In a major shift aimed at enhancing the UK’s immigration framework, the government released its long-anticipated immigration white paper on Monday, 12 May. This 82-page document, titled “Restoring Control over the Immigration System,” outlines a series of measures designed to prioritize those who contribute significantly to economic growth and to elevate the skill standards for both graduates and workers.
Among the key reforms highlighted in the white paper are new employer requirements aimed at boosting domestic training, a move that seeks to reduce the UK’s reliance on international recruitment. This initiative comes in response to a dramatic rise in net migration, which quadrupled between 2019 and 2023, reflecting a need to restore order to what has been labeled a failing system.
Key policies include:
– Reversing Trends in International Recruitment: The government will work to establish a labour market evidence group, utilizing the best data available to make informed decisions regarding the labour market, rather than exclusively depending on migration.
– Raising Skilled Worker Thresholds: The definition of “skilled” will be elevated to RQF Level 6 (Graduate level) and above, with corresponding increases in salary thresholds. The immigration salary list offering discounts on thresholds will be abolished.
– Changes for Adult Social Care: The government will end overseas recruitment for social care visas, transitioning to a model focused on enhancing domestic workforce capabilities. Current visa holders will be permitted extensions and in-country switching until 2028 as a phased transition.
– Strengthened Study Regulations: New requirements will be imposed on institutions sponsoring international students, with actions taken against those failing to meet compliance. The post-study work period for graduates will be reduced to 18 months.
– Simplified Family Immigration Arrangements: Legislation will clarify the decision-making authority over family and private life immigration cases, addressing the use of Article 8 right to family life arguments that impede deportation.
– Encouraging Talent with Strategic Growth Initiatives: The government aims to enhance access to targeted routes for highly skilled individuals, including increased opportunities for scientific and design talent under the Global Talent visa and a review of the Innovator Founder visa program.
– Addressing Abuse in the Immigration System: New measures will tighten scrutiny and controls on asylum claims, with particular focus on individuals who claim asylum without a substantial change in conditions in their home country.
– Reforming Deportation Processes: A comprehensive review of the deportation system will ensure that all foreign nationals convicted of crimes are reported to the Home Office, with a focus on refining deportation thresholds based on the severity of offenses.
– Enhanced English Language Requirements: Broader English language requirements will be introduced for a variety of immigration routes, assessing both applicants and their dependents to ensure language proficiency improves over time.
– Increased Settlement and Citizenship Criteria: The qualifying period for settlement will double to 10 years, with an expanded points-based system applied to both settlement and citizenship, reinforcing the connection between contribution and residency rights.
These policies reflect the government’s commitment to overhauling the immigration system, with the first measures slated for rollout in the coming weeks. Additional reforms concerning the asylum system and border security are expected later this summer, continuing the government’s Plan for Change initiative.