UK Toughens Policy to Cut Legal Immigration

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed on Monday to "finally take back control" of Britain's borders as his government unveiled policies designed to reduce legal immigration and fend off rising support for the hard right.

- Agence France-Presse

LONDON:

Labour leader Starmer announced he was ending an "experiment in open borders" that saw net migration rise to nearly one million people under the previous Conservative government, which lost last year's general election.

The government's Immigration White Paper policy document includes plans to cut overseas care workers and increase from five to 10 years the length of time people will have to live in the UK before qualifying for settlement and citizenship.

English language rules will also be strengthened, with all adult dependents required to demonstrate a basic understanding, while the length of time students can stay in the UK after completing their studies will be reduced.