Immigration updates
Earlier today, government published a white paper: "Restoring Control over the Immigration System," announcing significant changes to immigration policies.
The new measures aim to reduce reliance on international recruitment by encouraging employers to invest in domestic training. Government expects to restore balance to a system that saw net migration quadruple between 2019 and 2023.
Key announcements more likely to affect retailers include:
- Skilled Worker Threshold: The skill level for workers will be raised to RQF 6 (Graduate level) and above, with higher salary thresholds. The immigration salary list, which provided discounts, will be abolished.
- Points-Based System: Access will be limited to occupations with long-term shortages, based on recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). Employers must show a commitment to increasing domestic recruitment.
- International Students: Stricter requirements for sponsoring institutions and a reduced post-study work period of 18 months.
- Attracting Talent: Enhanced opportunities for highly skilled individuals through targeted immigration routes, including the Global Talent visa and Innovator Founder visa.
- English Language Requirements: New requirements across a broader range of immigration routes to ensure better English proficiency.
- Earned Settlement and Citizenship: The qualifying period for settlement will be doubled to 10 years, and the points-based system will be expanded to include settlement and citizenship rules based on contributions to the UK.
Other changes were also announced in relation to adult social care, family immigration rules, tacking abuse and reforms to the deportation system.
These changes are part of government’s Plan for Change and will be implemented over the course of this Parliament, with initial changes expected in the coming weeks.
