Visa rules for engineers and IT workers could be tightened to boost homegrown talent, says minister

Net migration – the number entering the UK minus the number leaving – hit a record high of 764,000 for the year ending December 2022 before falling to 685,000 in the year ending December 2023. “The real challenge for the economy and the immigration system is to deal with the root cause compelling so many businesses to recruit internationally – the underlying skills shortages here at home,” she said. “So we will ensure that the independent migration advisory committee, Skills England, the Industrial Strategy Council and the DWP are all working together to ensure our policies and decisions on immigration, skills and growth are all properly intertwined.” Immigration needs to be properly controlled By Seema Malhotra Immigration has always been important to Britain, but it needs to be properly controlled and managed so the system is fair, and works in our country’s best interests. ‘Break down barriers to opportunity’ During the election campaign, Keir Starmer pledged to get a grip and bring net migration down, with a major overhaul of the skills and employment system linked to firm visa controls so the immigration system works properly for our country. The real challenge for the economy and the immigration system is to deal with the root cause compelling so many businesses to recruit internationally – the underlying skills shortages here at home.