The United Kingdom (UK) has permanently shut down its care worker visas and announced multiple immigration rules targeting foreign labour, including Kenyans.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday, May 12, that the UK would “take back control” of its borders by ending what he termed as “Britain’s open borders experiment”.
Further, he accused previous governments of relying on cheap foreign labour at the expense of British workers.
“We are permanently shutting down the care visa route. Care workers from overseas have made a huge contribution, but too many have been subject to abuse and exploitation.
“We are moving away from our dependence on overseas workers to restore control and fairness to the system,” said the prime minister.
Consequently, the move affects countries like Kenya, which signed a bilateral labour agreement with the UK in November 2021, allowing Kenyan care workers to migrate for jobs in the British health sector.
Additionally, this is a blow to thousands of Kenyan care workers, who have been relocating to the UK in phases since the Kenya-UK Labour Agreement opened the way for health professionals to take up jobs in care homes and health institutions.
Also Read: 1,000 Kenyans to Get Jobs in UK Under New Govt Deal; How to Apply
Other Key Reforms Announced by the UK
The prime minister also announced raising English language requirements across all major immigration pathways, including for adult dependents.
“We are raising English language requirements across every main immigration route, ensuring those wishing to live and work here speak English.
“And for the first time, adult dependents on those routes will also be required to have a basic understanding of English,” announced PM Keir Starmer.
Further, the government is increasing skill threshold to degree-level for work-based migration, eliminating diploma-level jobs and lower level certifications.
Also, UK has announced extending settlement and citizenship timelines, requiring migrants to live in the UK for 10 years instead of 5, unless they make notable economic contributions.
“Settlement in the UK is a privilege, not a right,” he remarked.
Also Read: UK Introduces New Mandatory Entry Permit for 30 European Countries
Additional Reforms
At the same time, the UK government is introducing higher Immigration Skills Charges for UK employers who hire foreign nationals, to push them toward hiring and training local talent.
“This charge has remained static since 2017. By raising the fees, we’re encouraging businesses to create opportunities and career progression for British workers,” the PM explained.
All overseas citizens will receive Digital IDs and eVisas to enhance enforcement and crack down on illegal overstays.
“We are taking back control of our borders through our Plan for Change. Lower net migration. Higher skills. Backing British workers,” he added.
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