Since the General Election last year, the new Government has been clear about its intention to reform the immigration system to cut net migration. Now, it has published a White Paper detailing how it plans to reduce the number of people coming to the UK and increase reliance on UK workers. The main proposals are:
Increasing the skill threshold for work visas.
The White Paper proposes raising the skill level required to qualify for a work-based visa to the equivalent of a degree, rather than the current level, which is equivalent to an A Level or Higher exam. This would be a return to the skills threshold that applied until 2020, so it will be familiar to most sponsors.
Importantly, it is the skill level of the job—not the skill level of the candidate—that is considered. A criticism of the Graduate Visa has been that international graduates are working in so-called "lesser-skilled roles".
Examples of jobs that may no longer be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route include marketing consultants, health and safety officers, warehouse managers, electricians and some technical roles. These were previously classed as being below degree-level skills, but we will need to wait and see if any roles have been reclassified.
The minimum salary level for Skilled Workers, which is already at least £38,700, will also be increased.
The return of Shortage Occupations
When the Skilled Worker route was reformed in 2024, the Shortage Occupation route was removed and replaced with the Immigration Salary List. Roles that were Shortage Occupations previously qualified for lower salaries, but it now appears that a new Shortage Occupation List will be introduced for roles that do not meet the usual skill level but are accepted as being difficult to fill in the UK.
These roles will qualify for work visas, but only on a temporary basis, and sectors will be required to show long-term plans to reduce the need for foreign labour—such as by increasing wages or upskilling UK workers.
Changes to care workers
One of the biggest contributors to net migration in recent years has been the expansion of the Skilled Worker route to cover Social Care Visas. However, this has led to numerous allegations of abuse of the route and many businesses have lost their licence to sponsor workers. In turn, this has left many migrants with essential skills out of work.
To tackle this, the Government will ban the recruitment of social care workers based overseas. Those already in the UK will be able to extend their visa or switch into this visa category until 2028 (although this will be kept under review and changes could be introduced earlier).
This is likely to increase competition between care providers seeking experienced staff in a sector where there are widely acknowledged shortages.
Increased English language requirements
Applicants for work visas will need to meet a higher English language level. Currently, applicants are required to achieve a Level B1 qualification in speaking, reading, listening and writing. This is equivalent to a GCSE or National 5 qualification. The level will now be increased to B2, equivalent to A Level or Higher exams.
An English language requirement will also be introduced for dependent visa applicants.
Lengthening the period needed to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain
The White Paper also proposes increasing the time someone must spend in the UK to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (or permanent residence) from five years to ten years, except where the person is in a relationship with a British national.
It will be possible to reduce this period where an individual is judged to have made a sufficient "contribution" to UK life. This is likely to involve a points-based assessment, similar to the Australian visa system, and we expect further details to be published later in the year.
Summary
In the current political climate, the desire to reduce net migration is no surprise, but the proposals will bring significant challenges for businesses—particularly in roles considered to be "lesser-skilled".
The timeline for any changes remains unclear, as legislation will need to be presented to Parliament, but it is likely that some reforms will come into effect later this year.
To stay informed on these proposals and how they may impact your business, please sign up for our immigration e-bulletin.
