The British government has now reportedly unveiled plans to significantly curtail legal migration, asserting that a record influx of foreign workers since Brexit has failed to invigorate the economy.
Following the U.K.’s exit from the European Union four years ago, a new migration system was implemented, aimed at moving away from the bloc’s open-borders policy. However, this system unintentionally facilitated a surge of low-skilled migrants, contributing approximately 2.2 million new residents since 2021.
The majority of these newcomers arrived on work visas, allowing them to access jobs and benefits, which has sparked a voter backlash and bolstered support for the populist party Reform UK.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, borrowing rhetoric from the Brexit campaign, announced an overhaul intended to “take back control of our borders” and address what he termed a “squalid chapter” in the nation’s political and economic history.
While debates in the U.S. primarily focus on illegal migration, European policymakers are increasingly challenged by a surge in legal immigration.
For decades, mainstream politicians advocated for foreign workers as a solution to declining domestic populations and a means to stimulate economic growth.
Yet, amid stagnating economies, the narrative that migration fosters growth has begun to falter, particularly among voters who perceive non-native workers as competitors for jobs and services, fueling the rise of populist movements.
In the U.K., with a population of 68 million, proposed measures include extending the time required for many workers to gain British citizenship from five to ten years, imposing stricter hiring regulations for low-skilled jobs, and tightening student visa requirements.
Starmer indicated that these changes represent a radical shift for a country historically reliant on imported labor for essential, yet often low-paying, roles, especially in the social-care sector.
Britain’s policy shift reflects a broader trend across Europe, where countries like France have also tightened citizenship criteria, and the European Union is enhancing border enforcement.
Recent EU measures include increased deportations of rejected asylum seekers and stricter entry protocols for migrants.
The urgency of the migration issue has intensified for the Labour Party, which is contending with a surge in support for Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, a figure aligned with populist sentiments.
Reform UK now polls above 30%, a significant increase from 14% in previous elections, potentially positioning the party for a substantial role in future governance.
Starmer has directly challenged the long-held belief that migration benefits the economy, noting that recent arrivals, often accompanied by families, have placed additional strain on local services without corresponding contributions in taxes.
A recent Home Office report corroborated this perspective, revealing stagnation in economic growth despite heightened migration levels.
While changes to visa policies have led to a decline in EU migrants, there has been a notable increase in immigration from countries such as India, Nigeria, and Pakistan.
The Home Office has identified several abuses within legal visa routes, including the misuse of graduate visas, which allowed individuals to remain in the U.K. post-study and sometimes seek asylum.
The proposed measures must pass through Parliament before becoming law and include the elimination of a special visa route for overseas workers in social care, as well as stricter regulations for low-skilled migrants regarding family reunification and English language proficiency.
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