UK Government Tightens Immigration Policies Amidst Rising Hard-Right Influence

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced stricter immigration measures, including extending the residency requirement for citizenship from five to ten years, tightening English language standards, and reducing post-study work visa durations. These reforms aim to address public concerns and counter the growing influence of the hard-right Reform UK party, which has gained significant support in recent local elections. While Starmer emphasizes the need for controlled immigration, critics argue that the policies may alienate Labour’s liberal base and impact essential sectors reliant on migrant labor.