Changes in Immigration rules

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UK Government Unveils Sweeping Immigration Reforms in 2025 White Paper

By Arjun Shaji | The Herald Tribune | May 27, 2025

LONDON — On May 12, 2025, the UK government released a comprehensive immigration White Paper titled "Restoring Control Over the Immigration System." The document outlines significant reforms aimed at reducing net migration, tightening visa eligibility, and reshaping the UK's approach to legal immigration.GOV.UK+15VisaVerge+15Indiatimes+15

Key Proposals

The White Paper introduces several major changes:VisaVerge+1Indiatimes+1

• Extended Settlement Period: The qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) will double from five to ten years for most migrants, with a new points-based system assessing contributions to the UK. The Times+8Wikipedia+8GOV.UK+8

• Higher Skill Requirements: The minimum skill level for Skilled Worker visas will rise from RQF Level 3 (A-level) to RQF Level 6 (degree-level), narrowing eligibility to graduate-level occupations. Indiatimes+6Richmond Chambers+6HJT Training+6

• Salary Threshold Increase: The general salary threshold for most Skilled Worker roles will increase to £38,700 per year, up from £26,200. Richmond Chambers

• Graduate Route Shortened: The post-study work visa duration for international students will be reduced from two years to 18 months. Indiatimes

• Social Care Visa Route Closure: The visa route for overseas social care workers will be closed by 2028, aiming to encourage domestic recruitment in the sector. The Guardian+1Free Movement+1

• Increased Immigration Skills Charge: Employers hiring overseas workers will face a 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge, funding domestic training programs. Free Movement+4VisaVerge+4Reuters+4

Government's Rationale

Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need to reduce the UK's reliance on migrant labor, stating that the previous "open borders" approach had distorted the economy and undermined public trust. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted the importance of restoring order and fairness to the immigration system, ensuring it supports economic growth while being properly managed. Wikipedia+3Reuters+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+2GOV.UK+2GOV.UK+2

Reactions and Implications

The proposed reforms have elicited mixed reactions:

• Business Concerns: Industry leaders warn that higher skill and salary thresholds may exacerbate labor shortages, particularly in sectors like healthcare and construction. CBI

• Legal Community's Response: Legal experts anticipate increased litigation due to the complexity of the new rules and potential challenges related to human rights and settlement appeals. The Times

• Educational Institutions' Worries: Universities express concern that shortening the Graduate Route could deter international students, impacting the UK's global education standing. The Economic Times

Next Steps

The government plans to consult on the proposals before introducing legislation later this year. Further details on asylum system reforms and border security measures are expected in the coming months.