Yvette Cooper reveals tough new measures to cut UK net migration

On May 12, 2025, in the United Kingdom, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is set to disclose significant changes aimed at reducing net migration, which rose to a record high of 906,000 in June 2023. The upcoming immigration White Paper proposes measures that will include stricter visa requirements, particularly targeting lower-skilled workers. Cooper emphasized that employers must demonstrate their investment in domestic skills before being allowed to recruit workers from abroad, which aligns with Labour's previous commitments. A vital aspect will be increasing the duration for which migrants must reside in the UK to qualify for permanent residency, potentially extending this period from five years to ten years for some individuals. These measures aim to better link immigration to the local labor market and improve job availability for British workers. Preparations for this immigration crackdown come amidst public concern regarding both legal and illegal migration. The Labour government acknowledges the importance of addressing these issues to restore public trust and improve perceptions of the immigration system. Cooper's white paper will also introduce new rules regarding international care workers, which will further limit recruitment from outside the UK. Critics have pointed to the average waiting time and care worker shortages as pressing issues, raising questions about how effective these policies will be. A key feature of the new rules will be to require employers, specifically in the care sector, to exhaust local recruitment options before seeking foreign workers. Looking ahead, the public's reaction to these policies will be crucial. The Labour government hopes to appease concerns that have intensified over the years, especially relating to the perception that immigration is out of control. With significant changes to the immigration framework, Labour aims not only to address the numbers but also to ensure that foreign workers supplement rather than replace domestic labor. The reforms are also expected to initiate discussions regarding illegal migration and streamline current processes to ensure stringent compliance with international guidelines. It is anticipated that the proposals will be formally presented in Parliament, marking a decisive shift in approach towards a more regulated migration system that reflects the needs of the UK labor market. The impending legislation will not include specific numerical targets, as Cooper argues that such limitations might undermine credibility. Instead, the focus will be on mechanisms that promote fairness in migration while aligning with broader economic priorities. The new approach, aimed at mitigating public concerns and fostering a more transparent immigration protocol, may potentially reshape the landscape of UK migration policy in the foreseeable future.