Rationally, I do agree with a lot of what is in the paper. Points like English language requirements for dependents, tightening up criminal deportations etc. I hope the graduate visa changes will make it easier for UK graduates to land roles
But as someone whose partner is very close (<7 months) to getting ILR, the 10 year settlement period is tough to swallow. I don’t know if a points based system will be nuanced enough for our situation - higher rate tax payer (£100k+ salary) but not in science/engineering/medicine. Before we were quite committed to staying for DP to get ILR and then citizenship. But if that’s another 5 years away, if I’m honest we’ll probably look abroad…especially if it’s harder to sponsor a skilled worker, as there’s a chance his career would stagnate at his current firm.
It does feel unfair when we’re net contributors to the UK - both higher rate tax payers, no kids to educate, use our private health insurance as first port of call etc. Honestly crossing our fingers the new settlement rule isn’t sorted out before November!
But, I do see the bigger picture and we do need some interventions to reduce some forms of migration. I wonder where all the social care workers are going to come from, and I’m sceptical of how we’re really going to implement skills programmes as we seem to have little success. but if on the whole migration for non-skill gaps jobs reduces then maybe that is the right thing.