UK MIGRATION

 

In 2025, the UK saw increased passenger arrivals but introduced significant policy changes to control migration, including a new Skilled Worker visa requirement for degree-level jobs, the closure of the overseas care worker route, and proposals to extend the path to permanent residency. Record-high small boat crossings occurred, with over 25,000 people arriving in the English Channel by late July. The government also published a white paper in May 2025 to reform the immigration system further, aiming to reduce net migration. 

 

Key Trends in 2025

Passenger Arrivals:

Total arrivals increased by 7% in the year ending March 2025 compared to the previous year, reaching 133.4 million, with British nationals making up 56% of the total.

 

Irregular Arrivals:

The number of detected irregular arrivals, primarily by small boat across the English Channel, was up 27% in the year ending June 2025, reaching 49,000.

 

Humanitarian Cases:

The number of people granted leave on humanitarian grounds decreased by 33% in the year to June 2025, largely due to the winding down of the Ukraine Scheme.

 

Policy & Regulatory Changes

Skilled Worker Visa:

From July 22, 2025, a degree-level qualification became a general requirement for new Skilled Worker visas, with exceptions until the end of 2026.

 

Care Worker Route:

The overseas recruitment route for care workers closed to new applications on July 22, 2025.

 

Immigration White Paper:

In May 2025, the government published "Restoring Control over the Immigration System," proposing to extend the standard path to permanent residency from five to ten years.

 

Family Migration:

Reforms to the family migration framework were proposed, including a new policy for family members of refugees.

 

English Language Standards:

Changes to English language requirements are anticipated by the end of 2025.

 

Immigration Skills Charge:

An increase in the immigration skills charge was announced.

Refugee and Asylum

 

Asylum Applications:

Asylum applications increased by 5% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year, but the asylum backlog decreased.

 

Aspirants in Hotels:

The number of asylum seekers in hotels decreased to 32,000 by March 2025, though the government continues to face challenges in ending hotel accommodation.