Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled sweeping immigration reforms, vowing to “take back control of our borders” and end what he called an era of “open borders” under the previous government.
The Prime Minister promised a “clean break from the past” as he set out a major shake-up aimed at cutting legal migration and restoring public confidence.
The Prime Minister revealed the plans earlier today
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Under the new proposals, migrants will need to spend up to ten years in the UK before applying for citizenship, double the current five-year requirement.
English language tests will be toughened across all visa routes, with adult dependents also required to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language. The Immigration Skills Charge, which is paid by sponsors, will rise for the first time since 2017.
The care worker visa will be closed to new overseas recruits, a move ministers say could reduce visas by up to 50,000 this year.
Skilled workers will now need a university-level degree to come to the UK, with salary thresholds also set to rise.
There will be new restrictions on people coming to UK in areas where there are shortages of workers, and graduates will be able to stay in the UK for 18 months after their studies, as opposed to the current period of two years.
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There will be a stronger clampdown on care workers
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Only “high-contributing” migrants, such as doctors and nurses, will be eligible for fast-tracked settlement and a Digital identity will be introduced for all overseas citizens.
Starmer acknowledged the contribution of migrants to Britain, saying: “Migration is part of Britain’s national story.
“Migrants were part of that, and they make a massive contribution today, and you will never hear me denigrate that.”
However, he insisted: “When people come to our country, they should also commit to integration, to learning our language.”
The White Paper has drawn criticism from opposition parties, with the Conservatives accusing Labour of “pinching” their plans.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: “Starmer is the same man who wrote letters protesting against deporting dangerous foreign criminals and has overseen the worst ever start to a year for illegal immigrants crossing the channel.”
He called the idea that Starmer is tough on immigration “a joke” and labelled the failure to impose a cap on numbers “laughable”.
More than 12,000 small boat migrants have crossed the English Channel this year, GB News revealed earlier today.
One migrant died near Boulogne and 66 others were rescued as they tried to make the illegal journey overnight into Monday.
An improvement in weather conditions over the weekend has led to a fresh surge in crossings.
