Islamabad, May 12, 2025: In a bold move to reshape UK immigration policy, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has introduced a sweeping set of reforms aimed at curbing net migration and reasserting control over Britain’s borders.
The new strategy comes as Labour faces mounting pressure from the rising popularity of the anti-immigration Reform Party.
Speaking at 10 Downing Street, Starmer declared a decisive end to what he labelled an “open borders experiment” inherited from the previous Conservative leadership.
“We’re putting an end to chaos and restoring order,” he said. “I promised to take control of our immigration system — and today, that promise begins to take shape.”
A central pillar of Starmer’s immigration reforms is the extension of the settlement period for migrants from five to ten years, effectively eliminating the pathway to automatic residency after five years.
According to official figures, net migration peaked at a staggering 906,000 in mid-2023 and stood at 728,000 by year’s end — a surge that has fueled political and public debate across the UK.
The immigration reform plan—to be formally presented to Parliament through the upcoming White Paper—includes several tough new measures:
- A stricter English proficiency requirement for adult dependents.
- Higher salary and qualification thresholds for skilled worker visas.
- A planned reduction of 50,000 low-skilled work visas this year.
- Fast-tracked pathways for high-demand professionals like doctors, AI experts, and engineers.
In a notable shift, all foreign nationals convicted of any offence — regardless of sentence length — may now face deportation, marking a significant tightening of the enforcement policy.
“This is a radical overhaul to ensure our system is fair, firm, and focused on Britain’s needs,” stated Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. “We are targeting abuse, prioritising skills, and protecting communities.”
The timing of the immigration overhaul is politically strategic.
With the Reform Party making notable gains in recent local elections, Labour is moving swiftly to reposition itself on immigration — traditionally a sensitive voter issue.
The government is also doubling down on efforts to prevent dangerous Channel crossings.
Last year alone, over 36,800 migrants made the perilous journey from France in small boats, leading to 84 tragic deaths, including 14 children.
Since coming to power in July, Starmer’s administration reports having deported more than 24,000 individuals without legal status — the highest deportation figure in eight years.
