The UK government is introducing significant changes to its visa and immigration laws aimed at reducing net migration and targeting low-paid workers. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government says the overhaul is necessary to restore control over immigration and end the reliance on mass immigration. The changes include halting overseas recruitment of care workers, fast-tracking skilled workers, and tightening language and settlement rules.

BulletsIn

• UK to introduce sweeping changes to visa laws to reduce immigration
• Care worker recruitment from abroad will be stopped
• Businesses expected to hire British workers or extend existing visas
• Skilled worker visas will be issued only for graduate-level jobs
• High-skilled workers, such as doctors and engineers, will be fast-tracked
• English language proficiency will be mandatory for adult dependents
• A1-level English test required for dependents upon arrival, A2 test for extensions
• Right to settle raised from 5 to 10 years of residency
• Settlement and citizenship will become harder to obtain
• Changes aim to end mass immigration and ensure meaningful contributions