Migrants seeking work in the UK will need to speak fluent English under Labour’s latest proposed immigration reforms.
Expected next week, the new plans will require applicants for UK work visas to prove they can speak English at an A-level standard—significantly higher than the current benchmark, which matches a foreign language GCSE level.
Home Office officials argue the current standard doesn’t support full integration. The revised requirement, equivalent to an A-level in a foreign language, means individuals should be able to express themselves “fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions,” according to The Times.
Applicants must also show they can write detailed texts on complex topics.
Government vows to reduce net migration with bold new policies
In response to reports, the prime minister’s spokesperson said the government is committed to tackling record-high immigration figures inherited from the previous administration.
“The immigration white paper will outline a bold package of measures. Language and communication are central to integration,” they said.
Due next week, the white paper is also expected to tighten rules around asylum seekers staying in the UK due to family ties.
Officials are examining ways to cut net migration, including limiting visa applications from certain nationalities deemed more likely to overstay or seek asylum after entering on work or student visas. This follows growing concerns over the rising number of people claiming asylum and being housed in Home Office hotels, costing taxpayers significantly.
ECHR rules under scrutiny as Labour eyes legal overhaul
A senior government source told The Sun that lawyers are exploiting Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights—related to the right to family life—to keep people in the UK.
They stated, “The ECHR has taken the mickey for far too long, and we will change the law to give primacy to our sovereign parliament.”
Labour also plans to further limit the ability of students and workers to bring dependents to the UK.
Labour seeks to regain voter confidence amid immigration concerns
These measures come as Labour faces voter backlash after poor local election results, with Reform UK—Nigel Farage’s anti-immigration party—gaining control of 10 councils and adding a fifth MP.
Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, acknowledged that Labour is engaged in a “generational” contest against the rise of nationalist right-wing politics.
A government spokesperson added, “Our upcoming Immigration White Paper will outline a comprehensive strategy to fix our broken immigration system—connecting immigration with skills and visa reforms to reduce dependency on overseas labour, grow the domestic workforce, and boost economic growth.”
