants coming from outside the EU.
Speaking at the Policy Exchange in central London Mr Green will say bringing in any migrants who would be economically dependent on the state or who can "play no role in the life of this country" is unacceptable.
Instead "everyone who comes here must be selected to make a positive contribution", he will say.
And new specialist routes will be developed further to improve the visa system for short-term business visitors and entertainers, encouraging world-class performers to come to Britain.
While the inflow of students will be restricted, the Government will also focus on ensuring they leave at the end of their visas, "reinforcing the notion that study is for a limited period", he will say.
Families wanting to settle in the UK will also face tougher requirements and the link between "coming to work and staying on permanently" will be broken.
"We need to know not just that the right numbers of people are coming here, but that the right people are coming here.
"People who will benefit Britain, not just those who will benefit by Britain.
"Whether you come here to work, study, or get married, we as a country are entitled to check that you will add to the quality of life in Britain."
He will go on: "Britain does not need more migrant middle managers, any more than it needs unskilled labour.
"We do need top-of-the-range professionals, senior executives, technical specialists, entrepreneurs and exceptional artistic and scientific talent."
Ananova |
