The United Kingdom has unveiled sweeping changes to its immigration policies, signaling a major shift aimed at reducing overall migration and curbing dependence on low-wage foreign labor.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced the new measures to Parliament on Wednesday, describing the initiative as a “complete reset” of the system. The updated rules are set to begin on July 22, 2025.
Among the most impactful changes is the termination of international recruitment for social care positions.
Starting from the implementation date, the UK will no longer process new visa applications for care jobs from outside the country.
However, foreign care workers who are already living and working in the UK will be allowed to change their visa categories within the system until July 2028.
The government is also introducing stricter eligibility criteria for skilled worker visas.
The new policy raises both salary expectations and educational qualifications, requiring most applicants to possess at least a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification. Workers already in the UK with valid permits will not be affected by this requirement.
Seema Malhotra, the UK’s Minister for Migration and Citizenship, confirmed that salary thresholds for work-related visas are being adjusted in line with figures from the Office for National Statistics.
She added that the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) will reassess the salary scales and consider possible exceptions.
In addition, the UK will significantly scale back its shortage occupation list, a category that previously made it easier for foreign nationals to obtain work visas for certain high-demand roles.
More than 100 jobs, such as chefs and plasterers, are being removed from the list.
A smaller group of roles will temporarily remain on the list but will no longer enjoy previous benefits like reduced visa fees or the ability to sponsor dependents.
The MAC has been directed to review these remaining roles to determine which, if any, should continue to be included past 2026.
“These reforms are designed to tighten migration controls, re-establish order in the immigration process, and ensure we focus more on training talent within the UK,” Cooper told lawmakers.
She also blamed the previous administration for the sharp rise in net migration over recent years.
According to the Home Office, the changes are partly in response to growing concerns about misuse of care worker visas and exploitation within the care sector.
Officials said the reforms will help reduce dependence on low-skilled foreign labor and promote investment in domestic training.
