UK Unveils Immigration Reforms To Curb Overseas Hiring

The United Kingdom Home Office has announced changes to its immigration system in a new white paper to reduce reliance on international recruitment and strengthen domestic workforce development.

A key initiative is the creation of the Labour Market Evidence Group, which will analyse labour market data to inform policy decisions. The group will focus on developing local skills rather than depending on migrant workers.

Skilled worker visa thresholds will be raised to RQF 6, aligning with graduate-level qualifications. The points-based system will also be restricted to occupations facing long-term shortages, as identified by the Migration Advisory Committee.

In the social care sector, overseas recruitment via social care visas will be phased out by 2028, with visa extensions and in-country switching permitted during the transition period.

Recruitment of international students will face stricter controls, with post-study work visas reduced to 18 months and institutions required to meet higher compliance standards.

Family immigration rules will also be simplified, and deportation criteria revised, particularly for cases involving violence against women and girls.

UK growth manager, Toyibb Adewale Adeyodun, advised via his X handle that the public should review the white paper carefully.

He suggested a six-step approach that includes downloading the document, using AI tools like ChatGPT for targeted inquiries, and cross-referencing key sections to verify information.