Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to reform what he described as the UK’s “broken” immigration system, unveiling proposals that would significantly increase the residency requirement for settlement and toughen English language standards for migrants.
Under the incoming proposals, migrants will be required to spend 10 years in the United Kingdom before they can apply for settled status—twice the current five-year minimum. Labour is also considering introducing more stringent English language assessments for all visa applicants, including adult dependents, for the first time.
Sir Keir said Labour’s long-anticipated immigration reforms—set to be detailed in a White Paper today (Monday, 12 May)—aim to “create a system that is controlled, selective and fair.” Speaking at a press conference, he stated that living in Britain “is a privilege that must be earned.”
He explained that the overhaul seeks to end what he called the UK’s “failed experiment in open borders,” which he attributed to a sharp rise in migration figures, now reaching one million annually. The focus, he emphasised, would shift to ensuring that only those who actively contribute to the country would be granted long-term residency.
The reforms are central to the government’s broader Plan for Change, which aims to reduce dependence on foreign labour, prioritise migrants who bring economic value, and ensure that British workers benefit directly from the country’s growth strategy.
Under the proposed new rules, automatic eligibility for permanent residency or citizenship after five years of residence will be scrapped. Instead, migrants must prove a sustained contribution to the UK’s economy and society over a decade before applying for settlement.
A fast-track pathway will be introduced for high-skilled individuals deemed to bring significant value to the country. This streamlined route will prioritise professions such as nurses, doctors, engineers, and leaders in artificial intelligence, rewarding those who abide by immigration rules and actively strengthen the economy.
Additionally, the government will increase English language proficiency requirements across all visa categories. For the first time, adult dependents will be mandated to demonstrate basic English skills—a measure intended to promote better integration, employment opportunities, and protection against exploitation.
These sweeping changes are intended to reverse over ten years of mismanagement within the immigration system, which officials say has become overburdened and has weakened public confidence. Sir Keir emphasised that Labour’s new approach is a “common-sense” strategy that supports British workers, reduces reliance on cheap overseas labour, and strengthens the nation’s long-term economic prospects by linking immigration policy with skills development.
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