Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled plans for a major shake-up of the UK’s immigration system, promising tighter controls, higher standards, and a “clean break from the past.”

His proposals, due to be detailed in a forthcoming Immigration White Paper, aim to reduce migration and restore public confidence after net migration hit 728,000 in 2023.

Under the new framework, most migrants will have to wait 10 years—double the current requirement—before they can apply for settled status. Only a limited number of skilled professionals, including nurses, engineers, and AI experts, would qualify for a new fast-track route to permanent residency.

Key to Labour’s proposals is a plan to raise English language requirements across all visa routes. For the first time, adult dependants of visa applicants would also need to demonstrate basic English skills to support integration and employment.

“When people come to our country, they should also commit to integration and to learning our language,” Starmer said, accusing some sectors of becoming “addicted to cheap labour” at the expense of British workers. He cited engineering as one area where visas have soared while apprenticeships have declined.

The Home Office expects the proposed changes will require primary legislation, meaning implementation may be delayed until 2026.

The reforms also include phasing out overseas recruitment of care workers, with firms required to hire domestically or extend existing workers’ visas. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the measure could reduce migration by up to 50,000 next year.

Critics warn the changes could split families or restrict access to essential workers. Others, including the Conservatives, argue Labour’s plans don’t go far enough, demanding a binding cap on migration.

Nonetheless, Starmer defended the proposals as necessary to restore fairness and rebuild a system “controlled, selective, and in the national interest.”