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Labour's immigration plans at a glance

by Jason
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Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled Labour's long-awaited plans to cut levels of immigration into the UK.

The prime minister said measures in the white paper, a blueprint for future laws, would make the system "controlled, selective and fair".

Here is a summary of the key measures.

Work visas tightened – for some

Overseas workers will now generally need a degree-level qualification to apply for the main skilled worker visa, instead of the equivalent of A-level, reversing a change made under Boris Johnson's government.

This higher threshold will not apply to those already in the UK renewing their visa – but ministers say it will prevent new visa applications for around 180 jobs, reducing immigration by around 39,000 a year by 2029.

Lower qualification requirements will remain on a "time limited basis" for sectors deemed to be facing long-term recruitment issues.

What this means in practice is not yet clear, with the government's migration advisory body tasked with recommending roles for inclusion.

Lower-qualification visas will be capped and restricted to employers with a workforce training plan in place, whilst those applying will also face extra restrictions on bringing their dependants to the UK.

But loosened for others

At the same time, the government wants to expand eligibility for its dedicated work visa for graduates of elite universities outside the UK.

It says a "targeted and capped" expansion of the scheme could see the number of qualifying institutions double, from around 40 currently.

The visa for international students who plan to set up a business in the UK will also be reviewed, and ministers say they want to make it easier for "top scientific and design talent" to apply for the global talent visa.

Longer residency waits

Immigrants will typically have to live in the UK for 10 years before applying for the right to stay indefinitely – double the current five-year period.

Under the plans, this period could be reduced through a new "earned settlement" system, under which people would be awarded points to reflect their contribution to the UK "economy and society".

It is not yet clear when this longer qualifying period will kick in – details of the new system, along with a similar scheme that will apply to applications for citizenship, will be consulted on later this year.

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