Voters will see through Boris Johnson's pointless immigration plan in the end

The prime minister's 'points-based' system does not take back control or support the economy

Since the EU referendum campaign, Boris Johnson made several promises he vowed to keep. Top of his list was launching a new Australian-styled “points-based” immigration system. His winning election manifesto claimed that such a system is only possible if he could “get Brexit done”. The benefit would be that he could make good on his pledge to “take back control” of the UK’s borders and cut net migration.

Unfortunately, like much else he says, Johnson’s promises are not based on facts. Whatever else it might achieve, Brexit was never necessary for introducing a points based immigration system. For the very simple fact we’ve already had one since 2008, thanks to the last Labour government. If launching such a system is so fabulous, Johnson should thank New Labour for it.

Of course, the current points-based system only applies to non-EU citizens at present. When asked, the Migration Advisory Committee – which provides evidence-based independent advice to the government – said Johnson should effectively roll out the current system to include EU nationals. (The chair went on to remind the prime minister that such a system was already in place, if such a prompt was needed.)

Today’s policy statement by Priti Patel, the home secretary, claims that it delivers on promises made to voters. But making policy through slogans is no way to govern and these plans are deeply disappointing.

For example, the statement is an extended press release intended to give a highly misleading impression. It gives one table listing how the points will be allocated to immigrants. Everyone must have a job offer at the appropriate level plus speak English. But that won’t be enough. There is a minimum salary to be met in light of whether someone has a PhD or fills a shortage area.

Tough looking stuff, but the appearance is only half the story. When turning from the one table to the details about how it actually works, a very different picture quickly emerges. First, you won’t actually need a job offer to earn points but this has not been worked out yet. Secondly, the jobs shortage list is to be rewritten and commissioned soon.

Thirdly, you won’t only get points for a PhD but other qualifications – or none, as relevant work experience will somehow be included too: except no details yet there either. In seemingly every area mentioned, the appearance of what’s on offer is not the reality about how it will be put into practice – and still undecided. This deception will do little to earn back the public trust that will be lost when the truth is out by year’s end.

The headlines focus on the door being closed to unskilled EU migrants. This will hit several industries hard, such as agriculture and construction. Businesses must adapt, but how and to what? There is no investment in place by government for a smooth transition, nor even an Immigration Bill for Parliament to consider. The law might not be passed until weeks before its needed, giving little time – if any – for businesses to adapt. This is not what taking back control should look like.

The existing points-based system doesn’t allow for unskilled non-EU workers. The planned system extends this to EU workers. But this does not mean EU citizens can’t work in unskilled jobs. Tucked deep into the statement is this gem: there are an estimated 170,000 ‘recently arrived non-EU citizens in lower-skilled occupations’ that ‘will continue to be available’. This is because they are allowed to work thanks to a family connection, such as being a spouse or dependent. There are no caps on numbers.

Unsurprisingly, the home secretary hasn’t decided what to do about family routes to settlement except this won’t be a part of the points-based system. This can be upwards of one in five of all non-EU citizens migrating to the UK. This means the door is only shut on EU unskilled workers having direct access to low paid work. They will all still have access through family connections. And again the government hasn’t decided what to do about it.

The system does seem to make it easier for professionals to work in the UK, taking the higher paid jobs. This group is the most mobile and best protected with lower salary thresholds to meet. With the cap removed on applications, their numbers could rise.

And, of course, the point of all other points-based systems is about increasing migration. Johnson should know. The highest ever recorded points-based immigration – of non-EU citizens presumably entirely in his government’s control – was noted during the last general election on his watch.

We can only conclude that the “new” points-based system is pretty pointless. It makes an overly complicated system the Home Office can barely run, more complex – with most of the key features yet to be decided. Its main purpose seems to be to give a false impression, that will only disappoint voters even more, while damaging the economy overall. If this is the one part about Brexit the government is agreed on, then I fear for what’s next.