Starmer Advocates ‘Transactional’ Visa Policy to Address Migration Challenges

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has proposed a more “transactional” approach to the country’s visa policy, aiming to address the escalating challenges posed by illegal immigration and asylum seekers. This strategy involves linking visa issuance to the cooperation of other nations in accepting back individuals who have been denied asylum in the UK. Starmer discussed this approach during the G7 summit in Canada, emphasizing the need for a strategic use of visas to encourage international collaboration on migration issues. The UK currently has bilateral return agreements with several countries, including Albania, India, and Nigeria, which have contributed to a decline in asylum claims from these nations.

The proposed policy seeks to penalize countries that refuse to take back their nationals by making it more difficult for their citizens to obtain UK visas. Starmer’s government has already engaged in discussions with leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to explore coordinated actions on asylum and migration issues. The aim is to strengthen existing tools and consider additional measures, including sanctions and counter-terrorism proposals, to manage migration more effectively.

This “transactional” approach is part of a broader set of immigration reforms introduced by Starmer’s government. The Immigration White Paper 2025 outlines several key changes, including increasing the requirements for English proficiency for all visas, extending the time required to gain settled status from five to ten years, and restricting skilled worker visa eligibility to graduate-level occupations. Additionally, the government plans to introduce tightly controlled temporary visas for lower-skilled shortage roles, with limited duration and no route to settled status. These measures aim to reduce the UK’s dependency on foreign workers and ensure that migration aligns with national interests.

While these reforms have been welcomed by some as necessary steps to control immigration, they have also faced criticism. Opponents argue that the stricter visa policies could harm industries reliant on foreign labor, such as healthcare, construction, and information technology. Concerns have also been raised about the potential impact on international students and the broader economy. Despite these criticisms, Starmer maintains that the reforms are essential for restoring control over the UK’s immigration system and ensuring that migration serves the country’s long-term interests.