When it comes to UK net migration there is a consensus between the Conservative Government and the Labour opposition—both agree it should come down.

December 2023 saw significant changes to the UK’s immigration system. Ministers believe that immigration is ‘far too high’. Net migration was provisionally estimated to be 745,000 in the 12 months ending on 31 December 2022. The Government’s reforms are aimed at reducing net migration figures and preventing abuse of the system through a ‘five-point plan’ to reduce immigration. The changes will be phased in over the course of this year.

This paper aims to examine the current immigration landscape, and how this will change with the introduction of new Skilled Worker rules.

We have considered what the effect will be upon employers, and those in the most affected sectors. The Government has also commissioned the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to look into specific changes around the Graduate Route, and to review the rebranded Immigration Salary List (ISL)—formerly known as the Shortage Occupation List (SOL)—which we have explored within this report. The MAC has published its interim report on the ISL and the Government has now published the statement of changes based on this report.

We have aimed to provide a summary of the key additional issues for the MAC to consider in its assessment of the Graduate Route, and how the upcoming changes sit alongside wider Government ambitions to address the UK’s skills shortage. 

Immigration rules are constantly evolving (in 2018, analysis by the Guardian newspaper found that more than 5,700 changes had been made to the UK’s immigration rules since 2010) and we will continue to provide updates and analysis on the latest developments.

Deloitte’s Immigration Practice strives to remain at the forefront of global immigration developments, and as always, we will continue to actively engage at all levels to assist our clients.

Key contacts

If you would like advice on how the five-point plan affects you, please contact a member of our immigration or employment law teams.

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