Since July 22, the UK has imposed radical reforms on its immigration system. These changes, taken from the government’s immigration white paper, seek to significantly curb net migration while rebalancing the labour market. The main measures include a more restricted sponsor-eligible list of jobs, a prohibition on foreign recruitment within the care industry, and increased skill and language requirements.
Indians, one of the largest contingents of UK visa applicants—particularly from the student and skilled worker categories—are likely to bear the brunt of these changes. Employers and licensed sponsors, too, will be impacted as they have to reorient hiring and visa plans.
Government’s New Immigration Agenda
The UK government has as its intention to reduce the number of migrants while facilitating economic growth. To achieve this, it is reforming the Skilled Worker route, utilized by the majority of migrant professionals.
The requirements now increase to RQF Level 6, the level of a bachelor’s degree, as per the new policy. The bar on the English language has also increased on all paths, even for dependents. Additionally, the route to permanent residency now extends to ten years from five.
The government has indicated that there will be tougher enforcement in the future, ensuring that people who meet these increased standards are the only ones left in the system.
Principal Amendments in effect from 22 July
The new regulations specifically affect the Skilled Worker route. From 22 July onwards, applicants will need to achieve the degree-level threshold of skills. The amendment impacts some 180 jobs—particularly in hospitality, logistics, and care services.
International recruitment for care workers is one of the most notable banned practices. The existing sponsored care workers prior to 22 July can remain on their current visas.
These steps are part of a broader policy change focusing on local labour and decreasing dependence on overseas workers.
How Indians Will Be Impacted?
Indians were the most prominent migrant group coming to the UK in 2023, with more than 250,000 coming primarily for employment and education. The new policy affects this group significantly.
Settlement time has been increased to 10 years, and new English skills requirements have been introduced for primary applicants as well as their dependents.
The Health and Social Care visa, which is widely utilized by Indian and South Asian applicants, will end under the new system. The Graduate Route visa, which is widely sought by Indian students, will be cut from two years to only 18 months.
The National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK raised concerns. The association stated that Indian students—the largest consumers of the Graduate Route—will have significant issues. It called for the government to synchronize student and skilled worker routes to facilitate a smoother transition.
Future of UK-India Migration Ties
These developments represent a watershed in UK immigration policy. With the most significant migrant group impacted, the new system may alter migration patterns and education decisions.
Indian applicants as well as institutions within the UK will now need to move quickly into a harsher, more competitive system.
