Revolutionizing Immigration: Labour's Bold Blueprint for a Selective UK System
Sir Keir Starmer’s recent unveiling of Labour’s immigration strategy aims to bring about a controlled, selective, and fair framework. This detailed white paper sets forth several key measures:
Skilled Worker Visa Changes: New applicants will face higher barriers, needing a degree-level qualification instead of A-levels, impacting around 180 job roles and potentially reducing immigration by 39,000 by 2029. Current visa-holders renewing will be exempt from these higher requirements.
2. Lower-qualification Visas: These will remain for specified sectors facing recruitment challenges but will be capped and restricted to employers with established training plans.
3. Graduate Visa Expansion: Plans to double the number of international elite universities eligible for a dedicated work visa are in place, alongside adjustments for international students looking to start businesses.
4. Indefinite Stay Duration: The time immigrants must reside in the UK before applying for indefinite residency will increase from five to ten years, with possible points awarded for contributions through a new ’earned settlement’ system.
5. Social Care Visa Closure: A visa created during the pandemic for social care will stop being available. The government indicates better pay could resolve recruitment issues rather than relying on immigration.
6. International Graduate Restrictions: Post-study work duration will reduce from two years to 18 months. A proposed 6% tax on tuition from international students could lead to increased fees, potentially reducing applications by 7,000.
7. Resettlement for Recognized Refugees: A limited number of UN-recognized refugees will be allowed to work via existing sponsored routes, supported by a recent pilot program.
8. Language Proficiency: Language requirements will increase for work visa applicants and their dependents, emphasizing the need for a basic understanding of English for spousal routes.
9. Workplace Skill Strategies: Firms overly reliant on foreign workers may face expectations to enhance domestic skills training, particularly in sectors like IT, construction, and healthcare.
10. Family Rights Clarification: Legislation will aim to clarify how family rights influence immigration, with potential frameworks to limit their impact on deportation cases.
The prime minister asserts this initiative is crucial to significantly reduce net migration, although specific targets are yet to be defined. The government is also seeking greater parliamentary involvement in deciding annual migration caps, reflecting a more collective approach to this ongoing issue.