The UK government has rolled out new immigration rules set to take effect on July 22, 2025. The reforms aim to drastically reshape how foreign skilled workers enter the country, especially in the health and care sectors.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper presented the changes to Parliament. She described them as a “complete reset” to reduce migration and “restore order” to the system.
The overhaul forms part of the Immigration White Paper introduced in May. According to Cooper, the changes will help build a stronger local workforce by cutting “excessive dependence on low-paid foreign labour.”
Public reaction remains mixed, with industry voices warning of worker shortages, while others welcome the effort to protect domestic job opportunities.
A key pillar of the reform is shutting down overseas recruitment for care jobs. From July 22, 2025, no new visa applications will be accepted for social care roles from outside the UK.
Care workers already in the country won’t be forced out. They will be allowed to switch to other visa types from within the UK until July 2028.
The Home Office said the move was necessary to stop misuse of the care visa route. Cases of worker exploitation had been reported under the old system.
Officials said the focus will now shift to training and hiring workers already living in the UK.
Skilled Worker Visas Now Require Higher Salaries and Degrees
In addition to cutting care recruitment, the reforms will raise salary and education requirements for most new visa applicants.
Those applying under the Skilled Worker visa must now hold at least a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. This will not affect those already in the UK under valid work visas.
Migration Minister Seema Malhotra told Parliament: “The salary requirements for work visas are being raised in line with the latest Office for National Statistics data.”
She added that the Migration Advisory Committee will review how salary thresholds and discount categories will work under the new structure.
The shortage occupation list — which made it easier to get visas for certain in-demand jobs — is being heavily trimmed. More than 100 roles are being removed, including chefs and plasterers.
A limited list of “critical” jobs will remain, but only temporarily. Even these will no longer benefit from lower fees or salary discounts. Applicants under this list will also lose the right to bring family members.
The government has directed the Migration Advisory Committee to review this smaller list before 2026. Only jobs with proven skill gaps will remain, and only under strict terms.
Yvette Cooper defended the sweeping changes, saying they were designed to bring net migration down and reduce pressure on public services.
“These new rules mean stronger controls to bring migration down, to restore order to the immigration system,” she said.
She continued: “We are delivering a complete reset of our immigration system to restore proper control and order, after the previous government allowed net migration to quadruple in four years.”
The Home Office echoed this position, saying the aim is not just to limit numbers but to rebuild trust in the system and support local workers.
More Visa Restrictions Expected Later in the Year
The current reforms focus mainly on pay, qualifications, and recruitment rules. But the government plans further actions by year’s end.
Employers will soon face a higher Immigration Skills Charge, and stricter English language tests will be introduced for applicants.
Officials said the ultimate goal is to stop dependency on low-wage foreign labour and strengthen long-term workforce development across sectors.
The next few months will test how well the UK’s job market can adjust — and whether employers will be able to fill essential roles under tighter rules.
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