A 'curry crisis' is simmering in the United Kingdom, thanks to the tadka of new immigration policies brought by the government.
Trafalgar Square witnessed protests by members of the Ethnic Catering Alliance Association, comprising Indian, Chinese, Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Turkish catering communities.
The protests were aimed at drawing the government's attention to the problems they faced as a result of current immigration policies. The protestors urged the government to ease new restrictions on migrant workers for the ethnic restaurant market.
Under the new points-based immigration system for workers outside the European Union, chefs need to speak English and have academic qualifications to work and live in Britain.
Other demands put forth by the association included recognition to the ethnic catering industry as an area of skills shortage, putting an end to border and immigration agency raids and offer support the move to regularise undocumented workers.
This was the first time when people from diverse British migrant communities came together to express their resentment against immigration policies.
According to a statement issued by the Bangladeshi Caterers Association, 'Over the years we have contributed much to this country; now is the time for the politicians to listen to us and pay attention to the needs of our communities.'
Image: Catering association members protest in Trafalgar Square, London.
Reportage: Rediff News Bureau | Photograph: Carl DeSouza/AFP/Getty Images
