UK Immigration White Paper – Policy & Updates

Overview of the White Paper

The UK Immigration White Paper outlines the government’s strategic direction for managing migration after Brexit and includes proposals to attract skilled workers, reduce net migration, and enhance border security. The original post-Brexit white paper was published in December 2018, but updates continue under successive governments.

📄 Download Official White Paper PDF

Key Points from Recent White Paper Updates

📉 Reduction in Net Migration: Target to lower annual net migration below 300,000 (2024 level was 672,000).
💼 Skilled Worker Priority: Emphasis on reducing reliance on low-wage labor and tightening care worker visas (as of July 2024).
🎓 Graduate Route Review: Plans to limit or re-evaluate Graduate Visa pathways to prevent misuse (expected by end of 2025).
🛂 Border Reforms: Increased use of biometric entry systems and digital visa statuses under the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system.
🏡 Family Migration Review: Proposed increases to the minimum income requirement for family/spouse visas (now £29,000 and expected to rise).

Timeline of Major White Paper & Immigration Changes

2018: Initial White Paper on post-Brexit immigration plan
2020: Points-Based Immigration System introduced (PBS)
2022: High net migration leads to pressure for restrictions
2024–2025: White Paper revisions to Skilled, Graduate, and Family migration

Impact on Migrants

❗ Student dependants banned for most courses since January 2024
❗ Care worker dependants banned from July 2024
📈 Salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas raised (now £38,700 for general roles)
⚖️ Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) raised to £1,035/year
🔁 Increased scrutiny on visa extensions and switching routes within the UK

What to Expect Next

The next official immigration update (including the Graduate Route review and further Skilled Worker restrictions) is expected in late 2025 or early 2026. Policy changes will likely be influenced by the next general election and labour market needs.

Overview of the White Paper

Key Points from Recent White Paper Updates

Timeline of Major White Paper & Immigration Changes

Impact on Migrants

What to Expect Next

Official Resources & References