The UK government is introducing measures to limit immigration, potentially reducing net migration. Details of the impact are still unclear, but changes to work visas, including the elimination of social care visas, are expected. Prime Minister Keir Starmer aims to decrease net migration by the end of the parliament, but specific targets are not yet defined.
The Migration Observatory predicts that the new measures will continue the trend of reducing net migration, resembling pre-Brexit rules for non-EU citizens. The number of work visas has already declined, particularly in social care, due to previous rule changes.
The closure of certain visa routes, such as for health and care workers, is intended to address issues of exploitation and mismanagement in the system. The care sector continues to face recruitment challenges, with vacancies persisting despite international recruitment efforts.
Exemptions for sectors like construction may be considered to meet workforce needs, but the government also aims to promote homegrown skills and training. Many details about the new immigration system remain unclear, and the effectiveness will depend on implementation.
