In a move to reduce net migration, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s immigration system. Aimed at curbing the flow of migrants, the plan introduces stricter requirements for those seeking to settle in the UK, including a significant change in the process for acquiring British citizenship.

One of the most notable changes in the new policy is the extension of the residency requirement for citizenship from five years to ten. This means migrants will now need to live in the UK for a decade before they can apply for permanent residency or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). While this will apply to most migrants, those who make a substantial contribution to the economy, such as healthcare professionals or tech experts, may be fast-tracked for settlement.

This move is expected to affect Indian nationals seriously, given the large number of Indians currently residing in the UK for work and study. In 2023 alone, Indians made up the largest group of immigrants to the UK, with around 250,000 arrivals. However, the government believes that the extended residency requirement will reduce the annual number of immigrants by 100,000, with some experts predicting an even sharper decline if additional measures are introduced.

Tougher visa requirements

Alongside the changes to citizenship, the UK government has also announced stricter rules for obtaining visas, particularly for workers and students. The main skilled worker visa will now require applicants to hold a degree-level qualification, a change from the previous standard of A-level qualifications.

For international students, the post-study Graduate Route visa will be reduced from two years to 18 months. This decision is likely to hit Indian students particularly hard, as they represent a major portion of the international student population in the UK. Furthermore, Indian students often rely on the Graduate Route to gain valuable work experience in the UK after their studies. The National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK has raised concerns about the long-term impact this could have on Indian students seeking career opportunities abroad.

Health workers

Another sector set to be heavily affected by the new policy is healthcare. The UK government intends to end the overseas recruitment of care workers by 2028. This change will be especially felt in the South Asian community, including Indians, who have historically filled many care worker roles in the UK.

Increased costs for employers

The new policy also includes an increase in the "immigration skills charge," which employers must pay if they hire a skilled worker from abroad. The cost will rise by 32%, from £1,000 per worker per year to a higher amount, putting additional financial pressure on companies that depend on skilled foreign workers.

Tougher English language requirements

In line with the aim to promote integration, the UK government is tightening English language requirements for both visa holders and their dependents. Adult dependents who arrive with workers or students will need to demonstrate basic English proficiency to qualify for a visa. While this may aid in better integration, experts believe it could limit the number of visas granted, particularly for dependents who may struggle to meet these new requirements.

Asylum seekers

The policy also includes measures aimed at reducing asylum seekers and limiting the use of family reunification under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. These reforms are expected to further tighten the immigration landscape and make it harder for migrants to settle permanently in the UK.

Political pressure

Keir Starmer’s tough stance on immigration comes amid growing pressure from right-wing parties, particularly the Reform UK party, which has gained significant ground in recent local elections. Starmer has promised that the government will continue to take action to reduce immigration numbers, warning that without these measures, the UK risks becoming "an island of strangers."

 

The government is facing major challenges in addressing both legal and illegal migration, with the overall number of immigrants entering the UK recently reaching record levels. However, with these new measures, the UK is preparing for a shift in its immigration policies, which will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on Indian nationals who have long considered the UK a prime destination for work and study.