PM promises migration drop as he unveils plans for ‘tightened’ visa rules
PM Promises Migration Drop With Tougher Visa Rules, Including Ban on Overseas Care Worker Recruitment
The Prime Minister has pledged to reduce net migration to the UK by introducing tighter visa rules. One of the key changes includes banning the recruitment of care workers from overseas, a move that has already sparked debate across the country.
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Plans to ban the recruitment of care workers from overseas are among efforts to curb near record net migration.
In a recent press conference, the PM said that the government will take stronger action to control immigration, especially after recent figures showed near-record levels of net migration. According to the Office for National Statistics, net migration in 2023 was around 745,000 — a number many believe is unsustainable.
New Visa Rules to Be Introduced
To bring the numbers down, the PM outlined a series of changes aimed at reducing the number of people entering the UK legally through work and family visas.
One of the most striking changes is the ban on hiring care workers from overseas. The government claims this will help reduce the number of people entering the country under health and care visas, which has been a major contributor to recent migration figures.
Other planned changes include:
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Raising the salary threshold for skilled worker visas. This means foreign workers will need a higher-paying job offer to qualify for a visa.
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Tightening family visa rules, which may make it harder for UK residents to bring family members from abroad.
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Crackdown on student visa loopholes, especially those used to bring dependents into the country.
The PM said these changes are necessary to “restore public confidence in the immigration system” and make sure British workers are given priority.
A Response to Growing Public Concern
Public concern about rising immigration has been growing for years, and recent polls show that many UK residents want stricter controls. The Prime Minister said that the government “hears the public loud and clear” and is acting to bring about real change.
“People want to see immigration numbers come down, and they want to know that our system is fair,” he said. “These new rules are a step in the right direction.”
Care Sector Warns of Staff Shortages
However, the decision to ban overseas care worker recruitment has caused concern within the health and social care sectors. Industry leaders warn that care homes and NHS services already face major staff shortages. Many fear the new policy could make the situation worse.
According to Care England, nearly one in five care sector jobs is currently filled by a foreign worker. Without them, experts say there could be serious gaps in services for the elderly and vulnerable.
“While we understand the need to manage migration, we must not forget the vital role these workers play,” said a Care England spokesperson. “The care system is already under strain, and this move could lead to a crisis in care.”
Business Leaders Call for Balance
Some business leaders and economists have also urged the government to find a balance between reducing migration and supporting industries that rely on foreign talent. Sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, construction, and farming have long depended on migrant workers to fill essential roles.
The British Chambers of Commerce warned that sudden visa rule changes could hurt small and medium-sized businesses, many of which are already struggling with labor shortages post-Brexit.
“Migration policy needs to be targeted and realistic,” a spokesperson said. “We can’t just pull the plug on workers without having a plan in place to train and recruit locally.”
Opposition Parties Criticize the Move
Opposition politicians have also criticized the Prime Minister’s announcement. The Labour Party accused the government of failing to plan for workforce needs and said the latest changes were a distraction from deeper issues in the economy and public services.
“They’re blaming migrants instead of fixing broken systems,” said a Labour MP. “We need real solutions, not headlines.”
The Liberal Democrats echoed these concerns, calling the new policy “short-sighted and damaging.”
What Happens Next?
The new visa rules are expected to come into effect in the next few months, though exact dates have not been confirmed. The government says it will work with sectors most affected to help them prepare for the changes.
Still, the big question remains: Will these changes actually reduce net migration? And at what cost?
Only time will tell if the Prime Minister’s promise to bring down immigration will work — or if it will cause more problems than it solves.
