UK Immigration White Paper: Key Changes and Implications

On May 12, 2025, the UK Home Office released a significant white paper detailing new immigration policies aimed at reducing net migration and strengthening border controls. This initiative, spearheaded by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, seeks to reshape the immigration landscape in the UK, particularly for visa applicants and legal migrants.

Overview of the White Paper

The white paper outlines new requirements for employers to enhance domestic training and reduce reliance on international recruitment. The goal is to restore order to a system that has seen net migration figures rise sharply from 2019 to 2023.

Key Policies and Changes

1. Skilled Workers:
   • The threshold for skilled workers will revert to RQF level 6, which corresponds to graduate-level qualifications.
   • The minimum salary requirements will increase, and the immigration salary list will be abolished, impacting the way discounts on salary entry points are applied.
   • The government aims to increase the number of high-skilled migrants through routes such as research internships and the Global Talent visa.
2. Employers:
   • Access to the points-based immigration system will be limited to jobs facing long-term shortages, with a time limit based on recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).
   • Employers must demonstrate a commitment to increasing domestic recruitment or face financial penalties.
3. Adult Social Care:
   • Recruitment from abroad for social care visas will cease, although existing overseas social workers will be able to extend their visas until 2028.
4. Students:
   • The period graduates can remain in the UK post-study will be cut to 18 months.
   • A proposed levy on international students may be introduced to fund domestic skills training.
5. Family Immigration:
   • New legislation will clarify that the government and Parliament have the authority to determine who has the right to reside in the UK, particularly in cases involving family rights.
6. Illegal Working and Foreign Criminals:
   • Migrants will receive digital IDs through eVisas, replacing Biometric Residence Permits.
   • The government will implement stricter checks to tackle illegal working, especially in the gig economy.
7. Language Requirements:
   • English language proficiency requirements for visa applicants will increase, with new levels set for both skilled workers and their dependents.

Prime Minister's Address

During a recent press conference, Prime Minister Starmer emphasized the need for the UK to attract the best global talent while addressing the over-reliance on low-paid labor. He noted that net migration reached a record high of nearly one million in 2023, which he described as unsustainable. Starmer stated, "Make no mistake, this plan means that migration will fall. That is a promise." He highlighted the importance of creating a fair and controlled immigration system that prioritizes investment in young people and domestic skills development.

Conclusion

The UK government's proposed changes aim to tighten immigration rules significantly, focusing on skilled labor and reducing the influx of lower-skilled workers. While these measures are intended to address rising migration numbers and improve domestic training, they will also reshape the landscape for employers and migrants alike. As the Home Office prepares to finalize these policies, the implications for individuals seeking to work, study, or settle in the UK are becoming increasingly clear. The government's commitment to controlling immigration is a pivotal aspect of its broader strategy to manage public services and housing pressures effectively.