UK Immigration Reform White Paper: Simon Kenny reaction
On 12 May 2025, the UK Government published a new Immigration White Paper, Restoring Control over the Immigration System, setting out its proposals to significantly reshape the country’s immigration framework over the course of the current Parliament. The measures are positioned as a response to rising net migration figures and are intended to refocus the immigration system towards attracting high-skilled individuals while bolstering domestic workforce development.
Simon Kenny, Immigration & Global Mobility Partner, has provided expert commentary on the proposed reforms. He notes that, while the government’s objective to reduce net migration is clear, several of the proposed changes may unintentionally undermine the aim of attracting highly skilled international talent.
A key proposal in the White Paper is to raise the threshold for Skilled Worker visas to graduate level (RQF 6), increase salary minimums, and abolish the Immigration Salary List, which currently provides salary threshold discounts. Access to the points-based immigration system will be reserved for occupations with long-term shortages and aligned workforce strategies.
Simon highlights that employment-based immigration is already subject to stringent regulation and high costs for employers.
“Employers spend many thousands of pounds to ensure Skilled Workers and Global Business Mobility employees can come to the UK. Severe penalties are imposed if they get this wrong,” he said.
Simon also commented on the decision to further restrict sponsorship outside the health and care sectors, pointing out that this group makes up only a small share of total net migration.
“About 85,000 such visas were issued in 2024. Restricting this further may deter those workers who could make a positive economic contribution.”
Other policy measures include an end to overseas recruitment for adult social care roles by 2028, reduced post-study work rights for international graduates (from 24 to 18 months), and the establishment of a new Labour Market Evidence Group to guide workforce policy.
While the government has stated these changes are intended to strengthen the UK’s immigration system and ensure migrants contribute positively to the economy, Simon raises considerations about the potential for these measures to inadvertently reduce the UK’s attractiveness to the very talent it seeks to retain.
Further details and implementation timelines are expected to emerge over the coming weeks.
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