UK to Tighten Skilled Worker Visas as Home Office Unveils ‘Radical’ Immigration Reforms
Skilled worker visa threshold to rise, overseas care recruitment to close, as Home Office promises ‘radical reforms’ to reduce immigration.
The government’s immigration White Paper will be published tomorrow and establish ‘whole new approaches to migration’
According to a press release this morning, the White Paper will outline sweeping reforms across key migration areas, including work, study, and family routes. The Home Office characterises the proposals as introducing “radical reforms” and setting out “whole new approaches” to migration grounded in the principles of control, economic contribution, and community cohesion.
Among the most significant changes is tightening the skilled worker visa criteria. The Government plans to raise the qualification threshold to RQF Level 6 — equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree — in an effort to curb the rising number of lower-skilled workers entering the country. Corresponding salary thresholds will also be adjusted to reflect the elevated skill requirement.
Access to the immigration system will be strictly limited for roles that do not meet the new skill level. Visas will be issued only where there is compelling evidence of shortages vital to the UK’s industrial strategy. In such cases, employers must also implement workforce plans to boost domestic recruitment and skills development.
