UK Gets Tough: New Crackdown on Foreign Criminals and Visas

The UK government has unveiled a set of new immigration policies aimed at significantly reducing net migration, with a particular focus on foreign national offenders and stricter visa regulations. A key measure involves the establishment of a £5 million “immigration crack squad” across 80 prisons in England and Wales to accelerate the deportation of foreign criminals, who make up roughly 12% of the prison population. This initiative seeks to cut costs, reduce overcrowding, and enhance public safety. Since July 2024, deportations of foreign offenders have increased by 23%, reflecting the government’s push for faster removals.

Alongside deportation efforts, the government is tightening visa rules, especially for low-skilled and non-graduate roles. Plans include introducing time-limited work visas and raising the bar for employers who wish to sponsor foreign workers, particularly in industries like social care and hospitality. There are also stricter criteria being implemented for international students wishing to remain in the UK post-graduation. Officials argue that these measures are designed to reduce reliance on overseas labor and encourage investment in the domestic workforce.

To support enforcement, the UK will roll out a digital visa and e-ID system, enabling more effective tracking of individuals’ legal status and whether they leave the country when their visa expires. Employers who violate labor or immigration laws will face longer bans from hiring foreign workers, and new “good character” standards will make it harder for serious offenders to acquire British citizenship. While critics warn that these changes could worsen staff shortages in critical sectors, the government insists that domestic training and fairer labor conditions are the long-term solution.