UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a major revamp of the country’s immigration policies aimed at drastically reducing net migration. The overhaul touches everything from citizenship eligibility and student visas to work permits and English language requirements—many of which could directly affect Indian migrants, workers, and students.
10-Year Residency for Citizenship
A major change is the shift to a “contributions-based” citizenship system. Migrants will now need to live in the UK for 10 years—double the current five-year requirement—before applying for citizenship.
There will be exceptions for “high contributors” such as doctors, nurses, engineers, and AI experts, who may be fast-tracked to permanent settlement. However, for the vast majority, this means a longer path to citizenship.
“This will reduce arrivals by around 100,000 annually,” said a government spokesperson.
Migration expert Dr Madeleine Sumption noted that while the move may not drastically lower migration, it will make settlement more difficult and generate additional visa fee income.
Tougher English Language Requirements
In a bid to promote integration, basic English skills will now be required for adult dependents of students and workers.
“If you want to live in the UK, you should speak English. That’s common sense,” said PM Starmer.
Dr Sumption added this change could impact the number of dependent visas issued, especially as dependents make up over half of skilled worker visa holders in the last two years.
End of Overseas Recruitment in Care Sector
The UK government plans to phase out overseas recruitment for care workers by 2028. This will disproportionately affect Indian and South Asian applicants, who form a significant portion of health and care visa holders.
Graduate Work Visa Cut to 18 Months
International students will see their post-study work rights shrink from 2 years to 18 months under a reformed Graduate Route visa. This move will hit Indian and Chinese students the hardest, as they dominate this visa category.
The government is also considering a levy on universities’ income from international student fees, raising concerns among Indian student organisations.
NISAU UK expressed worry that the changes would reduce opportunities for Indian students seeking global work experience post-study.
Higher Costs for Overseas Employers
The Immigration Skills Charge is set to rise by 32%.
- Currently: £1,000 per skilled worker per year (large firms), £364 for small firms
- Post-change: Employers will pay significantly more to sponsor overseas workers.
Tighter Asylum Rules
Legislation will also restrict the use of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right to family life. This is meant to curb the number of asylum seekers claiming “exceptional circumstances” to remain in the UK. Further reforms to the asylum system are expected later this year.
Political Backdrop: Pressure From the Right
The sweeping changes come amid rising public concern over migration, with 906,000 migrants entering the UK in 2023, followed by 728,000 in 2024. With the right-wing Reform Party gaining ground, Starmer’s government is under pressure to curb both legal and illegal immigration.
“We will take back control of our borders,” Starmer declared, warning the UK could become an “island of strangers” without urgent reforms.
What This Means for Indians
- Longer wait for UK citizenship (10 years minimum)
- English test now mandatory for adult dependents of students and workers
- Fewer work opportunities in care sector and after study
- Rising costs for UK employers hiring Indians via skilled visas
- More hurdles for those seeking asylum or family reunification
While the government frames these policies as essential to national interest and economic control, they could significantly impact Indians looking to live, work, or study in the UK.
