In a move that is sure to spark debate, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to unveil a stringent new immigration plan during the Labour Party conference in Liverpool. This plan aims to significantly reduce migration to the UK and decrease the country’s reliance on international workers.
The heart of the plan lies in a crackdown on businesses violating work visa regulations. Under the new rules, companies found in breach of visa regulations will be prohibited from hiring foreign employees. This will have a direct impact on industries heavily reliant on international workers, including healthcare, IT, and hospitality.
To better understand the impact of past visa policies and identify sectors facing labor shortages that contribute to increased international recruitment, the government will task the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) with an annual assessment. The MAC has already been requested to review the impact of visa policies implemented by the previous Conservative government, according to The Standard.
The new regulations may also include restrictions on foreign workers bringing dependents to the UK and increased salary requirements for work permits. While Prime Minister Starmer acknowledges that these measures might cause short-term difficulties, he emphasizes that they are necessary for long-term benefits, assuring the public that there is “light at the end of the tunnel.”
Meanwhile, the UK government has intensified efforts to curb irregular migration. Home Office data reveals that 1,424 individuals crossed the English Channel in 24 small boats over the weekend, bringing the total number of irregular migrants this year to 25,052.
