In a bold attempt to restore control over Britain’s borders and prioritise UK workers, PM Keir Starmer's Labour Government has unveiled a sweeping package of immigration reforms with the intention of slashing annual migration by around 100,000. During Monday's press briefing, the PM declared that due to mass migration, “Britain risks becoming an island of strangers.”

From tougher visa rules and higher English language standards, to cracking down on illegal working and foreign offenders, these measures aim to protect British jobs, strengthen community cohesion, and aims for an immigration system that serves the nation’s interests. Here’s a brief breakdown of the changes that hopes to reshape the UK’s approach to migration;

Work-related changes:

• Skilled workers must hold university-level qualifications to enter the UK, with higher salary thresholds applied.

• The Immigration Skills Charge, paid by sponsoring employers, will increase by 32%—the first adjustment since 2017—to align with inflation.

• Social care visa routes will close to new overseas applicants; those already in the UK with work rights can extend or switch visas until 2028, pending review.

• Industries heavily reliant on foreign workers will need to develop workforce strategies to meet new requirements.

• Salary discounts for shortage roles will be eliminated, requiring all positions to meet the full salary threshold (Immigration Salary List).

• UNHCR-recognised refugees and displaced individuals with relevant skills can apply via the skilled worker route.

• Additional pathways will be created for "high skilled" individuals and to work in the UK.

Education-related reforms:

• Graduates will be permitted to remain in the UK for 18 months post-study, reduced from the current two years.

• A potential levy on international student income is under consideration, with funds possibly allocated to domestic skills training.

• Institutions sponsoring international students will face stricter criteria to recruit.

• Institutions using overseas recruitment agents must adhere to the Agent Quality Framework to maintain high standards.

• Universities and colleges must demonstrate consideration of local impacts when planning international student recruitment.

  
  

Tackling foreign criminals:

• Foreign nationals convicted of crimes, even without imprisonment, will be flagged, with deportation thresholds adjusted to reflect offence severity, including violence against women and girls.

• Migrants will be given digital eVisas, replacing Residence Permits.

• Tighter scrutiny will target asylum claims lacking evidence of new or serious risks in claimants’ home countries.

• Diplomatic efforts will intensify to ensure foreign governments accept the return of their nationals.

• Sponsors (employers or institutions) found abusing the immigration system may face financial penalties or sanctions.

Integration and community cohesion:

• English language requirements for Skilled Workers and others will rise from B1 to B2

• Adult dependants of workers and students must meet at least A1 (Basic User) English level, with plans to increase this requirement over time.

• Visa extensions will require evidence of progression to A2 level, with B2 needed for settlement.

• The standard qualifying period for settlement will extend to ten years under a revised Points-Based System.

• Individuals making significant economic or societal contributions to the UK may access accelerated settlement and citizenship pathways.

• The Life in the UK test, required for citizenship or permanent settlement, will be reviewed and enhanced, with potential cost reductions for young people who’ve spent most of their lives in the UK.

• Young people raised in the UK without legal status will receive support to gain permanent residency, with additional assistance for those in or leaving care.

• Family members of British citizens will still be able to settle after five years, with protections maintained for domestic abuse victims.

While these reforms paint an ambitious picture of a tougher, UK-centric immigration system, scepticism lingers over whether Labour, under Keir Starmer’s leadership, will deliver on these promises. Given Starmer’s past pro-immigration stance and Labour’s historical reluctance to curb migration, many question if these measures are genuine or merely political posturing to appease a frustrated public who overwhelmingly shifted to Reform UK during the recent local elections. Will Labour finally truly prioritise British workers and communities, or will they falter under the weight of Labour’s liberal leanings? Only time will tell.