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Economic Times
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
Graduate Route shortened, Caregiver visas curtailed: The fine print of UK's White Paper on immigration
On May 12, 2025, the UK Government published a White Paper describing intended changes to the UK's Immigration system, which would mainly impact students, workers, and caregivers, among other things. ADVERTISEMENT These reforms are part of the UK government's continuing attempts to reduce net migration, which we have seen over the last 18-24 months. The overarching goals for these changes are: Reduction in net migration; Linking local skills and training requirements in the UK to deter employers from relying solely on immigration to fill their skills shortages; Build a fair and effective system that is clear and does not result in perverse outcomes; Stricter compliance and enforcement with immigration, including a severe crackdown on illegal workers and deportation of foreign criminals; and Enhancing the need for rules to promote social integration including the need for language skills and benefits for foreign nationals' contributions to the UK. These proposals will require rule changes or entirely new legislation to take effect. Hence, it is unclear when these reforms will take effect, but they will most likely be implemented in stages. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) The proposed changes in the White Paper are broad and restrictive. Set out below are some of the key provisions. 1. Employment Based: Limit skilled worker sponsorship to graduate-level roles under the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) 6+). This is a significant jump from the current high-school level (RQF3 – A levels). Under the proposed changes, any roles below RQF6+ must be on a dynamic, sector-based Temporary Shortage Occupation List. The Temporary Shortage Occupation List would provide time-limited access to the Points-Based immigration system. For an occupation to be included on the list: there must have been long term shortages; the MAC must have advised it is justified; there must be a workforce strategy in place; and employers seeking to recruit from abroad must be committed to playing their part in increasing recruitment from the domestic workforce. 2. Care Givers: Discontinue Care Worker Visas for new overseas candidates. However, until 2028, visa extensions and changes would be permitted for affected foreign nationals already present in the United Kingdom. ADVERTISEMENT 3. Students: Reduce the validity period of employment under the 'Graduate Route' to 18 months (down from the current 24 months). This route, which allows graduates to remain in the United Kingdom after their studies, would also be linked to job criteria, unlike the current situation, where there is no job level condition under this route. The paper also proposes adding a 6% tuition levy to overseas tuition fees. 4. Longer Path to citizenship: Increasing the necessary period of residence to be eligible for long-term residence to 10 years, up from the current five years. The government is also considering establishing a fast-track route under a social and economic contribution-based model, but details are not yet confirmed. Citizenship reforms would also mirror these changes, with necessary residence periods increasing to 10 years, up from the current five years. However, individuals may be able to reduce the qualifying period to settlement and citizenship based on contributions to the UK economy and society. ADVERTISEMENT 5. Language requirement changes: Increasing threshold requirements for main applicants already subject to the language requirement, who would need to achieve a B2 level of English under the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) system. The language requirement would also be applied to adult dependents (who must reach at least A1). It is not clear whether this will apply to all routes of immigration. 6. Highly skilled routes: Doubling the number of eligible institutions from which applicants for the High Potential Individual (HPI) route could graduate to qualify and streamlining and scaling the Global Talent and Innovator Founder visas. ADVERTISEMENT In addition to the above, proposed changes will be introduced to create a system supporting integration and community cohesion, including new rules on the ability to speak English and people's contribution to the Government also intends to explore how to ensure that employers, using the immigration system, are incentivized to invest in boosting domestic talent, including options to restrict employers sponsoring skilled visas if they are not committed to increasing skills training. They also intend to ensure that the very highly skilled individuals have opportunities to come to the UK and access our targeted routes for the brightest and best global talent. Enhanced Enforcement ADVERTISEMENT The regulations will also be changed to introduce tighter controls, restrictions, and scrutiny to deal with apparent abuse and misuse of the immigration system, from a crackdown on illegal work to the deportation of foreign criminals. This includes using e-Visas and modern technology, building systems in the banking system to monitor compliance with tax laws, and continuing the roll-out of digital identities for all foreign nationals. We expect the Government to introduce more restrictive and specific reforms to ensure compliance with the laws, including streamlining and expediting removal again, we would like to remind readers that the proposed reforms will require either regulatory changes or new legislation to be implemented. Accordingly, the timeline for any potential changes remains uncertain. Disclaimer: This article is drafted based on publicly available information and some of the comments are the author's personal views.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Graduate Route shortened, Caregiver visas curtailed: The fine print of UK's White Paper on immigration
