Brits tighten rules on migration while Starmer counters populists

Brits tighten rules on migration while Starmer counters populists

LONDON - Britain will tighten requirements for legal migrants and extend the waiting time for new arrivals to apply for citizenship, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday. This announcement comes in response to political pressure from the country's emerging populist right.

New requirements for citizenship

Under the new rules, immigrants will now have to wait up to 10 years before becoming British citizens, instead of the previous five years. In addition, the requirements for their qualifications and English language skills are increased. These measures aim to finally counteract legal migration to Great Britain, which has been increasing for years.

Criticism of the previous government

“This plan means migration will go down – that’s a promise,” Starmer said, declaring the end of what he called an “experiment in open borders.” He criticized the previous Conservative government because of her Migration policy and said the damage caused to the country was “immeasurable.”

Political reactions and local elections

His statement coincided with the long-awaited publication of a white paper on migration. The timing was no coincidence, coming less than two weeks after a series of crucial local elections from the populist Reform UK party under Nigel Farage, an anti-immigration bloc. This reflects the continued rise in support for the party in the polls.

An “island of strangers”?

Starmer chose a tone more associated with Farage at his press conference in Downing Street on Monday. He warned that without tough reforms Britain risked becoming an “island of strangers”.

Migration statistics

Last year, more than 700,000 more people entered the UK legally than left the country, according to government figures. This figure is strikingly high and exceeds what any of the dominant parties in British politics ever intended. The surge has added to already high housing needs and pressure on public services, but also provides an opportunity for foreign workers to support the country's chronically understaffed health system.

Planned measures on immigration

With the new plans, Starmer intends to tighten the rules without losing these essential workers. The period before a migrant can apply for citizenship has been doubled to 10 years. However, people who contribute significantly to society, such as doctors, nurses and engineers, could be prioritized through the process.

Language skills and visa regulations

A higher level of English proficiency will be required for all migrants and graduates will now be allowed to stay in the UK for 18 months after completing their studies, instead of the previous two years.

An end to recruiting from abroad

Recruitment of social care workers from abroad will also stop, risking disrupting a sector that successive governments have tried but failed to modernize.

Criticism from Nigel Farage

Farage criticized the announcement on Monday, calling Starmer a "hypocrite who believes in open borders." But the government hopes its proposal can dampen the tide of support for the right-wing party, which is siphoning votes from both Labor and Conservative parties with a harsh anti-migrant message.

Challenges in illegal migration

Starmer has also tried to toughen his party's rhetoric on illegal migration. Nevertheless, the number of people who Cross the English Channel in small boats, higher this year than in 2024, which plays into the hands of Farage's party.