The Home Office has released its brand new policy paper on immigration, The White Paper. The government has promised that this will lead to the numbers of people arriving in the UK falling “significantly” by the end of this parliament.
Here are some of the measures proposed by the government:
Tightening up the Skilled worker visa route
Tightening up and restricting the Skilled Worker route is one of the governments top priorities.
The public and the government feel that UK companies have become overly reliant on overseas recruitment. This is due to shortages linked to skills, training and conditions in the UK. Despite these shortages, the government does not believe that UK recruiters within Skilled sectors have made comprehensive workforce plans to address the underlying drivers of shortages.
Due to this, the government are committed to “ending the long term reliance on overseas workers in some parts of the economy by bringing in workforce and training plans for sectors such as health and social care, and construction.”
What changes could be made to the Skilled worker visa?
Currently, Skilled worker visa holders much hold a level 3 education, the equivalent to 3 A levels. Under the proposed changes, this is set to change to RQF6 which is a degree level qualification. Skilled worker visas will still be issued for jobs assessed at RQF3-5 but only on a time-limited basis and if the government’s migration advisory committee deems that there is a shortage of domestic staff. Industries that do this must demonstrate that they are taking steps to try to plug the recruitment gap.
Limiting the Adult Social Care visa
The white paper promises to end all overseas recruitment for social care visas. There will be a “transition period” until 2028. During this period, visas can be extended and overseas nationals already in the country can switch to a social care job.
By ending overseas recruitment for social care visas and introducing wider reforms to the domestic market, the government hopes to end ‘abuse and exploitation’ of this visa route and to ultimately decrease net migration.
How does the government plan to fill the gap?
Limits to the Adult Social Care visa are being promised alongside separate pledges to overhaul social care and make it a more attractive option for UK workers. For example, the government are discussing Fair Pay Agreements to empower workers.
However, despite these promises, some groups in the sector are worried this could cause further staff shortages, which could affect the care available to people.
Curbing Student visa abuse
Student visas are one of the biggest drivers in increased net migration. Overseas students contributed over £12 billion in tuition fees to Higher Education Institutions in the UK in 2022/23. Despite this, ministers are planning to make significant changes to the Student visa.
The white paper cites that too many students are arriving to the UK to study at lower ranked institutions and staying in the UK beyond their course.
To curb this, the the basic compliance assessment for sponsoring institutions is being tightened up. There will be with tougher targets for the percentage of visas granted and the proportion of students who enrol and then complete their course.
Stricter language requirements
Language requirements are set to become more rigorous and new requirements will be introduced. According to the White Paper, without adequate English language skills, there is a risk of isolation and poor societal integration. Furthermore, analyses from the National Statistics of Longitudinal Study shows that people with better English language skills are more likely to seek and hold employment and to be economically active.
On the other hand, migrants who could not speak English are less likely to be employed and less likely to work in jobs requiring higher skills.
New English language requirements
Individuals will now have to demonstrate progression in their English language proficiency over time if they apply for visa extension or settlement.
Currently, there are no requirements on English proficiency, however, under the new rules, all adult dependants who come with arriving workers or students will need to show at least basic English skills and will be required to demonstrate progress. To demonstrate progress, main applicants and dependants will have to take assessments of improvements over time.
Language requirements for Skilled Workers and workers where a language requirements already apples from B1 to B2 levels will be increased.
Existing requirements for Settlement will also be increased.
Longer wait for Settlement
The White Paper mirrors the governments sentiment that Settlement is a ‘privilege and not a right’.
Under the current system, individuals qualify for settlement based on the length of time they have spent in the UK. However, this criteria is set to change. The government no longer feels that these criteria alone reflect their ‘strongly held belief that people should contribute to the economy and society before gaining settles status in the U.K’‘.
Therefore, the government will reform the current rules by introducing an ‘Earned Settlement’ model. Under this model, citizenship and Settlement rules with be reformed by expanding the Points Based system.
The expansion of the Point-Based System will increase the standard qualifying period to Settlement to ten years.
Individuals will have to ‘earn’ their right to Settlement in the U.K through long term contribution to the country.
Shorter pathways will continue to be offered to those who qualify for the 5 year route. Individuals will have the opportunity to reduce the new 10 year period based on the Point0Based contributions to the U.K.
Offences and deportations
Currently, only those who are imprisoned for a year or more are considered for deportation. Under the new proposals, deportation will now be an option for all offences, particularly sexual offences.
Higher fees
The immigration Skills Charge is set to increase. There will be a 32% increase. The rise is said to be in line with inflation. The Immigration Skills Charge is paid by employers when they recruit someone from overseas via a skilled visa or similar route.
E-identity cards
A new electronic identity system for overseas nationals will be introduced. It will replace the current system of Biometric Residence Permit cards. The new system will allow the government to monitor arrivals and have improved measuring of numbers.
When will the proposals come into effect?
There is no fixed date aid out for any of the White Paper proposals. Changes are expected to come in between now and 2029. However, some changes may be introduced within the new few weeks. Keep an eye out on our social media pages and our website for updates on when the changes begin to come into effect.
How can we help you?
Thomas Chase Immigration offer immigration assistance to individuals and families.
If you have questions or concerns or you would like straightforward immigration advice, or help with applying for a visa, Thomas Chase Immigration can help. Our processes are tried and tested. We offer an individual touch when assisting you and presenting the matter to the Home Office. Contact us at info@thomaschaseimmigration.com.
