UK government has unveiled a comprehensive overhaul of its immigration policy, with a key announcement being the immediate halt of international recruitment for social care roles.
Gatekeepers News reports that the move is part of a broader effort to reduce immigration and reshape the country’s border control strategy.
According to the new policy, migrants will now need to live in the UK for 10 years before becoming eligible for permanent residency, double the previous five-year requirement. The post-graduation stay period for international students will also be significantly reduced from five years to just 18 months.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised the government’s commitment to reducing migration, stating, “This plan will reduce migration — that’s a promise. If additional action is needed to ease pressure on housing and public services, we’ll take it. But this isn’t just about numbers.”
The government has identified “high-value” sectors such as healthcare and tech as priorities, with stricter eligibility requirements for universities sponsoring international students. A new Labour Market Evidence Group will assess employment data to determine which sectors genuinely need foreign workers, and only roles with documented long-term shortages and workforce strategies will qualify for overseas recruitment.
Additionally, the government will introduce English language tests for dependents of visa holders and tighten deportation guidelines, with new criteria considering the seriousness of crimes. The Home Office will now be informed of all foreign nationals convicted of any offence, not just those sentenced to prison.
Starmer warned that without robust immigration controls, the UK could become “an island of strangers” rather than a united nation.
The changes are outlined in an 82-page white paper, marking a sharp policy shift aimed at regaining control of the UK’s borders. The government claims that the previous Conservative administration was responsible for a surge in immigration levels, which this new plan aims to address.
Key Changes are:
– Halt on international recruitment for social care roles
– Increased residency requirement for permanent residency from 5 to 10 years
– Reduced post-graduation stay period for international students from 5 years to 18 months
– English language tests for dependents of visa holders
– Tighter deportation guidelines and accelerated deportation plans
