UK Government Unveils Migration Strategy

Few policy areas have been subject to such intense scrutiny as immigration this summer. After restoring order following the recent riots, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces pressure to address the divide and ultimately deliver his manifesto to “reduce dependence on migration”.

In her first parliamentary statement on 30 July 2024, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper outlined the new approach, linking migration policy with labour market needs. Here’s an overview:

Continuation of Conservative Immigration Policies

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper clarified that Labour will not reverse existing Conservative immigration policies. This means that the following will be maintained:

• 1 January – Imposed restrictions on most international students, limiting their ability to bring family members to the UK.
• 11 March – Introduced measures preventing care workers and senior care workers from bringing dependants. Also mandated that all care providers sponsoring migrant workers must register with the Care Quality Commission.
• 4 April – Significantly raised the general salary threshold for Skilled Worker visa applicants by 48%, from £26,200 to £38,700.
• 4 April – Replaced the Shortage Occupation List with a new Immigration Salary List, eliminating the 20% discount on the going rate. Employers are now required to pay migrant workers the same as UK workers in shortage occupations.
• 23 May – Responded to the Migration Advisory Committee’s rapid review of the Graduate route by announcing new regulations on the recruitment of international students.

Addressing Skill Shortages By Upskilling the UK Workforce

Yvette Cooper also underscored Labour’s commitment to reducing the UK’s dependence on international workers by addressing domestic skills shortages. She said:

“Current high levels of international recruitment reflect weaknesses in the labour market, including persistent skills shortages in the UK.”  

 “We are setting out a different approach – one that links migration policy and visa controls to skills and labour market policies – so immigration is not used as an alternative to training or tackling workforce problems here at home.” 

As part of the plans, the government has strengthened the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to work with Skills England. It has also commissioned the MAC to review the IT and engineering sectors’ reliance on foreign workers.

Replacing the Rwanda Scheme

While one of the Labour Party’s first decisions was to repeal the Conservative Party’s controversial Rwanda policy, it has not come with the ‘open-door policy’ some on the far right wings of UK politics predicted. Instead, Labour insists it is determined to pursue tight immigration legislation. 

Reducing immigration remains a priority. The approach to deterrence and reducing immigration differs, though, with Starmer saying the Rwanda policy has “never been a deterrent” and suggesting it would be responsible for deporting “less than 1%” of small boat arrivals. The government instead plan to strengthen border control, as well as tackle the underlying cause of migration.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

“If we are to tackle the rising crisis of migration, we must address why people flee their homes and risk dangerous journeys to the UK and other European countries.”

“Our package of up to £84 million will improve education, boost employment and build resilience to conflict and climate change across the Middle East and North Africa – to help bring down migration figures whilst improving lives for the world’s most vulnerable people.”

Strengthening Border Control 

Starmer is set to spend the money forecast for Rwanda deportation plans instead on strengthening border control. The government is to press ahead with a new command which features plans to appoint an ‘exceptional’ individual to unify the efforts of intelligence agencies, police, Immigration Enforcement, and the Border Force. 

The Home Secretary said the new command, where much of the money would be redirected from the Rwanda deportation plan, would represent a “major upgrade in law enforcement.” 

The aim is to tackle and bring down the smuggling gangs responsible for the legions of boat crossings. Conservatives argued it would ‘do less and somehow expect to achieve more’

Govt to cut ties with Bibby Stockholm barge and redirect funds to faster asylum processing

The government also doesn’t plan to renew terms on the Bibby Stockholm barge beyond January 2025 and instead redirects the funds for that and other asylum-holding facilities in the UK towards addressing the backlog of cases with faster asylum case processing. 

Pause on Family Visa Income Increase

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced that the planned increase in the Family visa minimum income threshold will be paused pending an independent review by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). Initially, the threshold was set to rise from £29,000 to £34,500 in late 2024 and £38,700 in 2025. Cooper emphasised the need for a thorough review. She said:

 “The Family Immigration Rules, including the Minimum Income Requirement, need to balance a respect for family life whilst also ensuring the economic wellbeing of the UK is maintained.”

“The Minimum Income Requirement is currently set at £29,000, and there will be no further changes until the MAC review is complete.”

An Overview of the Changes

• Overseas students and care workers will face limitations and restrictions on bringing family members to the UK.
• The salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas will rise to £38,700 in line with Conservative plans. 
• The 20% discount that allowed employers to pay migrants less than UK workers in shortage occupations will be eliminated, ensuring equal pay for similar roles.

• Strengthening the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to work with Skills England.
• Commissioning the MAC to review the IT and engineering sectors’ reliance on foreign workers.
• Pausing further increases to the family visa income threshold pending a MAC review