UK Unveils Radical Immigration Overhaul to Slash Net Migration by 100,000 Annually

In a landmark policy shift, the UK government has revealed an extensive set of immigration reforms designed to reduce net migration by around 100,000 each year. The Immigration White Paper, released on Monday, outlines a stringent new framework affecting skilled workers, students, asylum seekers, and settlement pathways.

A key legislative change will ensure that immigration decisions are made by the Government and Parliament rather than courts, specifically addressing the misuse of Article 8 to prevent deportations. Skilled worker visas will now require at least graduate-level qualifications, with increased salary thresholds and the abolition of salary discounts for certain occupations.

The Immigration Skills Charge will increase by 32%, marking the first rise since 2017. The social care visa route will close to new overseas applicants, signaling a pivot to domestic workforce development, though current visa holders may remain until 2028.

The government will create a Labour Market Evidence Group to base immigration decisions on rigorous data analysis. Employers in sectors reliant on foreign labor must develop workforce strategies to increase UK worker recruitment. A Temporary Shortage List will allow limited access to immigration for roles below graduate level but only where long-term shortages exist and employers commit to domestic hiring.

Student visa rules will tighten, shortening post-study work visas to 18 months and potentially imposing levies on university income from international students to fund UK skills training. Universities will face tougher compliance standards.

Criminal foreign nationals may face faster deportation, even without prison sentences, and asylum claims without credible evidence will be more rigorously challenged. Digital eVisas will replace physical permits, enhancing enforcement capabilities.

English language requirements will increase, and the settlement period will double to ten years, with accelerated routes for high contributors. Family members of British citizens can still settle after five years, with protections for abuse victims and support for undocumented young people raised in the UK.

The White Paper emphasizes, “Parents of British or settled children who die will be allowed to stay in the UK permanently right away,” reflecting humanitarian considerations.