Migrants to face decade-long wait for UK residency, stricter English rules for students

London: Migrants seeking permanent residency in the UK could face significantly tougher English language requirements under new immigration proposals to be announced next week.

According to a white paper drafted by Sir Keir Starmer’s government, a “fluent English” proficiency would become mandatory for those applying for indefinite leave to remain. The move could delay the settlement process by up to a decade for individuals who fail to meet the new standard.

Currently, migrants are required to demonstrate only a basic understanding of English, equivalent to GCSE level. However, the proposed changes would raise the required proficiency to the equivalent of A-levels in English as a Foreign Language.

The Home Office said applicants must be able to express themselves “fluently and intuitively,” and communicate “flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.”

The government said the changes aim to support better integration into British society and reduce record net migration, which reached 728,000 last year. The white paper will also propose measures to help over nine million economically inactive people rejoin the workforce.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to say that the post-Brexit points-based immigration system introduced by Boris Johnson has failed and that further reforms are necessary to reduce net migration and drive economic growth.

Government sources said the white paper would lay out a plan for “strict controls to provide a controlled, selective and fair system.”