UK Government plans major visa reforms to curb illegal migration
The UK Government has announced major visa reforms aimed at curbing illegal migration and reshaping the country’s immigration policy, Khaama Press reported. This move signals a significant shift away from the post-Brexit open-border approach, which has faced criticism for encouraging low-skilled migration without adequately supporting domestic workforce development.
Under the new proposals, work visas will be restricted primarily to individuals employed in graduate-level occupations, marking a departure from previous policies that allowed broader categories of migrant labor under more flexible conditions. Visas for low-skilled jobs will be limited to sectors considered critical to the UK’s industrial strategy. Additionally, businesses will be required to increase investment in training local workers, emphasizing self-reliance in workforce development.
Under the changes, automatic settlement and citizenship for people who move to Britain will apply after 10 years, up from five years now, although highly skilled workers — such as nurses, doctors, engineers and AI experts — would be fast-tracked.
The government also said it plans to raise English language requirements to include all adult dependents who will have to show a basic understanding of English. It said the change would help integration and reduce the risks of exploitation.
These reforms respond to rising political pressure from anti-immigration parties and the success of the right-wing Reform UK Party in recent local elections, which have intensified debates over border control and labor market priorities. The Home Office described the changes as an effort to “rebalance the immigration system” while maintaining the competitiveness of national industries.
Critics warn that stricter visa limits could exacerbate labor shortages in essential sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, and agriculture. If fully implemented, these reforms represent a decisive turn in UK immigration policy, aligning border controls more closely with economic goals. Future adjustments will likely depend on public opinion, economic needs, and political developments.
