Prime Minister Keir Starmer Announces Sweeping Immigration to Restore Control and Reduce Migration

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled a comprehensive plan to tighten every aspect of the UK’s immigration system, reaffirming his commitment to ensuring a controlled, selective, and fair approach to migration.

Speaking at a press conference, Starmer emphasized that the new measures will significantly reduce migration numbers while reinforcing the integrity of the nation’s borders. “Every area of the immigration system, including work, family, and study, will be tightened up so we have more control,” he stated. “Enforcement will be tougher than ever, and migration numbers will fall.”

The reforms include stricter visa requirements, enhanced enforcement measures, and a renewed focus on ensuring that immigration supports the UK’s economic and social priorities. Migrants will now be required to spend 10 years in the UK before applying for citizenship, and English language requirements will be increased across all immigration routes.

Additionally, the government will end overseas recruitment for care worker visas, a move expected to reduce lower-skilled visas by up to 50,000 in the next year. Employers hiring foreign workers will also face increased costs, with the Immigration Skills Charge rising by 32%.

Starmer’s announcement comes amid growing public concern over migration levels, with net migration figures reaching 728,000 in the year to mid-2024. The Prime Minister assured the British people that his government is committed to delivering meaningful change.