The UK government has released a new immigration white paper that outlines a sweeping overhaul of visa rules, settlement requirements, and deportation policies. The changes, introduced under the Labour government led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, are designed to reduce net migration significantly by the end of the current parliamentary term. The paper details nine key areas of reform, each aimed at tightening control over who can come to the UK, under what circumstances, and for how long.
One of the most prominent shifts is the adjustment to skilled worker visa requirements. Previously, applicants needed qualifications at RQF level 3, roughly equivalent to A-levels. Under the new rules, this threshold will be raised to RQF level 6, which corresponds to a university degree. Jobs at levels RQF3 to RQF5 may still qualify for visas, but only temporarily and only if the Migration Advisory Committee confirms a domestic labor shortage. In addition, employers will need to prove that they are taking active steps to reduce reliance on overseas workers.
Another significant reform targets the care sector. While social care workers have been a major part of overseas recruitment in recent years, the government plans to phase out international hiring in this sector entirely. A transition period will allow current visa holders to switch jobs within the field and extend their stay, but by 2028, recruitment from abroad for social care roles will end. This measure is accompanied by promises to improve working conditions and pay for UK-based care workers, though some experts warn the changes could exacerbate staffing shortages in an already struggling industry.
Student visas are also under review. Despite their substantial economic value—estimated at £20 billion annually—concerns about long-term residency and enrollment at lower-ranked institutions have prompted a crackdown. Universities and colleges will face more rigorous checks to retain sponsorship licenses. The “basic compliance assessment” used to determine their eligibility to host international students will be toughened, requiring higher completion and attendance rates. Additionally, short-term English language courses will come under scrutiny, with a pledge to evaluate the efficacy and integrity of these programs.
Language proficiency standards will become stricter across multiple visa categories. Applicants will need to show continued progress in English skills to qualify for visa extensions or permanent residency. This requirement will also extend to dependants—family members of students or workers—who must demonstrate at least a basic command of English and show improvement over time.
The path to permanent settlement, known as indefinite leave to remain, will be lengthened. Instead of the current five-year requirement, applicants will now need to have lived in the UK for at least ten years before becoming eligible. This change is among the most contentious, with critics arguing that it could hinder integration and prolong uncertainty for those seeking to build a life in the country.
Tougher deportation policies are also being introduced. The threshold for considering foreign nationals for removal has been lowered. Previously, individuals needed to receive a custodial sentence of one year or more to face deportation. Now, even shorter sentences—especially for sexual or serious non-violent offences—could trigger deportation proceedings. The white paper also promises a reexamination of how Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right to family life, applies in immigration appeals.
The financial burden of hiring overseas workers will increase, too. The immigration skills charge—paid by employers for each foreign worker hired—will rise by 32%. According to the government, this increase is in line with inflation and reflects the unchanged rate since 2017. However, it is likely to increase costs for industries that rely heavily on international talent, such as tech, finance, and healthcare.
To streamline monitoring and enforcement, the government plans to roll out a new electronic identity verification system for foreign nationals. This will replace the current biometric residence permit system and integrate into the digital eVisa platform that has been gradually introduced. The aim is to improve record-keeping, reduce fraud, and better track who enters and leaves the country.
Keir Starmer’s foreword to the white paper positions the reforms as a necessary correction to what he terms “a one-nation experiment in open borders” under the previous Conservative government. While he acknowledges that immigration plays a role in economic development, he argues that the scale of recent arrivals has placed unsustainable pressure on public services without delivering equivalent economic gains.
Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, echoed this stance, emphasizing the need for managed migration that prioritizes British workers and ensures fair access to resources. The white paper reflects Labour’s desire to appear tough on immigration, a departure from past positions and one that has already sparked debate within the party and beyond.
Critics, including Labour MPs and industry leaders, have raised concerns about the potential negative impact of these changes. Some fear that tightening visa pathways and restricting foreign labor could harm sectors already experiencing workforce shortages. Universities worry about losing revenue from international students, while care homes warn of deteriorating service quality if overseas recruitment stops abruptly.
Despite these concerns, the government appears committed to a policy of reduction and control. The coming months will reveal how these changes are implemented and whether they achieve the intended effect of bringing net migration down while balancing the needs of the UK economy and society.
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