UK tightens immigration system to bring down net migration
The United Kingdom government is introducing major reforms to its immigration system in the wake of high levels of net migration across the country.
In a new white paper, the government announced that it is raising the skilled worker threshold back to RQF (Regulated Qualifications Framework) 6 and above after noting that growth in visa numbers and exploitation concerns were rampant in occupations below that.
"This approach would see the number of eligible occupations reduced by around 180 occupations," the white paper read.
"It is consistent with our new approach to linking skills and migration and reflects the fact that RQF 6 and above occupations tend to have longer lead-in times for training, meaning that skills and workforce plans are likely to require extra time to be implemented and continue a pathway of growth."
For occupations with a skills requirement of RQF 3 to 5 that have long-term shortages, the government said a points-based immigration system will be implemented on a time-limited basis.
"Occupations below RQF 6 must be listed on the Temporary Shortage List in order to gain access to the immigration system," the government said.
"Sectors will only be potentially added to the Temporary Shortage List if they are key to the industrial strategy or delivering critical infrastructure and following advice from the MAC (Migration Advisory Committee)."
A Labour Market Evidence Group will also be established by the government to make informed decisions about the labour market, instead of relying on migration.
Meanwhile, the government is also proposing raising the English language requirements for visa holders and their dependants.
"We will increase language requirements for Skilled Workers and workers where a language requirement already applies from B1 to B2 (Independent User) levels, in accordance with the Common European Framework for Reference for Languages," the paper read.
Businesses in the United Kingdom welcomed the changes, but warned the government against cutting off employers from international talent.
"Businesses are keen to unlock more home-grown talent and will welcome the broad direction of travel in today’s White Paper," said Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy, at the British Chambers of Commerce, in a statement.
"However, it's vital that the pace of change in the immigration system does not cut off access to global talent before the UK's wider labour market problems are properly addressed."
According to Gratton, only 13% of Chamber member businesses have access to the immigration system, and this falls to nine per cent when considering only SMEs.
"To grow the economy, firms need access to the right skills, and for some businesses that will include bringing people from outside the UK," she said. "This is usually as a last resort when they have tried all they can to recruit from the local labour market."
The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) also pointed out that the reforms will leave many employers "fearful in tackling concerns about immigration."
"Being open to skilled workers supporting businesses investing here is essential. And we should remember that the private sector has not been the source of the recent growth in numbers," REC chief executive Neil Carberry said in a statement.
Carberry also called for representation for labour market experts from business in the new Labour Market Evidence Group.
"This group must remain open to a flexible immigration system that responds quickly to changing market needs," he said.
"Employers are clear: boosting training in the UK is essential, but so is a controlled, affordable and responsive immigration system that keeps investment flowing to the UK."
The government's reforms come amid high levels of net migration in the UK as of late, hitting a record 906,000 in June 2023, according to the white paper.
It has since come down from 728,000 in the year ending in June 2024, but the government noted that it remains "above the level of net migration at any period in recent history."
According to the government, the steep increase in migration has been driven by a big increase in overseas recruitment, including a substantial increase in worker visas issued below degree level.
There was also a rapid increase in sponsored study visas at lower-ranked education institutions, a significant increase in visas for dependants, and the growth of the stay rate of migrants in the UK.
"This government wants to see net migration come down further and faster over time to sustainable levels," the report read.
"We will do so by making clear and informed choices about who comes to the UK, how long they are allowed to stay for, and the acceptable pathways to settlement, both to restore control and place much greater value on the different contributions that people bring."
