The Conservative Party has announced tough new immigration plans, vowing to revoke visas from unemployed migrants if they win the next General Election. They argue that people who come to the UK to work should actually do so or face having their visas removed.
As part of the crackdown, immigrants who have claimed benefits or lived in social housing will also be barred from applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said that recent migration numbers have been far too high, which is why the Conservatives plan to introduce a strict annual cap on visa numbers at much lower levels than before. He stated that only those who contribute more in taxes than they take out in services should be allowed to remain permanently in the UK.
According to the Office for National Statistics, net migration to the UK peaked at 906,000 in the year to June 2023, driven by an increase in foreign students, non-EU workers (especially in health and social care), and refugees from Ukraine and Hong Kong. Since then, reforms to the immigration system have started to take effect, reducing the number to 728,000 last year.
A report by the Centre for Policy Studies found that low-skilled migrants are costing taxpayers more than they contribute throughout their time in the UK. The Office for Budget Responsibility also found that migrants cost the state significantly through benefits, healthcare, and pensions, far outweighing the tax they pay.
In response, the Conservatives insist that tighter restrictions must be placed on migration. Under their proposed changes, only foreign workers who have not claimed benefits or relied on social housing will be allowed to stay in the UK permanently. Those with criminal records will also be barred from applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has proposed extending the waiting period for Indefinite Leave to Remain from five years to ten years. She said this change would send a clear message that “our country is not a dormitory, it’s our home.” She emphasized that citizenship should only go to those who have shown real commitment to the UK.
Badenoch also criticized the Labour government’s immigration policies, accusing them of failing to reduce migration levels. She claimed that Labour’s Border Security Bill would make it easier for illegal immigrants to stay in the UK, rather than tackling the issue. She insisted that a UK passport should be a privilege, not an automatic right.
Former Home Secretary James Cleverly had previously banned overseas care workers and foreign students from bringing their families to the UK and raised the salary threshold for skilled workers to £38,700. The government’s goal was to cut immigration by 300,000 per year using these measures.
However, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has since paused the planned increase in salary thresholds for those hoping to bring their family members to the UK. This means foreign workers only need to earn £28,000 to bring their families, instead of the proposed £38,700.
Chris Philp has urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to reinstate the £38,700 salary threshold, arguing that higher income requirements help control migration levels.
The Labour government has faced increasing criticism over its handling of the small boats crisis. Chris Philp strongly opposed Labour’s new Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill, arguing that it creates a “pathway to citizenship” for illegal immigrants, which could encourage more people to cross the Channel.
Philp described Labour’s approach as a “slap in the face” to law-abiding families, accusing the government of selling out the country. He argued that Labour’s new plan will actually make it easier for people smugglers to bring illegal migrants into Britain and reward those who break the law with a UK passport.
Labour’s Home Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the Border Security Bill, saying that giving Border Force counter-terrorism-style powers would allow the UK to “identify, disrupt, and dismantle” people-smuggling gangs more effectively. However, the bill also repeals parts of the Illegal Migration Act, which had prevented illegal migrants from claiming asylum or staying in the UK.
Philp slammed Labour’s decision, claiming that it surrenders control of the UK’s borders rather than securing them. He argued that incentivizing illegal crossings will only encourage more human trafficking, making the situation worse.
With immigration now a major issue in the upcoming election, both parties are presenting very different approaches. While Labour insists its new measures will strengthen border security, the Conservatives argue that only strict visa controls and tougher restrictions will reduce migration numbers and protect UK jobs.
