NEWS STORY : UK Government Unveils Sweeping Immigration Reforms to Curb Net Migration
STORY
The UK Government has announced a comprehensive overhaul of its immigration policy, aiming to significantly reduce net migration and address public concerns over border control. Prime Minister Keir Starmer introduced the reforms, emphasising the need to end what he described as a “failed free market experiment” in mass immigration. The automatic right to settlement and citizenship after five years will be abolished and migrants will now need to reside in the UK for ten years before applying for permanent status, unless they can demonstrate significant contributions to the economy and society.
The Government plans to tighten visa rules across various categories, including work, family and study visas. This includes raising salary thresholds for skilled workers and increasing English language requirements for migrants and their dependants. In a controversial measure which will concern the industry who already struggle to find workers, the visa route for foreign care workers will be closed, with the government encouraging investment in domestic workforce training to fill these roles.
A new digital system will be implemented to track migrants’ legal status and ensure they leave the UK upon visa expiration, with the reforms aiming to streamline asylum procedures and enhance the deportation of individuals who violate immigration laws. Keir Starmer stated that the reforms are designed to restore public confidence in the immigration system and ensure it serves the UK’s economic interests. He emphasised that staying in the UK is a privilege, not a right, and that the new policies will prioritise those who contribute meaningfully to society.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted the need to reduce reliance on low-cost foreign labour, particularly in sectors like social care, and to invest in training and better pay for UK workers. Supporters argue that the measures are necessary to control immigration and protect public services, while critics express concerns about potential labour shortages and the impact on sectors that depend on foreign workers. Some opposition figures have accused the government of political opportunism, suggesting the reforms are a response to recent electoral pressures. The Government has not set specific targets for reducing net migration but has indicated a commitment to significant decreases. The effectiveness of these reforms will be closely monitored, with further adjustments possible based on their impact on the UK’s economy and society.