On May 12, 2025, the UK Government published a White Paper describing intended changes to the UK's Immigration system, which would mainly impact students, workers, and caregivers, among other things. These reforms are part of the UK government's continuing attempts to reduce net migration, which we have seen over the last 18-24 months. The overarching goals for these changes are: Reduction in net migration; Linking local skills and training requirements in the UK to deter employers from relying solely on immigration to fill their skills shortages; Build a fair and effective system that is clear and does not result in perverse outcomes; Stricter compliance and enforcement with immigration, including a severe crackdown on illegal workers and deportation of foreign criminals; and Enhancing the need for rules to promote social integration including the need for language skills and benefits for foreign nationals' contributions to the UK. These proposals will require rule changes or entirely new legislation to take effect. Hence, it is unclear when these reforms will take effect, but they will most likely be implemented in stages. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) The proposed changes in the White Paper are broad and restrictive. Set out below are some of the key provisions. 1. Employment Based: Limit skilled worker sponsorship to graduate-level roles under the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) 6+). This is a significant jump from the current high-school level (RQF3 – A levels). Under the proposed changes, any roles below RQF6+ must be on a dynamic, sector-based Temporary Shortage Occupation List. The Temporary Shortage Occupation List would provide time-limited access to the Points-Based immigration system. For an occupation to be included on the list: Live Events there must have been long term shortages; the MAC must have advised it is justified; there must be a workforce strategy in place; and employers seeking to recruit from abroad must be committed to playing their part in increasing recruitment from the domestic workforce. 2. Care Givers: Discontinue Care Worker Visas for new overseas candidates. However, until 2028, visa extensions and changes would be permitted for affected foreign nationals already present in the United Kingdom. 3. Students: Reduce the validity period of employment under the 'Graduate Route' to 18 months (down from the current 24 months). This route, which allows graduates to remain in the United Kingdom after their studies, would also be linked to job criteria, unlike the current situation, where there is no job level condition under this route. The paper also proposes adding a 6% tuition levy to overseas tuition fees. 4. Longer Path to citizenship: Increasing the necessary period of residence to be eligible for long-term residence to 10 years, up from the current five years. The government is also considering establishing a fast-track route under a social and economic contribution-based model, but details are not yet confirmed. Citizenship reforms would also mirror these changes, with necessary residence periods increasing to 10 years, up from the current five years. However, individuals may be able to reduce the qualifying period to settlement and citizenship based on contributions to the UK economy and society. 5. Language requirement changes: Increasing threshold requirements for main applicants already subject to the language requirement, who would need to achieve a B2 level of English under the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) system. The language requirement would also be applied to adult dependents (who must reach at least A1). It is not clear whether this will apply to all routes of immigration. 6. Highly skilled routes: Doubling the number of eligible institutions from which applicants for the High Potential Individual (HPI) route could graduate to qualify and streamlining and scaling the Global Talent and Innovator Founder visas. In addition to the above, proposed changes will be introduced to create a system supporting integration and community cohesion, including new rules on the ability to speak English and people's contribution to the UK. The Government also intends to explore how to ensure that employers, using the immigration system, are incentivized to invest in boosting domestic talent, including options to restrict employers sponsoring skilled visas if they are not committed to increasing skills training. They also intend to ensure that the very highly skilled individuals have opportunities to come to the UK and access our targeted routes for the brightest and best global talent. Enhanced Enforcement The regulations will also be changed to introduce tighter controls, restrictions, and scrutiny to deal with apparent abuse and misuse of the immigration system, from a crackdown on illegal work to the deportation of foreign criminals. This includes using e-Visas and modern technology, building systems in the banking system to monitor compliance with tax laws, and continuing the roll-out of digital identities for all foreign nationals. We expect the Government to introduce more restrictive and specific reforms to ensure compliance with the laws, including streamlining and expediting removal processes. Once again, we would like to remind readers that the proposed reforms will require either regulatory changes or new legislation to be implemented. Accordingly, the timeline for any potential changes remains uncertain. This article is drafted based on publicly available information and some of the comments are the author's personal views.
