Starmer's Migration Overhaul: Britain Clamps Down on Open Borders

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced major reforms to curb net migration, ending open border policies. These changes include longer residency for citizenship eligibility, increased costs for hiring foreign workers, revised student work rights, stricter language requirements, and new asylum legislation. Consultation on implementation timelines is pending.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled a bold strategy promising to end the country's 'failed experiment in open borders' with comprehensive reforms designed to significantly reduce net migration. Although no specific target has been set, the government anticipates a yearly decrease of approximately 100,000 migrants.

Major policy shifts include extending the required residency for immigrants to apply for citizenship from five to ten years. These changes won't impact current residents pending further consultation. Additionally, the overstressed care sector will face hiring challenges from an end to overseas recruitment, with a grace period until 2028.

Employers hiring foreign workers will see a 32% rise in the immigration skills charge, reflecting inflation since 2017. The government is mulling a new levy on educational institutions benefiting from international student fees and stronger English language prerequisites, while also planning new legislation to simplify the removal of certain asylum seekers.

(With inputs from agencies.)