UK Tighten Visa Rules:
The United Kingdom is planning to introduce stricter visa rules to control the number of skilled workers entering the country. The move is part of a new immigration policy set by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government.
The UK government says the current system is not working. They believe the earlier approach — allowing many skilled workers to come through a “free market” model — has failed. To address this, the government wants to limit skilled worker visas to only those who have graduate-level jobs. This means people without a higher degree may find it harder to get work visas in the UK.
The Labour government is under pressure to reduce legal migration, which reached a record high. In the year ending June 2023, net migration (people coming in minus those leaving) was around 906,000. This number was much higher than in 2019, when the UK was still part of the EU.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that businesses should focus more on training local workers rather than relying heavily on foreign labor. The new white paper — a policy document to be released — will explain how the government plans to control immigration.
Under the new rules, lower-skilled workers will get temporary visas only if there is clear proof of labor shortage. Also, employers must show they are working to improve local hiring and training.
The government will also act against foreign nationals involved in crimes. The Home Office will have more power to remove foreign criminals. Prime Minister Starmer emphasized that those coming to the UK must follow the law and contribute positively.
This new plan comes as anti-immigration parties gain popularity in local elections. The government hopes that these measures will regain public trust and ease pressure on services like healthcare, housing, and education.
By tightening visa rules, the UK aims to balance immigration with the needs of its economy and society.