The United Kingdom has announced an ambitious overhaul of its immigration framework, unveiling a set of reforms designed to reduce annual net migration by an estimated 100,000 people.
Detailed in a newly published Immigration White Paper on Monday, the proposals span key areas including work visas, international education pathways, asylum processes, enforcement measures, and long-term residency rules.
Among the most notable provisions, the government signaled plans to introduce legislation explicitly reaffirming that decisions regarding residency and deportation lie within the authority of Parliament and the executive—not the judiciary—specifically targeting what officials describe as the misuse of Article 8 of the Human Rights Act, which protects the right to family life, to resist deportations.
In addition, stricter requirements will be imposed on labor migration. Going forward, applicants for skilled worker visas must hold university-level qualifications, while salary thresholds for eligibility will also be significantly increased.
“The Immigration Skills Charge – paid by sponsors – will rise by 32 percent for the first time since 2017, in line with inflation,” it added.
A major change affects the social care sector, with overseas visas being closed to new applicants.
The paper noted, “Social care visas will close to new overseas applicants; people already in the UK with work rights can extend or switch visas until 2028, subject to review.”
The Government will also establish a new Labour Market Evidence Group to guide immigration decisions based on stronger data. Sectors heavily reliant on overseas labour will be required to submit workforce strategies showing how they plan to hire and train more British workers.
Under the new system, it was outlined that key sectors heavily dependent on overseas recruitment would be required to develop workforce strategies. A Temporary Shortage List would also be introduced, allowing time-limited access to the Points-Based immigration system for roles below RQF level 6. However, only jobs experiencing long-term shortages and endorsed by the Migration Advisory Committee would qualify for this, provided there was also a workforce plan in place and employers committed to increasing the recruitment of UK workers.
The White Paper further included provisions enabling skilled refugees and displaced individuals recognized by the UN to apply for work visas. Additionally, it was stated that the UK would expand routes for highly skilled workers and top global talent to enter the country.
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Changes to student immigration were also highlighted, including the reduction of the post-study work visa duration from two years to 18 months. Moreover, universities could face a levy on income received from international students, with the proceeds being redirected to support domestic skills training.
“Graduates will be able to stay in the UK for only 18 months after their studies, compared to current period of two years.
“A levy on income from international students is being considered, with the money potentially going towards domestic skills training
“Sponsoring institutions will face tougher requirements to be allowed to recruit international students
“The pass mark for compliance metrics will rise by 5 percent, meaning sponsors must now have at least a 95 percent course enrolment rate and 90 percent completion rate,” the paper stated.
In response to concerns about illegal immigration and criminality, foreign nationals convicted of crimes even if not imprisoned could now be deported under new thresholds. There will also be tougher enforcement against those who claim asylum without credible evidence of risk in their home country.
The Government will introduce digital IDs known as eVisas to replace physical biometric residence permits, making it easier to monitor migrants’ legal status. More resources will be devoted to cracking down on illegal work, especially in gig economy sectors.
Further measures to improve integration and community cohesion include raising the required level of English proficiency for most visa applicants. The settlement period for most migrants will be extended from five to ten years, although faster routes will remain for those who contribute significantly to the UK economy or society.
The White Paper confirmed that family members of British citizens would still be able to settle in the UK after five years and that protections for victims of domestic abuse remained in place. It also outlined the Government’s plans to support young people who had grown up in the UK without legal status, particularly those in care.
It was stated that individuals making significant contributions to the UK economy or society might qualify for faster settlement and citizenship. Additionally, parents of British or settled children who passed away would be granted immediate permission to stay in the UK permanently.
The document further noted that the Life in the UK test, required for citizenship or permanent settlement, would be reviewed and improved. It also indicated that the costs of applying for British citizenship could be reduced for young people who had spent most of their lives in the UK. Moreover, young people who had grown up without legal status would be supported to secure permanent residence, with additional assistance provided to those in or leaving care.