LONDON – UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday announced a sweeping overhaul of immigration rules aimed at curbing net migration and addressing growing pressure from the rising anti-immigration Reform Party.
Speaking from 10 Downing Street, Starmer said the new measures mark the end of what he described as an “open borders experiment” under the previous Conservative government. “We are finally taking back control of our borders,” he declared, echoing a core slogan of the Brexit movement.
Among the most significant changes is the extension of the settlement period for migrants. Under the new policy, migrants must now wait 10 years before becoming eligible to apply for permanent residency — effectively ending the automatic five-year settlement pathway.
The reforms come in response to soaring migration figures. Net migration peaked at 906,000 in the year to June 2023, with 728,000 recorded last year, raising public concern and political backlash.
“I promised to restore control and reduce migration — and these reforms deliver exactly that,” said Starmer, as his government prepares to introduce a detailed Immigration White Paper in Parliament.
Key Changes in the New Immigration Policy:
- Permanent Settlement: Residency requirement extended from 5 to 10 years.
- Language Standards: Tougher English language requirements for adult dependents.
- Criminal Deportations: All foreign nationals convicted of any offence, not just serious crimes, to be flagged for possible deportation.
- Work Visas: 50,000 low-skilled work visas to be cut this year.
- Skilled Visas: Higher qualification thresholds, including a university degree, for skilled worker routes.
- Fast-Track Pathways: Priority processing for doctors, engineers, and AI professionals.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, who will formally present the policy in Parliament, called it a “radical and necessary step” to secure the country’s borders and reduce low-skilled immigration.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to stopping illegal Channel crossings, which saw more than 36,800 arrivals in small boats last year. At least 84 people, including 14 children, died attempting the perilous journey from France.
Since taking office in July 2024, Starmer’s government claims to have deported over 24,000 individuals with no legal right to remain — the highest number in eight years.
The reforms are expected to reshape the UK’s immigration landscape and may determine the Labour government’s standing as it faces increased political pressure ahead of future elections.
