UK clarifies immigration reforms, says ‘no plans’ for PM Starmer to visit Kenya

The United Kingdom’s High Commission to Kenya has set the record straight on the new immigration crackdown system as announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. 

On Monday, Starmer announced that the UK would take back control of its borders by terminating the "Britain's open borders experiment."

He also announced that the UK would soon end the care worker Visa route to reduce dependence on foreigners, a move that raised concerns among Kenyans seeking jobs in the sector.

The UK High Commission to Kenya has since clarified that Starmer's changes, outlined in the immigration white paper, have yet to be implemented.

The Commission added that the changes are not targeting a specific country but seeking to tighten the immigration system in general.

“Yesterday, the UK Prime Minister launched an immigration white paper, setting out the government’s intention to make changes to our immigration system. These have not yet been implemented. There are no country specific measures and reporting about the termination of a UK-Kenya migration deal are inaccurate – no such deal exists,” the statement read in part.

"When the measures are introduced, these will tighten up Visa rules for students and those looking to work in the UK, including increasing skills requirements. We will share further details in due course."

Further, the Commission dismissed reports of a planned visit to Kenya by Prime Minister Starmer. 

Other reforms announced include increasing the time needed for an immigrant living in Britain to acquire citizenship from five years to ten years. However, individuals who can demonstrate their economic or social contribution will be allowed to apply sooner. 

The government will also raise the immigration skills charge - a fee employers pay when hiring overseas workers on skilled Visas - by 32 per cent. 

International students will only be allowed to work in Britain for 18 months, down from the current two years. 

The UK will also place tougher English language requirements for visa routes, requiring adult dependents to have basic English skills.