Locations Affected: United Kingdom
On 12 May 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a set of proposed reforms to the United Kingdom’s legal immigration system. The proposed measures include raising qualification thresholds for skilled worker visas, increasing English language requirements, ending the recruitment of overseas care workers, and extending the minimum residency requirement for settlement from five to ten years. These proposals are detailed in the government’s newly released Immigration White Paper, intended to reduce net migration and align immigration policy with economic needs.
Reasons for the Proposed Changes
The announcement follows a sustained increase in legal migration, with net migration reaching approximately 728,000 in the 12 months to June 2024. The government has cited concerns about pressure on public services, housing availability, and the long-term sustainability of workforce planning. The proposed changes are intended to reduce reliance on lower-paid overseas labour, increase integration through language and settlement reforms, and prioritize high-skilled migration aligned with labour market needs. The 2025 proposals build on post-Brexit policy changes and follow local elections in which immigration featured prominently in public debate.
List of Changes to the Immigration System
- Care Worker Visas: Recruitment of new overseas care workers would be discontinued. Existing visa holders in this category may remain and extend their stay under current conditions.
- Skilled Worker Visa Thresholds: Eligibility would be restricted to graduate-level roles. Fast-track processing would be available for selected high-demand occupations such as healthcare, engineering, and artificial intelligence.
- English Language Standards: Adult dependents would be required to meet minimum English proficiency standards. Language requirements for principal applicants would also be raised.
- Settlement Eligibility: The minimum continuous residency requirement for settlement (permanent residency) would increase from 05 to 10 years. Exceptions may apply for individuals making significant economic or societal contributions.
- Visa Sponsorship Requirements: Employers sponsoring overseas workers would need to demonstrate investment in training and hiring UK-based workers.
- Enforcement and Oversight: Additional restrictions would be applied across work, family, and study visa routes. Enforcement capacity will be strengthened to support compliance.
Outlook on the Situation
The proposed reforms will require parliamentary approval and may be subject to amendments. If enacted, the changes could result in a reduction in total visa issuances by approximately 10 percent and a shift in the profile of migrant labour toward higher-skilled roles. Some industry groups have raised concerns about the potential impact on labour supply in sectors such as healthcare and social care. Public debate is expected to continue on how to balance immigration control with economic growth and social cohesion.
