The dawn of a new Labour government under Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer heralds significant shifts in UK immigration policy. Early actions and statements suggest a focus on fairness, skill development, and pragmatic reforms. Below, we delve into the key areas where Labour’s policies are set to make an impact.
Scrapping the Rwanda Deportation Plan
As promised, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed over the weekend the scrapping of the UK’s controversial Rwanda migrant deportation plan. This move marks a significant departure from the previous administration’s approach to managing illegal immigration.
Labour’s Vision for a Fair Immigration System
Labour’s manifesto emphasized the creation of a “fair immigration system,” linking immigration policy closely with the UK’s economic needs. However, details on implementation remain vague compared to other policy areas. The party acknowledges the UK’s dependency on foreign workers for addressing skill shortages and pledges to reduce net migration by training and upskilling the domestic workforce.
Work Migration and the Skilled Worker Visa
Labour supports the Skilled Worker Visa, allowing UK employers to tap into global talent. A key pledge includes asking the Migration Advisory Committee to review the impact of raising the Skilled Worker salary threshold to £38,700, while retaining the ban on dependants of care workers. The party aims to restrict visa demands by requiring employers requesting high numbers of work visas to enact training workforce plans to fill skills gaps domestically. However, the specifics of how this will be achieved remain unclear.
Student Migration
Labour plans to retain the ban on students’ family members entering the UK, a policy introduced earlier this year. Additionally, the party has not publicly commented on the review of the Graduate Route, leaving international students uncertain about future changes.
Family Income Threshold
The minimum income threshold for bringing family members to the UK was raised from £18,600 to £29,000 earlier this year. Despite expressing concerns about this increase, Labour has not pledged to reduce it. This threshold impacts British citizens and migrants with indefinite leave to remain, making family reunification more challenging.
Healthcare Workers and Certificate of Sponsorship
Labour has pledged to launch a full investigation into the treatment of migrant care workers, acknowledging the widespread exploitation in the sector. The party plans to ban employers who breach employment laws from sponsoring migrant workers. This could lead to significant changes in the care sector, which heavily relies on migrant labor. Additionally, Labour may address the policy preventing care workers from bringing family members to the UK, balancing the sector’s needs with human rights considerations. Labour’s focus on the Certificate of Sponsorship process aims to ensure fair treatment and compliance with employment laws.
Immigration Fee Levels
The Home Office increased fees for various immigration and nationality applications in October 2023, followed by a substantial hike in the Immigration Health Surcharge in February 2024. Labour has not yet indicated whether these fees will be maintained, reduced, or further increased.
Asylum System Reforms
Labour is poised to overhaul the UK’s asylum system. The party has already scrapped the Rwanda deportation plan and pledged to tackle the ‘small boats’ issue with a practical plan. Prioritizing strong border security, Labour aims to create a managed and controlled asylum system, including hiring additional caseworkers to clear the backlog, ending the use of asylum hotels, and restoring order to the process.
Conclusion
Labour’s immigration policy is characterized by a blend of fair practices, economic pragmatism, and human rights considerations. However, the lack of detailed plans in several areas leaves questions about implementation. As Labour continues to outline its policies, the impact on students, workers, and families will become clearer.
Stay tuned to Student Ports for the latest updates on UK immigration policies and how they affect you.
In partnership with Holmes & Partners Ltd, a leading solicitor firm with OISC Registration: F202000183.