Population · Migration & pressure on services · 7 November 2026
Government proposes stricter rules to reduce net migration
The government has published a white paper with proposals to make it harder to move to and settle in the UK, according to House of Commons Library. The document aims to reduce net migration but does not immediately change the law.
House of Commons Library has reported that the government published a white paper in May 2025. The policy document sets out changes intended to make it harder to move to and settle in the United Kingdom. Its primary objective is to reduce net migration figures.
Under the proposed rules, medium-skilled jobs at RQF levels 3-5 would generally no longer be sponsorable for Skilled Worker visas. The exemption that allows social care workers to be recruited from abroad would also end. Additionally, the standard length of the Graduate visa would be reduced to 18 months.
The standard qualifying period for permanent residence would increase from five to ten years. These specific changes to the residence qualifying period are not scheduled to start until 2027. The document outlines the government's intended future adjustments to immigration requirements.
A white paper does not alter the law or the immigration rules by itself. It serves as a statement of policy that puts forward changes the government intends to implement in the future. The announcement does not specify any other implementation dates beyond the 2027 start for residence changes.
Written by StreetOwl from House of Commons Library’s own announcement. It was drafted by StreetOwl’s own model, every figure and quotation was checked by code against the announcement, and it was read and approved by Michael Rossi before it went up. It says what was announced, not what anyone should do about it.
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