Rishi Sunak: Illegal Migration Challenges National Sovereignty | Former UK PM Addresses Immigration Policy

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (File).

Illegal migration represents a fundamental challenge to national sovereignty, former United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak declared at the NDTV World Summit 2025.

Sunak emphasized that while the UK remains a 'multi-faith, multi-ethnic democracy' welcoming skilled migrants who contribute positively, these newcomers must integrate into British society. He warned that failure to integrate ultimately undermines the tolerance essential to any society's foundation.

During his tenure, Sunak was recognized for his firm stance against illegal entry into the United Kingdom. He framed this approach as a matter of fairness, ensuring that those who emigrate lawfully aren't disadvantaged by individuals circumventing established immigration protocols.

"I took action because I come from a family of migrants... and the issue of illegal migration bothers me. I made a commitment to myself when I entered politics... that I am not going to change who I am," he stated, highlighting his continued embrace of his Hindu heritage.

"It is government that decides who can come to the country... and who cannot," Sunak affirmed.

Serving as Prime Minister between October 2022 and July 2024, Sunak has openly acknowledged his family background. His grandparents emigrated to the UK from British India via East Africa during the 1960s.

Born in Southampton in 1980, Sunak practices Hinduism and is married to Akshata Murthy, daughter of Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty.

Sunak's Indian heritage, beyond representing a significant 'full circle moment' in post-colonial history, renewed focus on multiculturalism in modern Britain.

Against this backdrop, his immigration policies attracted considerable attention.

These policies faced challenges following the pandemic, which substantially overlapped with his tenure as Chancellor of the Exchequer and later as Prime Minister.

Migration "exploded" after Covid, according to Sunak. "So, I took strict measures," he explained, referencing initiatives to alleviate pressure on public services, particularly healthcare and labor markets naturally strained by increased illegal migration.

During the summit, the former UK Prime Minister also discussed various other topics, including his love for cricket and shared personal anecdotes about his proposal to Akshata Murthy.

Illegal migration remains a significant concern for India as well, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party highlighting irregular cross-border movement from Bangladesh as a critical national security and demographic issue, particularly ahead of upcoming elections in Bengal, which borders Bangladesh.