The UK government’s recently released White Paper in Restoring Control over the Immigration System on May 2025 outlines a series of proposed changes aimed at reducing net migration and tightening rules for workers, students, and families.
These changes are part of what many advocates identify as the continuation of the UK’s hostile immigration policy—a strategy designed to make life more difficult for migrants in the hope they will leave voluntarily. While framed as “reforms,” these measures disproportionately harm low-income, racialised, and precarious migrant communities—including many Filipino and East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) workers.
Key proposals include:
- Closing the social care worker visa route for care and hospitality workers, affecting many Filipino and ESEA migrants who are in these sectors.
- Raising the “skills” threshold for Skilled Worker visas, removing certain occupations from eligibility lists and tightening requirements for sponsored routes;
- Stricter English language requirements extended to all adult dependents of workers and students
- Reducing graduate route visa for post-study work rights from two years to 18 months
These proposed policies could have serious implications for our communities—especially those on precarious contracts, with dependents abroad, or working in undervalued sectors like care, cleaning, and hospitality. For many, the changes may lead to increased vulnerability to work exploitation, family separation, or loss of legal status.
Last July, we joined over Migrants Workers Rights Coalition which consist of 20 migrant-led groups such as trade unions, and rights organisations in signing a joint letter from the Migrant Workers’ Rights Coalition to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper MP raising urgent concerns about the UK Government’s recent Immigration White Paper and announcements, which have created widespread fear and uncertainty among #MigrantWorkers. In this letter, we also called for an urgent meeting with the Home Secretary to ensure voices are heard and protected.
The letter🔗 Resources & Support
- Migrant Rights Network: The Immigration White Paper
- UK Council for International Student Affairs: The Immigration White Paper—your questions answered
Kanlungan along with our partner community organisation will continue to monitor these developments, amplify migrant voices, and work alongside partners to defend our communities against unjust immigration policies. We remain committed to empowering Filipino and ESEA migrants with information, solidarity, and support. We assert: Migrants’ rights are human rights. No one is illegal. Our communities deserve safety, dignity, and justice.