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UK to Propose Tougher Immigration Rules with Higher English Standards and Extended Residency Waits

Labour's upcoming White Paper aims to address high net migration and promote integration with stricter language, settlement, and workforce training criteria.

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Overview

  • The immigration White Paper, expected next week, will propose raising the English proficiency requirement for work visas to A-level (B2) standard, up from the current GCSE level.
  • Plans include extending the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain from five to ten years unless migrants meet conditions related to language, residency, and financial status.
  • Employers will be mandated to train British workers and could face restrictions on hiring foreign staff if they fail to comply with employment laws or workforce development requirements.
  • Graduate visas will be tied to securing graduate-level jobs, while asylum seekers may need to meet higher language standards after five years for permanent settlement.
  • The reforms aim to reduce reliance on overseas labour, integrate migrants into British society, and address public concerns over record migration figures and rising support for Reform UK.