The UK Government's new immigration reforms aim to cut net migration by 100,000 annually. Changes include stricter visa requirements, closure of social care visas, reduced post-study work visas, and tougher enforcement on illegal immigration. There are also provisions for skilled refugees, a focus on domestic workforce strategies, and support for young people without legal status. Family members of British citizens can still settle in five years.

The United Kingdom Government has unveiled a comprehensive set of immigration reforms designed to reduce net migration by approximately 100,000 people annually. The new Immigration White Paper, released on Monday, details changes across work visas, international study, asylum policy, enforcement, and long-term settlement.

One of the most significant changes is the introduction of new legislation to clarify that the Government and Parliament, not the courts, will determine who has the right to remain in the UK. This is aimed at addressing the misuse of Article 8, the right to family life, which has been used to block deportations.

In a move to limit work-related migration, skilled workers will now be required to have university-level qualifications, and the salary thresholds for work visas will increase. Additionally, the Immigration Skills Charge, which is paid by sponsors, will rise by 32 percent for the first time since 2017, in line with inflation.

The social care sector will see a major shift, with overseas visas being closed to new applicants. However, those already in the UK with work rights will be able to extend or switch visas until 2028, subject to review. The Government will also establish a new Labour Market Evidence Group to guide immigration decisions based on more robust data. Sectors that rely heavily on overseas labour will be required to submit workforce strategies detailing how they plan to recruit and train more British workers.

Under the new system, sectors with significant reliance on overseas workers will face new requirements, including the submission of workforce strategies. A Temporary Shortage List will be introduced, providing time-limited access to the Points-Based immigration system for roles below RQF level 6. To qualify, jobs must face long-term shortages and be backed by the Migration Advisory Committee, with employers committing to hire more UK workers.

The White Paper also includes provisions to allow skilled refugees and displaced individuals recognized by the UN to apply for work visas. Furthermore, the UK will introduce more routes for highly skilled workers and top global talent to enter the country.

Changes to student immigration include reducing the post-study work visa duration from two years to 18 months. Universities could also face a levy on the income they receive from international students, with the proceeds redirected to fund domestic skills training. Sponsoring institutions will face tougher requirements to recruit international students, including a 5 percent increase in the pass mark for compliance metrics. This means that sponsors must now maintain at least a 95 percent course enrolment rate and a 90 percent completion rate.

In response to concerns about illegal immigration and criminality, foreign nationals convicted of crimes, even if not imprisoned, could be deported under new thresholds. There will also be stricter enforcement against individuals who claim asylum without credible evidence of risk in their home country. The Government plans to introduce digital IDs known as eVisas to replace physical biometric residence permits, making it easier to monitor migrants' legal status. More resources will be allocated to tackling illegal work, particularly in the gig economy.

Further measures to enhance integration and community cohesion include raising the required level of English proficiency for most visa applicants. The settlement period for most migrants will be extended from five to ten years. However, faster routes to settlement will remain available for those who make significant contributions to the UK economy or society.

The White Paper confirms that family members of British citizens can still settle in the UK after five years, and protections for victims of domestic abuse will remain in place. The Government also plans to support young people who have grown up in the UK without legal status, particularly those in care. Those who make strong contributions to the UK economy or society could qualify for faster settlement and citizenship.

In terms of family-related provisions, parents of British or settled children who pass away will be allowed to stay in the UK permanently. The Life in the UK test, which individuals must pass to become British citizens or settle permanently, will be reviewed and improved. Additionally, the costs associated with applying for British citizenship may be reduced for young people who have lived in the UK for the majority of their lives. Young people who have grown up in the UK without legal status will receive support to stay permanently, with additional assistance for those in care or leaving care.