Islamabad, 13 May, 2025: The UK Tightens Citizenship Rules,tough new English language requirements for refugees and their families, as part of a widespread reform of the country’s immigration system unveiled in PM Keir Starmer’s long-awaited Immigration White Paper.
Under the new rules, which aim to vividly curb net migration, all applicants including adult dependents will be compulsory to prove a higher standard of English before being allowed to live, work, or study in the UK.
READ MORE: UK Rolls Out New Visa & Immigration Policy
The changes will apply across nearly all immigration routes and include new benchmarks to assess language improvement over time.
“If you want to live in the UK, you should speak English. That’s common sense,” Starmer posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, reinforcing his government’s commitment to integration and national cohesion.
The UK Tightens Citizenship Rules, language criteria are planned to ensure that migrants can fully contribute in British society, access employment opportunities, and avoid isolation or exploitation.
READ MORE: New Commonwealth Scholarships for Pakistan
Government officials believe these changes will also help ease pressure on public services and promote stronger community ties.
Until now, English language requirements applied only to specific visa categories. With the new agencies, even dependents supplementary skilled workers or students will need to pass an correct language test, marking a major policy shift.
The Home Office says this approach will support long-term integration and make it easier for newcomers to contribute meaningfully to the UK economy.
“Living in Britain is a privilege that must be earned,” Starmer said, adding that migrants must now prove they can mix linguistically and culturally before being granted long-term residence or citizenship.
