UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to reveal his government’s “radical” immigration policy on Monday, designed to reduce the number of people arriving in the UK, as anti-immigration parties continue to gain traction in the polls.
The policy aims to end what Starmer’s office described as “Britain’s failed experiment in open borders,” a system that saw migration reach one million annually. The government’s new Immigration White Paper, which will be presented to parliament, is expected to introduce stricter controls on immigration, ensuring that individuals coming to the UK must “earn the right to stay.”
The announcement comes after a significant victory for the anti-immigration Reform party in local elections, which has increased pressure on Starmer’s Labour government, already struggling in the polls.
“I promised to restore control and cut migration, and I’m delivering with tough new measures,” Starmer stated on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.
In its manifesto for last year’s general election, Labour committed to significantly reducing net migration, which stood at 728,000 in the year ending June 2024. The new measures include raising the residency requirement for those seeking settlement and citizenship from five to 10 years. Additionally, English language proficiency requirements will be tightened, with all adult dependents needing to demonstrate basic language skills.
“When people come to our country, they should also commit to integration and learning our language,” Starmer is expected to say. “Every area of the immigration system, including work, family, and study, will be tightened up to ensure we have more control. Enforcement will be tougher than ever, and migration numbers will fall.”
Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, will present the White Paper in parliament. She confirmed that the new plans would include expanded powers to deport foreign criminals who commit offences in the UK. Currently, deportation is typically limited to foreign nationals sentenced to more than a year in prison. Under the new rules, however, all foreign offenders will be flagged for potential deportation, significantly broadening the government’s removal powers.
“The system for returning foreign criminals has been far too weak for too long,” Cooper said. “We need much higher standards.”
The government’s immigration reforms will also target lower-skilled immigration. New visa controls will raise the threshold for skilled worker visas, limiting lower-skilled migration. Under the proposed changes, foreign workers will need a degree to qualify for a job in the UK. Cooper also outlined plans to reduce the number of lower-skilled worker visas by 50,000 this year.
At the same time, high-skilled individuals, including professionals such as doctors, nurses, engineers, and AI specialists, will be prioritized under the new plans. According to Downing Street, these individuals, who “play by the rules and contribute to the economy,” will be fast-tracked.
“For years we have had a system that encourages businesses to bring in lower-paid workers, rather than invest in our young people,” Starmer will assert.
Another major challenge for the government is the ongoing issue of migrants crossing the English Channel from France. Over 36,800 individuals made the perilous journey last year alone, according to British government figures. Tragically, the Missing Migrants Project reported that 84 people lost their lives attempting the crossing in 2024, including at least 14 children.
The unveiling of these immigration reforms underscores the government’s response to growing public concerns and the rise of anti-immigration sentiments, marking a significant shift in the UK’s approach to migration policy.
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