India Today
13-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
UK tightens work visa, citizenship norms. 5 top points
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced stringent British immigration rules, declaring a stop to what he called a "squalid chapter" and a "failed experiment in open borders." Starmer vowed to "take back control" with the more stringent rules which make it harder to obtain work, family and student visas to the UK. This is a major shift for many Indians, who dream to study or work in the UK. The new shift in the policy changes has been discussed in five major damage [immigration] has done to our country is incalculable," the prime minister wrote in a policy document, according to an NPR also said these changes in policy will save England from becoming "an island of strangers".These changes are of the utmost importance to Indians as they were the largest group of non-EU immigrants for both work and study-related visas. Over 116,000 work-related visas and around 127,000 visas will be issued to Indians by June is as net migration reached a peak of 906,000 in the year to June 2023 under the last Tory government but began to decline after former prime minister Rishi Sunak's administration cracked down on family and dependent visas, The Financial Times the rules on work, family and student visas become more stringent, here are the five big points Indians should know about the recent policy changes.1. UK TIGHTENS RULES FOR WORK VISAadvertisement One of the key changes involves tightening the eligibility criteria for skilled work visas, particularly regarding the qualifications workers will now typically be required to hold a degree-level qualification to apply for the main Skilled Worker visa — a reversal of the Boris Johnson-era policy that had lowered the threshold to A-level or equivalent, according to a BBC these need to be at least at the level of what is known as regulated qualifications framework (RQF) 3, roughly equivalent to A-levels. This will be changed to RQF6, which is degree-level, according to the qualification requirements will continue on a "time-limited basis" for sectors identified as experiencing persistent recruitment the same time, the government aims to broaden eligibility for its dedicated work visa targeting graduates from top-tier universities outside the UK.2 PATH TO BRITISH CITIZENSHIPImmigrants will generally need to live in the UK for 10 years before they can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), doubling the current requirement of five years. The ILR grants permanent residency, and is in some ways similar to the US Green the government plans to introduce an "earned settlement" system, where individuals can earn points based on their contributions to the UK's economy and society, potentially allowing them to qualify earlier, according to the BBC exact start date for this extended residency requirement hasn't been announced details on the new system, including a related plan for citizenship applications, will be released for public consultation later this year.3 STUDENT VISA: POST-STUDY STAY DURATION CUTThe international graduates will only be able to stay in the UK for 18 months after completing their education, in place of the previous window of two ministers are also thinking of charging English universities a new 6% tax on tuition fee income from international students. This will then be reinvested into the higher education and skills government expects it to be passed to international students in the form of higher fees, reducing applications by 7,0000 per year.4. ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS GET TOUGHERUnder the rule, language requirements for all work visas will be raised, and adult dependents of visa holders must now demonstrate a basic level of English will be needed to qualify under the spousal or partner government says those extending visas will be required to demonstrate a higher level of English when applying to settle in the UK, the BBC TOUGHER FOR IMMIGRANTS TO MOVE FAMILY TO THE UKThe government plans to introduce legislation to "clarify" the application of the right to family life, as outlined in European human rights law, in the context of immigration cases, the BBC report Labour government also stated that Parliament will be empowered to adopt a "framework" designed to restrict the use of family rights in delaying the removal of individuals who lack legal permission to remain in the these will significantly impact Indian nationals, who are the largest group of immigrants to the UK. Starmer also vowed to introduce additional measures to curb immigration to the UK if needed.
Business News Wales
30-04-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Funding Available for New Engineering Construction Qualifications in Wales
Four new Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) qualifications are now available in Wales with funding from the Welsh Government via Medr. The ECITB Awarding Organisation is now inviting colleges and training centres in Wales to become Approved Centres to deliver these engineering construction industry (ECI) regulated qualifications. The RQF qualifications, already being delivered in England, have been officially designated by the Welsh regulator, Qualifications Wales. This means that Approved Centres in Wales that deliver the industry qualifications can gain funding from the Welsh Government. The ECI plays a crucial role in the UK meeting its net zero ambitions, spanning sectors that focus on the construction, maintenance and decommissioning of heavy industry, including oil and gas, nuclear, power generation, renewables, chemicals, food and drink, pharmaceuticals and water treatment. The four qualifications are: • ECITB Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Construction Lifting, Positioning and Installing Structures, Plant and Equipment (RQF) • ECITB Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Construction Maintenance (RQF) • ECITB Level 3 Diploma in Installing Engineering Construction Plant and Systems (RQF) • ECITB Level 2 Diploma in Supporting the Installation of Engineering Construction Plant and Systems (RQF) Denise Edens, Head of the ECITB Awarding Organisation, which develops and quality assures regulated qualifications in England, Wales and Scotland, said: 'This is great news for skills development in Wales, especially with the planned growth in infrastructure across the country. 'Developed from National Occupational Standards, these qualifications are the only ones designed specifically for engineering construction to meet the needs of employers and the wider industry. 'We welcome applications from colleges and training centres across Wales to become Approved Centres and deliver these qualifications. 'We can also apply for designation and funding of other ECITB RQF qualifications if Approved Centres can demonstrate demand for them in Wales.'
