UK Immigration Changes: What It Means for Jobseekers and Employers
At Australasian Recruitment Company, we keep a close eye on immigration updates that could impact our candidates and employers. Recently, the UK government released a new immigration white paper outlining plans to reduce migration levels while boosting local skills and economic growth. Here’s a look at what these changes mean for those looking to move to the UK and employers seeking talent.
Let’s break it down:
The UK is raising the bar for skilled workers. The minimum qualification for skilled workers is being lifted to graduate level (RQF 6), meaning employers will need to focus more on developing and recruiting from the local workforce. For candidates, this means qualifications will be even more important when applying for sponsored roles.
The government also announced the end of social care visas for new applicants from abroad. While this will impact recruitment in the sector, those already working in social care will be able to continue in the UK until 2028 while a new workforce strategy is developed.
International students will see a change as well. The length of time that graduates can stay in the UK after their studies will be reduced to just 18 months. This is an important shift for anyone hoping to stay longer in the UK for work experience. We’ll be monitoring this closely as it could affect the job market for graduates.
In the area of family and private life immigration, the government is streamlining the system to make it clearer who can stay in the UK. Additionally, there will be stricter English language requirements across more immigration routes, so strong language skills will be key for anyone moving to the UK.
For those aiming for long-term stay, the qualifying period for settlement has doubled from 5 to 10 years. The points-based system will now also play a role in both settlement and citizenship applications, meaning applicants will need to demonstrate their contribution to the UK economy.
These changes will impact both jobseekers and employers, and we’ll continue to keep you informed as more details emerge. Stay tuned for updates and reach out to us if you need any guidance through the evolving UK immigration landscape.