MANILA, Philippines - The United Kingdom’s minister of state for Southeast Asia on Wednesday said the British government is not closing its doors to migrant workers, especially Filipinos.

Jeremy Browne, who is a Liberal Democrat Member of British Parliament, said the British government's new immigration rules are not meant to shut out all migrant workers. The UK earlier said it will limit the entry of foreign workers from non-European countries to 24,100 annually.

“We are not closing the door. We don’t want anybody to have that impression. We need assistance which works and which is effective,” Browne told reporters after paying a courtesy call on President Benigno Aquino III in Malacañang.

Browne said the British government recognizes the valuable contribution of Filipinos in its society, particularly in nursing and residential care. In the past six years, more than 20,000 Filipinos were recruited into the UK health service.

He said UK leaders are taking this into account when the government drafts its new policy or rules on immigration.

“We recognize the massive contribution of the Filipino workers to our society. They are hardworking and caring. We will recognize and reflect those interests in the new rules that we draw up which I hope will be of benefit to our society… but also to the people if you are able to spend time either for work purposes, tourism or student study,” Browne said.

Browne, who was appointed Minister of State of the FCO on 14 May this year, will be in the Philippines from July 20 to 22 as part of his South East Asian trip aimed at actively promoting the business relationship between the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia.