The UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will introduce significant changes to its immigration policy to reduce legal migration. The new rules, outlined in the Immigration White Paper, will include:
Scrapping Overseas Recruitment of Care Workers: The UK will stop recruiting care workers from abroad, with care businesses required to hire locally or extend current workers’ visas.
Graduate-Level Jobs Only: The Skilled Worker Visa will now be restricted to those with graduate-level qualifications, prioritizing highly skilled professionals like doctors and engineers.
English Language Tests: Adult dependents of visa holders must pass two English language tests (A1 on arrival, A2 for visa extension) to promote better integration.
Extended Settlement Period: Permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain) will require 10 years of residence instead of 5.
Impact on Indian Migrants:
- Indian nursing assistants and caregivers will lose access to the care worker visa route.
- IT professionals, engineers, and healthcare workers may still be eligible for the fast-track Skilled Worker Visa.
- Indian migrant families will face tougher English language tests, complicating their settlement process.
- Indian workers and students aiming for permanent residency will have to wait 10 years, up from the current 5.
