Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled a comprehensive overhaul of the UK’s immigration system, pledging a “significant” reduction in net migration.
The proposals, aimed at tightening legal migration routes, include mandatory English language tests for all visa applicants and their adult dependants, alongside extending the time required to obtain settled status.
Among the key changes is a proposed cap on overseas recruitment in the care sector — a move the government claims will help bring migration numbers down.
However, care industry leaders have warned that such restrictions could trigger a crisis in staffing levels. One former care home manager described the plan as “deeply concerning”.
Kristy Smith, from Ipswich, who worked in care for 17 years before moving into training and management, told the BBC: “It takes real skill to make someone feel safe, cared for, and human. Carers are not unskilled, and reducing their numbers would be a mistake.”
Smith acknowledged the need to regulate migration and agreed that English proficiency is vital. However, she warned against dehumanising those working in care: “You either have it in your heart to care or you don’t. We don’t want human robots washing people.”
The Prime Minister’s measures, which do not address irregular migration or small boat arrivals, focus solely on legal migration — which accounts for the majority of people coming into the country. Net migration reached a record 728,000 in the 12 months to June 2024.
Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, criticised Labour’s credibility on the issue, claiming the party “can’t be trusted” to defend Britain’s borders. Meanwhile, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage accused Starmer of “making promises he can’t keep”.
Many migrants say the cost of coming to the UK under legal routes is already too high. Jeff Tsao, a Taiwanese national who now lives in Sheffield, described the visa process as financially punishing.
“I paid over £10,000 to the government, including health surcharges. Today, it would be more than £15,000,” he said.
