London, May 12 – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer introduced a comprehensive overhaul of the UK’s immigration policy on Monday, aimed at drastically reducing migrant numbers over the next five years. Key among the proposed changes is a doubling of the residency requirement for citizenship, extending it from five to ten years.
Stricter Immigration Rules to Replace ‘Open Borders’ Legacy
Addressing reporters from Downing Street, Starmer strongly criticised the previous Conservative government, accusing it of leaving behind a chaotic and unregulated immigration system. He pledged that his administration would restore order through a “controlled, selective and fair” immigration framework.“Make no mistake, this plan means migration will fall. That is a promise,” Starmer declared. “Every area of the immigration system – work, family and study – will be tightened up so we have more control. Fair rules must be followed.”
New Requirements for Permanent Residency and Citizenship
Under the new policy framework to be tabled in the Labour government’s Immigration White Paper, migrants will now be required to spend a decade in the UK before becoming eligible for permanent residency and eventual citizenship. The previously automatic path to settlement after five years will be discontinued for all migrants, including Indian nationals, unless they can demonstrate a “real and lasting contribution to the economy and society”.However, the policy includes provisions for fast-tracking individuals in high-skilled and critical sectors such as healthcare, engineering, and artificial intelligence. Professionals like nurses, doctors, engineers, and AI experts will be prioritized under the new criteria.
Tougher Language Standards and Integration Measures
The White Paper will also introduce stricter English language requirements across all immigration pathways. For the first time, adult dependents of migrants will also need to demonstrate basic English proficiency. This measure aims to foster integration, improve employment prospects, and reduce vulnerability to exploitation.Measures to Curb Abuse and Encourage Domestic Training
In a statement, Downing Street highlighted the strain on public services and housing, as well as the impact on domestic job training due to excessive reliance on migrant labour.“Public services were stretched, housing costs soared, and employers swapped skills investment for cheap overseas labour. In sectors like engineering, apprenticeships almost halved while work visas doubled and communities were asked to absorb record numbers,” the statement read.
The government plans to close all backdoor routes to settlement, step up enforcement, and crack down on the abuse of the current system. A notable target of these reforms is the rising number of overseas care workers, with the Home Office expected to announce specific curbs.
No Fixed Cap, But Pledge for Reduced Numbers
Despite mounting political pressure following the recent surge of the anti-immigration Reform party in local elections, Starmer ruled out imposing an annual cap on immigration numbers.“I don’t think it is sensible to put a hard-edged cap on it. That has been done in one form or another for the best part of 10 years by different prime ministers. The only thing that links those prime ministers and the various caps or quotas or limits they put in place is every single one of them failed,” he noted.
UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper will present the full details of the White Paper in the House of Commons. The reforms mark a significant shift in Britain’s immigration policy landscape, with a focus on tighter control and merit-based residency pathways.