Where the parties stand: Immigration
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Conservative: Migrants to wait four years before they can claim certain benefits, such as tax credits, universal credit, social housing or child benefit for dependents living outside UK

Remove those that have failed to find work within six months

Renegotiate EU rules on free movement of workers

Bring net migration down to below 100,000 people a year

Labour: Stronger border controls with more entry-exit checks 

Controls to stop low-skilled immigrants – top talent only

New law to prevent employers undercutting wages by using immigrants. Ban on agencies from recruiting only from abroad

Migrants to wait two years before claiming benefits

Fines for employing illegal immigrants to be increased 

Liberal Democrats: Universal credit for migrants only after working for six months – will only be paid for six months

Benefits such as tax credits should only be paid to migrants working for equivalent of 35-hour week on minimum wage

UKIP: Migrants should only qualify for benefits if they have paid tax and National Insurance for five years

Migrants only entitled to permanent residence after 10 years

Cut net migration down to 50,000 people a year

SNP: Scotland’s devolved government to have control over immigration. Look at ways to attract high-skilled immigrants 

Plaid Cymru: Allow asylum seekers to work in Wales while they wait for status decisions to be made. Shut “detention” centres 

Greens: Reduce immigration controls. Illegal migrants can stay in UK after five years. More legal rights for asylum seekers   
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Net migration to UK (year to Jun)

05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14

LABOUR CONSERVATIVE

244,000 168,000 243,000(Mar)
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Sources: Party manifestos, web sites

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