World Immigration News

UK Set to Toughen Immigration Rules: 'Fluent English' Required To Remain In Britain

Release Date: 2025-05-08
Media: NDTV World
Summary: The UK government plans to introduce stricter English language requirements for migrants seeking permanent residency, according to a forthcoming immigration white paper. Under the new rules, migrants will need to demonstrate "fluent English" skills—equivalent to A-level proficiency—replacing the current basic (GCSE-level) standard. This could delay permanent residency by up to 10 years for those who fail to meet the new criteria.

The move is part of a broader effort to reduce high net migration, which reached 728,000 last year, and to encourage over nine million economically inactive people in the UK to join the workforce. The white paper, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, also aims to reform the points-based immigration system introduced post-Brexit, which the government now deems ineffective.

Officials say the new approach will ensure immigration is more "controlled, selective, and fair."
Tags: UK

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