Thank you to those constituents who have contacted me about changes to the immigration rules for skilled workers.
For generations, migrant communities have been woven into the tapestry of British life and migration has contributed to our economy, public services, businesses and communities. It is important that we ensure that migration continues to work in creating a system that is fair to all and properly managed.
The pace and scale of migration has increased dramatically in recent years, with 2.6 million more people moving to Britain than those who left since 2021. I am also aware that, in the case of the health and care visa, minimum salary requirements were dropped, meaning that an attempt to fill 6,000 to 40,000 jobs led to the arrival of 616,000 individuals between 2022 and 2024. It is forecast that 1.6 million are due to settle in the UK between 2026 and 2030.
The Government knows that steps must be taken to restore sustainable levels of migration and has announced that the starting point for settlement will move from 5 years to 10. There will also be requirements for applicants to have a clean criminal record, be able to speak English to A-Level standard, and have made sustained National Insurance contributions. However, there are plans to introduce conditions that could reduce the baseline 10-year qualifying period for those who are valuable to public life, and the Government recognises these contributions. This includes doctors, teachers and nurses, as well as those who have volunteered extensively in their local communities.
The Government has also confirmed that it will not change the rules for those with settled status. However, I’m aware that many people will be disappointed that these changes will apply to everyone in the country who has not yet received indefinite leave to remain.
I welcome the Government’s decision to seek views on whether there should be transitional arrangements available, as well as its promise to consider how transitional arrangements may be designed to ease the impact of policy change, especially for individuals or groups already afforded permissions by the previous system.
I encourage all those interested to make their voices heard as part of this consultation, as this asks for views on how these reforms should be implemented.
Thank you once again for contacting me about this important issue.
Best wishes
Rt Hon Hilary Benn
MP for Leeds South
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland