Introduction
In May 2025, the UK Government unveiled a comprehensive White Paper titled “Restoring Control over the Immigration System.” Presented to Parliament by the Secretary of State for the Home Department, this document marks a significant policy shift that aims to reduce net migration, enhance fairness, and reestablish public confidence in the UK’s immigration framework. Against the backdrop of rising public concern and record migration figures, the White Paper lays out a roadmap for reform rooted in economic self-reliance, national integration, and principled enforcement.
This blog post delves into the key points of the White Paper, its historical context, proposed changes, and what it means for the UK’s future.
The Political Context: Why Change Was Deemed Urgent
A Surge in Migration and Public Distrust
The Prime Minister’s foreword reflects a scathing critique of the previous government’s immigration strategy, describing it as a “one-nation experiment in open borders.” Between 2019 and 2023, net migration surged from 224,000 to over 900,000—a fourfold increase. The government contends that this dramatic rise placed unsustainable pressure on public services, housing, and the labour market while eroding trust in democratic accountability.
A Call for Controlled and Fair Migration
The Home Secretary reinforced this message, noting how poorly regulated immigration impacted not only the economy but also social cohesion. The absence of clear, enforced rules allegedly created opportunities for exploitation and abuse while disincentivising investment in domestic training and upskilling.
Chapter 1: Net Migration Must Come Down
A Historic Issue with a Modern Twist
The UK has long been a destination for migrants—from post-WWII reconstruction to humanitarian support for people from Uganda, Syria, and Ukraine. The White Paper does not argue against immigration itself but instead stresses the need for controlled, sustainable numbers.
Key Drivers of the Surge
The dramatic rise in migration since 2019 is attributed to:
- A sharp increase in lower-skilled work visas.
- Rapid expansion of the Health and Care Worker visa.
- A disproportionate increase in student dependants.
- High stay rates under graduate and work visa schemes.
- A surge in illegal arrivals, including 150,000 small boat crossings.
Chapter 2: Migration, the Labour Market, and Growth
A Broken Link Between Immigration and Economic Benefit
One of the most striking findings is that despite record immigration, economic indicators have been underwhelming:
- GDP per capita has stagnated since 2022.
- Productivity remains low.
- Investment in UK-based skills and apprenticeships has dropped.
Sectors like engineering illustrate this paradox: apprenticeships have fallen by nearly a third, even as visas for engineering professionals increased by over 60%.
The New Approach: Weaning the Economy Off Imported Labour
The government’s response centres on a five-point strategy:
- Reduce net migration to sustainable levels.
- Link immigration to domestic training and skill-building.
- Enforce the rules to tackle illegal entry and overstaying.
- Support integration through language and citizenship requirements.
- Introduce earned settlement—no automatic progression to permanent status.
Chapter 3: Skilled Workers and New Thresholds
Recalibrating the Points-Based System
The Skilled Worker visa system, revised post-Brexit, initially allowed entry for roles requiring only A-level equivalent skills (RQF Level 3). The new reforms raise the bar back to RQF Level 6—degree-level qualifications—effectively closing the door to many lower-skilled roles.
Phasing Out the Immigration Salary Discount
The controversial 20% wage discount for shortage occupations will be abolished. New salary thresholds will apply to ensure that international recruitment is never a cheaper alternative to fair wages.
Chapter 4: The Temporary Shortage List and Sectoral Workforce Plans
What Is the Temporary Shortage List?
The Temporary Shortage List will replace the Shortage Occupation List. It limits visa access to sectors that:
- Have clear, time-bound workforce strategies.
- Align with national industrial goals.
- Commit to domestic recruitment and training.
A Shift from Blanket Access to Conditional Support
Access to the immigration system for lower-skilled roles will be conditional on:
- Demonstrated efforts to train UK workers.
- Evidence of fair treatment and wages.
- Sectoral cooperation with the Labour Market Evidence Group.
Chapter 5: The End of Social Care Visas
An Exit from Dependency
The Health and Care Worker route, especially in adult social care, became a major channel for lower-skilled migration. Between 2021 and 2023, 73% of these visas went to care workers—most of them below RQF 6 and accompanied by dependants.
Abuse and Exploitation: A Policy Backfire
Despite intentions to address shortages, the route reportedly led to widespread exploitation, poor working conditions, and undercutting of UK-based providers. The government will now:
- Close the route to new overseas applicants.
- Allow only extensions or in-country switches until 2028.
Chapter 6: Tackling the Student Migration Loophole
A Mixed Record on Student Migration
The White Paper highlights a rapid rise in student visas, particularly at lower-ranked institutions:
- Student visas for globally ranked universities (601–1200) rose by 49% from 2021–2023.
- In contrast, those for top 100 institutions declined.
Cracking Down on Dependants
From just 5% in 2019, the proportion of student visas granted to dependants surged to 20% by 2023. In response:
- New rules will cap or eliminate the eligibility of dependants.
- English proficiency will become mandatory for both primary applicants and dependants.
Chapter 7: Family Migration and Fairness
A Rebalancing Act
The government aims to introduce stricter rules on family reunification to ensure:
- Compliance with income thresholds.
- English language proficiency.
- A merit-based assessment of each case.
Integration and Contribution
The White Paper advocates for a system that rewards long-term integration and societal contribution:
- “Earned settlement” and “earned citizenship” models will replace automatic eligibility after five years.
- Stronger community engagement and language acquisition will be central to eligibility.
Chapter 8: Enforcement, Borders and Illegal Immigration
A Tougher Stance
In addition to tightening legal routes, the government is committing to:
- Enhanced border security and biometric data collection.
- Increased deportations of foreign offenders and overstayers.
- Ending the use of hotels for asylum accommodation.
Future legislative proposals will be introduced to deal with small boat crossings and disrupt trafficking gangs.
Chapter 9: Measuring and Modelling Migration More Effectively
A Data Problem
One recurring theme in the White Paper is the inadequacy of existing migration data. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has repeatedly revised net migration estimates upward due to poor emigration tracking.
The Solution: A Digital, Data-Driven Border
The government plans to:
- Roll out eVisas and digital borders.
- Collaborate with the ONS, Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), and Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) to improve economic modelling.
- Use better data to guide visa allocation and economic planning.
Conclusion: A New Era for UK Migration Policy?
A Radical Realignment
The Restoring Control White Paper marks a significant departure from the post-Brexit immigration framework. It shifts the focus from passive facilitation to active governance of migration—aligning it closely with labour market needs, economic productivity, and public trust.
Opportunities and Risks
If implemented successfully, the reforms could:
- Strengthen workforce planning.
- Reduce exploitation.
- Improve GDP per capita.
- Restore faith in the system.
However, success depends on effective enforcement, honest collaboration with employers and educational institutions, and a long-term commitment to upskilling the domestic workforce.
Final Thoughts
Migration is a complex and emotive issue. This White Paper acknowledges that truth while signalling a firm, if controversial, pivot toward tighter control. Whether it proves to be the correction the UK needs—or a step too far—will depend on execution, economic context, and the political will to strike a lasting balance.
