The UK is set to see a significant drop in migration over the next few years. The government has rolled out new plans to tighten visa rules. These changes aim to reduce the number of people coming into the country. The new rules will affect various aspects of immigration, including work, family, and study visas.

    One major change is the ban on recruiting care workers from overseas. Instead, companies will need to hire British nationals or extend visas for workers already in the country. This move is expected to cut down on the number of workers coming to the UK by 7, 000 to 8, 000 per year. Employers will also face higher costs for hiring foreign staff. The Immigration Skills Charge will increase by 32%, making it more expensive for firms to sponsor workers from abroad.

    The government is also planning to introduce a new tax on international students. This tax would be redirected into skills training. Universities will need to meet stricter thresholds, with at least 95% of international students expected to start their courses and 90% to finish.

    Another significant change is the increase in qualification requirements for skilled worker visas. New applicants will generally need a degree-level qualification, making around 180 job roles ineligible for the visa route. This reversal of previous changes aims to make the immigration system more selective and controlled.

    The time migrants need to live in the UK before applying for settled status will double from five years to 10. However, there will be a fast-track system for highly skilled and contributing individuals. The government will also explore changing the law on the right to a family life in immigration cases.

    The government's plans have faced criticism from various political parties. The Conservatives argue that the changes are watered-down versions of their own policies. The Liberal Democrats call for a clear plan to recruit British workers. Reform UK sees the changes as a reaction to their rising popularity. The Green Party denounces the proposals as a panicked attempt to win back voters.

    The government's approach to immigration has been criticized from all sides. Some see it as a necessary step to control migration, while others view it as a political move. The prime minister has dismissed claims that the changes are a reaction to political pressure, stating that they are based on what he believes is right and fair.

    The UK has long struggled with reducing net migration. Previous attempts have been unsuccessful, with net migration reaching record highs. The new plans aim to address this issue by making the immigration system more controlled and selective. Only time will tell if these changes will have the desired effect.

Tightening the UK's Visa Rules: A New Era of Immigration Control

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