The United Kingdom has announced the end of overseas recruitment for social care roles, as part of sweeping immigration reforms unveiled by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a new White Paper aimed at tightening border control and curbing migration.

“In line with our broader reforms to skills thresholds, we will close social care visas to new overseas applicants,” the UK Home Office stated on its website on Monday.

However, a transitional period will run until 2028 to allow for visa extensions and in-country switching for individuals already present in the UK. “This will be kept under review,” the statement added.

The Home Office said the new measures are designed to reshape the UK’s immigration system to favour those who significantly contribute to economic growth. This includes higher skill standards for both graduates and workers.

It further explained that employers will now be required to invest more in domestic training to reduce dependency on international labour, addressing what it described as a “failed system” that led to a fourfold increase in net migration between 2019 and 2023.

The 82-page document, titled Restoring Control over the Immigration System, outlines key policy directions such as reversing the longstanding trend of international recruitment in favour of skill development and local talent.

A new Labour Market Evidence Group will be established to guide policy decisions based on real-time employment data, instead of relying predominantly on migrant labour. Government departments will also engage sector bodies in this process.

Additionally, the threshold for skilled workers will return to RQF Level 6 (graduate level) and above, while salary benchmarks will be increased. The Immigration Salary List, which previously allowed salary discounts for certain jobs, will be abolished.

The points-based immigration system will now be restricted to occupations with longstanding shortages, subject to approval by the Migration Advisory Committee and supported by workforce development plans.

On student migration, the UK government said it will enforce stricter regulations for sponsoring institutions. Institutions close to breaching compliance standards will be placed on action plans and face limits on international student intake during this period. The post-study stay period will also be reduced to 18 months.

However, the government said it would continue to attract top global talent by expanding fast-track immigration routes for individuals with exceptional skills to contribute to strategic industries and drive UK economic growth.