Labour’s immigration plans at a glance
Just nowPaul SeddonPolitical reporter
NurPhoto via Getty ImagesSir Keir Starmer has unveiled Labour’s long-awaited plans to cut levels of immigration into the UK.
The prime minister said the white paper, setting out proposals for future laws, would make the system “controlled, selective and fair”.
Here is a summary of the key measures.
Work visas tightened – for some
Overseas workers will now generally need a degree-level qualification to apply for the main skilled worker visa, instead of the equivalent of A-level, reversing a change made under Boris Johnson’s government.
This higher threshold will not apply to those already in the UK renewing an existing visa – but ministers say it will prevent new applications for around 180 jobs, reducing immigration by around 39,000 a year by 2029.
Lower qualification requirements will remain on a “time limited basis” for sectors deemed to be facing long-term recruitment issues.
What this means in practice is not yet clear, with the government’s migration advisory body tasked with recommending roles for inclusion.
Employers who fall into this category will need to have a workforce training plan in place, with the number of such visas capped.
Visas loosened – for others
At the same time, the government says it wants to expand eligibility for the existing “high potential individual” visa, by doubling the number of universities from which applicants can hold a qualifying degree.
Places on a scheme for research interns will also increase, and ministers say they want to make it easier for “top scientific and design talent” to come to the UK using the global talent visa.
Residency period doubled
Immigrants will typically have to live in the UK for 10 years before they can apply for the right to stay indefinitely – double the current time period of five years.
There will be a faster route for “high-skilled, high-contributing” people with certain jobs – details for which will be set out after a consultation.
The five-year period will also remain for foreign dependants of British citizens.
Care visas scrapped
A dedicated visa for social care providers that want to recruit from abroad, introduced after Brexit, will be abolished, with ministers blaming it for “exploitation and abuse” in the sector.
Visa extensions will be permitted until 2028, whilst those who already have working rights will be able to switch sponsor during the term of their visa.
Stricter student rules
Overseas graduates will only be able to stay to the UK for 18 months after their studies, down from two years currently.
Ministers will also explore introducing a 6% tax on tuition fee income from international students, to be “reinvested into the higher education and skills system”.
Refugee working rights
A “limited pool” of officially recognised refugees will be allowed to work in the UK through existing sponsored worker routes.
Ministers say this will build on a pilot project that since 2021 has allowed some companies to sponsor refugees to work in specified sectors such as IT, construction and engineering.
Higher English requirements
The government says it will increase the English language requirements for all work visas.
The need to demonstrate a basic understanding of English will also be extended to people applying to come to the UK as adult dependents of visa-holders.
No overall cap
The prime minister said the government wants to “significantly” reduce net migration – the number of people coming to the UK minus those leaving – from the record levels it has reached in recent years.
But the prime minister is not putting a number on the overall level of net migration he wants to see – saying this approach has consistently failed in the past.
Opposition parties have also declined to specify exactly what levels of migration they want to see each year.
The Conservatives now say they would allow MPs to decide annual caps each year through a vote in Parliament.
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