UK’s stricter requirements may reduce migration to 258,000 by mid-2027

Keir Starmer, United Kingdom’s Prime Minister has introduced stricter migration requirements which could lead to a sharp drop in net migration to 258,000 by mid-2027, according to The Office for Budget Responsibility.

These requirements includes a proposed mandatory English language tests for all visa applicants, their adult dependants, a prolonged path to achieving settled status and plans to reduce reliance on overseas care worker, a move that has prompted concern from the care sector.

The goal is to reduce migration numbers to tighten the country’s immigration system.

The announcement marks a significant policy push by the Labour government to tackle concerns over rising legal migration, which reached a net figure of 728,000 in the year to June 2024.

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The new proposals include mandatory English language tests for all visa applicants and their adult dependants, along with a more prolonged path to achieving settled status. The Prime Minister also signalled plans to reduce reliance on overseas care workers – a move that has prompted concern from the care sector.

A care home operator warned the proposed recruitment cuts would pose “significant problems” for an industry already grappling with staff shortages.

Although Labour has been pushing for change, political opponents have still criticised their approach.

Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative Party, says Labour cannot be trusted to properly manage the country’s borders. Nigel Farage, from Reform UK, dismissed Starmer’s promises, calling them empty words and claiming he is making commitments he won’t be able to keep.

Read also: UK confirms end of overseas care workers recruitment

Recommendations for the Care Worker visa

Carla Denyer, co-leader of the Green Party, believes that limiting foreign workers in the care sector will only make existing problems worse. Instead of restrictions, she suggests improving wages and working conditions for care workers.

She argues that visas for carers should be more flexible to prevent them from being exploited. She also believes that migration policies should be handled by a separate department, rather than the Home Office, and that the focus should be on community integration, infrastructure, and the country’s real economic needs.

 As Starmer’s government moves forward with its migration policies, it is uncertain how its success will be measured, and if the plan to drop numbers significantly is clear enough for the public.