The Labor Party government led by Britain's new prime minister Keir Starmer has announced immigration reforms to be implemented from 22 July 2025. He has described this reform as a step to completely reset Britain's immigration policy. This change has been brought because the migration rate increased by 4 times due to the policies of the previous government. Britain's immigration system became unbalanced. The domestic work force was getting less opportunities due to excessive dependence on foreign workers.
According to home Secretary Yvette Cooper, four major changes are being made. Under this, medium-level professions like IT, marketing, accounting will no longer get priority. Visas for foreign care workers will be discontinued. This may harm indians wishing to work in these areas. Earlier indians had a good participation in health and care services. Now this option will be completely closed. Visas will be tightened for small degrees or low-skill jobs. In this way, now only high-salary and high-skilled professions will get priority. This will decide which profession is considered essential and which is excluded. Also, the english language requirements are being made more stringent.
Priority to local people: Difficulties increased for Indians
The government clearly says that all these changes are to give more employment opportunities to local british citizens. The government's argument is that the excessive entry of foreign workers has harmed domestic talent. This change may be a setback for indian students hoping to get a job after studying in Britain. Current and potential work visa holders will face new obstacles. Middle-income group professionals will now find it more difficult to get a UK visa.
What will be the impact on Indians?
Every year thousands of indians enter britain through work visa, health visa or post-study work route. The new policy will affect these three major categories:
Indian professionals working in NHS or care sector: Now they will not get visa. Mid-level IT or finance professionals: Now out of the 'shortage occupations' list, entry difficult despite qualifications.
Students studying in the UK: Opportunities for post-study work may be reduced if the occupation is removed from the visa list.
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