UK immigration reform to focus on language proficiency, high-talent routes and skills integration

The UK government unveiled a comprehensive white paper in May that aims to reform the immigration system to ensure it is fair, controlled and beneficial to the economy and society.

Some of the main areas of focus of the white paper are enhancing English-language proficiency, leveraging high talent routes and linking skills to sponsor licence holders.

Enhancing English-language proficiency

Effective communication is crucial for integration into UK society. The white paper highlights the importance of English-language proficiency for migrants, noting that individuals with better language skills are more likely to be employed and economically active.

To support this, the government will introduce new English-language requirements across a broader range of immigration routes, including both main applicants and their dependants.

• Increasing language requirements. For skilled workers, the language requirement will be raised from B1 to B2 (independent user) levels, in accordance with the Common European Framework for Reference for Languages.
• Introducing requirements for adult dependants. All adult dependants of workers and students will need to meet a new English-language requirement at level A1 (basic user), with plans to increase this requirement over time.
• Demonstrating progression. Individuals will need to show progression in their language skills, moving from level A2 (basic user) for visa extensions to B2 (independent user) for settlement.
• Supporting access to language classes: The government will work with partners to make it easier for those already in the UK to access English-language lessons.

Leveraging high-talent routes

In the global economy, attracting top talent is essential for driving innovation and growth. The white paper outlines several initiatives to enhance the UK's attractiveness to highly skilled individuals through targeted immigration routes.

• Increasing places for research interns. The government will expand the scheme for research interns, particularly in fields like Artificial Intelligence, to allow businesses access to promising young talent.
• Streamlining processes for scientific and design talent. Efforts will be made to simplify the process for top scientific and design talent to use the Global Talent visa.
• Reviewing the Innovator Founder visa. The government will ensure that the Innovator Founder visa supports entrepreneurial talent currently studying at UK universities, enabling them to build their businesses and careers in the UK.
• Doubling the number of workers for overseas businesses: The number of workers that an overseas business can send to the UK to establish a presence will be doubled.
• Expanding the high-potential individual (HPI) route: The HPI route will be targeted and capped, with plans to double the number of qualifying institutions while maintaining a focus on individuals who will benefit the UK workforce.

Linking skills to sponsor licence holders

Following promises in its manifesto, Labour has created Skills England. The white paper introduces measures to link skills to sponsor licence holders.

• Establishing the Labour Market Evidence Group. This group will gather and share evidence about the state of the workforce, training levels, and domestic labour market participation. It will focus on sectors with high levels of reliance on migration and make recommendations for workforce strategies.
• Launching workforce strategies. Key sectors with high levels of overseas recruitment will be required to produce or update workforce strategies. Employers will need to comply with these strategies, detailing steps to improve skills, training, and engagement of the economically inactive domestic labour force.
• Incentivising employers. Employers using the immigration system will be incentivised to invest in boosting domestic talent. Options to restrict employers from sponsoring skilled visas if they are not committed to increasing skills training will be explored.
• Creating a temporary shortage list: A new temporary shortage list will provide time-limited access to the points-based immigration system for occupations below Regulated Qualifications Framework 6. Access will be limited to occupations with long-term shortages, justified by the Migration Advisory Committee and supported by a workforce strategy.

ECHR and EU mobility

The white paper also addresses the need to respect the European Convention on Human Rights while managing migration effectively. The government will set out a clear framework for those seeking to enter or stay in the UK based on exceptional circumstances, ensuring a fair balance between individual rights and the UK's economic and social interests.

Additionally, the government will continue to manage migration in the post-Brexit era, ensuring that policies reflect the UK's new relationship with the EU and support the country's strategic goals.

Osborne Clarke comment

The white paper outlines a number of significant changes which could reform the UK's immigration system. As of the end of June, no changes have been implemented, and it is expected to take some time for these changes to be made. Employers of overseas nationals will be taking note and keeping up to date with changes as they are introduced.