The UK government has unveiled comprehensive immigration reforms in Parliament as part of what officials are calling a “complete immigration reset,” targeting both skilled worker visas and the care sector’s reliance on foreign recruitment.
Key Changes to Skilled Worker Visas
The new regulations significantly tighten requirements for foreign workers seeking to enter the UK. The minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas will increase from £38,700 to £41,700 annually, while skill requirements have been elevated to degree level, effectively removing eligibility for 111 occupations previously accessible to foreign workers.
Under the updated framework, only roles requiring Regulated Qualifications Framework level 6 qualifications or above—primarily graduate-level positions—will qualify for Skilled Worker visas. This represents a substantial shift from the previous threshold of RQF level 3, roughly equivalent to A-level standards.
End of Care Worker Recruitment from Abroad
Perhaps the most controversial element of the reform package is the complete cessation of care worker recruitment from overseas. This decision comes despite the care sector facing over 130,000 vacancies nationwide and has drawn sharp criticism from industry representatives.
GMB national officer Will Dalton characterized the move as “potentially catastrophic,” emphasizing the care industry’s current dependence on migrant workers to fill critical roles.
Temporary Measures and Transitional Arrangements
To address immediate infrastructure needs, the government will introduce a time-limited temporary jobs shortage list running until the end of 2026. This provision will allow foreign worker recruitment for below-degree-level positions deemed essential for critical infrastructure projects.
However, workers entering under this temporary scheme will face restrictions not previously applied, including the inability to bring family members to the UK and the loss of salary and visa fee discounts.
The Home Office has also outlined transitional arrangements for overseas care workers currently in the UK, though specific details of these provisions remain limited.
Government’s Rationale and Projected Impact
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper framed the reforms as necessary to restore “proper control and order” to the immigration system, criticizing the previous government for allowing net migration to “quadruple in four years.”
Migration Minister Seema Malhotra emphasized the technical aspects of the changes, noting that salary requirements now align with the latest Office for National Statistics data. She indicated that a comprehensive review of salary requirements by the independent Migration Advisory Committee will follow.
Government projections suggest these measures could reduce annual UK immigration by up to 100,000 people, based on analysis of eight key proposals affecting study and work routes, along with enhanced English language requirements.
Implementation Timeline
If approved by Parliament, the initial reforms will take effect from July 22. Additional measures from the Immigration White Paper, including stricter English language requirements and increased immigration skills charges, are expected to be implemented by year’s end.
Industry Response and Concerns
The care sector’s response highlights a fundamental tension in the government’s approach. While officials believe approximately 40,000 potential staff members brought over by “rogue” providers could fill immediate gaps as UK workers receive training, industry leaders question whether this number is sufficient to address current shortages.
The reforms represent the government’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign labor while encouraging domestic skills development and training investment. However, the practical implementation of these changes, particularly in sectors heavily dependent on overseas workers, remains a significant challenge.
