The UK Government’s latest immigration white paper, Restoring Control over the Immigration System, published in May 2025, outlines a raft of sweeping reforms that signal a much harsher environment for migrants, international students, workers, and families hoping to build a life in the UK.
At Garth Coates Solicitors, a firm that has long championed the rights of immigrants and international clients, we view these reforms with deep concern. Despite the government’s rhetoric around “fairness” and “restoring control,” the proposed changes impose stricter conditions, reduce opportunities, and threaten to undermine integration, inclusion, and economic contribution from migrant communities.
Key Measures: A System Becoming More Exclusionary
The white paper proposes a significant shift in the UK’s immigration framework, aiming to reduce net migration by tightening rules across all major visa routes. Among the most controversial proposals are:
1. Raising the Skilled Worker Visa Threshold
The skill requirement for Skilled Worker visas will be increased from RQF Level 3 (A-level) to RQF Level 6 (Bachelor’s degree level), effectively barring access for many competent and experienced professionals working in vital industries such as construction, hospitality, and social care.
Mr. Garth Coates, Principal Partner and Senior Solicitor, warns:
“This move disregards the immense contributions of lower-skilled but essential workers. Many of our clients who provide critical services across the UK will be excluded under these new criteria.”
2. Closure of the Adult Social Care Route
The government has decided to close the overseas care worker visa route entirely, citing abuse and over-reliance. This will drastically affect thousands of care professionals, many of whom have filled critical gaps in the UK’s overburdened health and social care systems.
Ms. Leqa Al Habib, Partner and Senior Solicitor, said:
“This reform punishes an entire workforce for the failures of the government to regulate unscrupulous employers. We should be safeguarding carers—not shutting them out.”
Education and Student Visas: A Targeted Reduction
3. Restrictions on Graduate Visas
The Graduate visa duration will be cut from 2 years to 18 months. New rules will also pressure graduates into RQF 6-level jobs despite mounting evidence that many need more time and support to transition into the UK labour market.
4. Tightened Oversight of Universities and Agents
Universities sponsoring international students will face tougher compliance metrics. A proposed 6% levy on international tuition fees will funnel funds into domestic skills programmes—a move many in the education sector have criticised as punitive.
Mr. Celemet Yener, Partner and Senior Solicitor, commented:
“International students are being instrumentalised to fund UK domestic policy. The proposals stigmatise students as economic tools while denying them the post-study freedom to build a career.”
Family Migration and Settlement: Rights Further Eroded
The white paper also proposes:
- Doubling the settlement period from 5 to 10 years for most migrants.
- Higher income and English language thresholds for family dependants.
- Tighter criteria for family visas, even for partners of British citizens.
These changes will disproportionately affect women, carers, and those from lower-income backgrounds. Reunifying families will become even more difficult.
Ms. Michele Martin, Partner and Senior Solicitor, stated:
“We’ve already seen the emotional toll of prolonged family separation under current rules. These new proposals risk turning family life into a luxury that only the wealthy can afford.”
Enforcement and Digital Surveillance
While the white paper promotes a digital visa system (eVisas) and technological improvements, these come hand-in-hand with expanded surveillance and enforcement powers. Biometric checks, increased removals, and employer sanctions are all aimed at deterring so-called “non-compliant migrants.”
Instead of welcoming contribution and integration, these policies foster a climate of fear.
A Shift Away from Compassion and Inclusion
The white paper repositions migration solely as an economic utility, rather than a human reality. It dismisses integration as conditional, prioritises compliance over compassion, and risks marginalising those who have already contributed to UK society.
As a leading immigration law firm, we see firsthand the journeys, sacrifices, and aspirations of our clients. We know that migrants are not just numbers—they are students, workers, carers, innovators, and loved ones. They deserve a system that treats them with dignity and fairness.
Our Advice and Support
Garth Coates Solicitors remains committed to protecting the rights of migrants. These proposals are not yet law. There will be implementation delays, opportunities to challenge unfair refusals, and scope for judicial review where appropriate.
We urge anyone who may be affected by these proposals—whether you are a Skilled Worker, international student, care professional, or family applicant—to seek legal advice as early as possible.
