UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled a comprehensive plan to reform the country’s immigration system, aiming to reduce net migration, which reached a record 906,000 in 2023. Speaking at a press conference in Downing Street, Starmer criticized the previous government’s approach, describing it as a “one-nation experiment in open borders.” He emphasized the need for stricter controls across all areas—work, family, and study—to ensure the UK maintains control over its borders and prevents becoming “an island of strangers.”
The proposed reforms include tightening visa qualifications, extending the settlement eligibility period from five to ten years, and implementing measures to address over-reliance on immigration in certain sectors. Starmer also announced the establishment of “Skills England,” a new government body aimed at enhancing domestic training and reducing the need for overseas hires. While the government plans to publish a detailed white paper outlining these changes, the proposals have sparked debates about their potential economic impact and legal implications.
