Important Updates
Important Updates
October 3, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Supreme Court Again Permits DHS to Terminate 2023 TPS Designation for Venezuela While Litigation Continues
October 3, 2025 | ArgentinaArgentina: Provisional Certificate Policy Change Extends In-Country Work Authorization Timelines
October 3, 2025 | KazakhstanKazakhstan: New Work Permit Process Rules, Including Labor Market Test and New Online Portal
October 3, 2025 | United StatesThe American Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Make Foreign Lawyers More Expensive, but Also More Accessible
October 3, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Lawsuit Filed Challenging New H-1B Restrictions and $100,000 Fee
October 3, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Supreme Court Again Permits DHS to Terminate 2023 TPS Designation for Venezuela While Litigation Continues
October 3, 2025 | ArgentinaArgentina: Provisional Certificate Policy Change Extends In-Country Work Authorization Timelines
October 3, 2025 | KazakhstanKazakhstan: New Work Permit Process Rules, Including Labor Market Test and New Online Portal
October 3, 2025 | United StatesThe American Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Make Foreign Lawyers More Expensive, but Also More Accessible
October 3, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Lawsuit Filed Challenging New H-1B Restrictions and $100,000 Fee
October 3, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Supreme Court Again Permits DHS to Terminate 2023 TPS Designation for Venezuela While Litigation Continues
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

New UK Home Secretary’s Statement on Regular Immigration: Opportunities to Steer Immigration Policy

July 31, 2024

New UK Home Secretary’s Statement on Regular Immigration: Opportunities to Steer Immigration Policy

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

Shuyeb Muquit - web porthole

Shuyeb Muquit

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9248

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Shuyeb Muquit - web porthole

Shuyeb Muquit

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9248

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Shuyeb Muquit - web porthole

Shuyeb Muquit

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9248

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Shuyeb Muquit

In her first major statement on Labour’s approach to regular immigration, the UK’s new Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, set out several opportunities to influence immigration policy.

Businesses are advised not to focus on the new government’s position regarding net migration and its support for the majority of restrictions implemented by the previous administration.

Instead, they are encouraged to focus on the new Home Secretary’s opening acknowledgment of the historical importance of migration in contributing to the UK's economy, public services, cultural diversity and global competitiveness, along with the emphasis on policy necessary to deliver the new government’s missions, which are centred around growth determined by review of evidence.

Statement’s Key Takeaways

It is true that having acknowledged the important multi-layered role immigration has played in the development of the UK, the new Home Secretary swiftly highlighted the substantial increase in net migration under the watch of the previous government.

Critically, in her statement, though she indicated that the new government feels net migration “must come down,” the Home Secretary did not specify the exact level of the reduction. This omission should not be assumed to be unwitting but intentionally reflecting the government’s focus on quality and impact, and recognising that optimal immigration for any country depends on its strategic needs and resources.

Further, with a natural decline in net migration anticipated, the new government can frame reducing net migration as a policy objective while allowing time to assess the effectiveness of the immigration system without political pressure.

The Home Secretary also highlighted the need for a more “controlled and managed” immigration system to address domestic labour market challenges and reduce over-reliance on international recruitment. This is a neutral statement and does not specify what the UK’s immigration system must look like.

Distinctly, she set out her government’s new approach: to align immigration policy with the broader labour market and skills strategies to encourage domestic skills development and ensure that migration supports rather than substitutes local workforce improvements. This was another neutral statement.

Additionally, the Home Secretary goes on to explain that her government’s new approach involves a strengthened Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) that will assess sector-specific needs. It would do so whilst collaborating with new bodies like Skills England and the Industrial Strategy Council.

She said she is commissioning the MAC to look at the IT and engineering sectors as a “first step,” likely because these sectors were consistently included on the (now defunct) Shortage Occupation List for prolonged periods and rely on significant levels of international recruitment. Of course, some other sectors and occupations have similar profiles and should expect to benefit from reviews in later steps.  

The commitment to sector-based reviews indicates that the Home Secretary’s statement, which said the new government “supported all restrictions introduced by the last government and would continue to implement them,” should be viewed as having limited significance.

The Home Secretary also referred to measures to protect the integrity of the student visa system, and a review of family immigration financial requirements was set out as part of the broader agenda to create a balanced and sustainable immigration policy.

Ultimately, the Home Secretary has highlighted the new government’s approach to finalising immigration policy will be evidence-based, focused on practical outcomes rather than ideology, chiming with the first speech of the new Prime Minister.

All this underscores both significant opportunities for active business and sector engagement.

Businesses as Counsel

Businesses must not only recognise the invitations and opportunities to influence immigration policy reflected in the Home Secretary’s statement but also see the need for and benefit of engaging with the new government.

Businesses are ideally positioned to provide valuable feedback on the current system. They have firsthand experience with its challenges and limitations, including the difficulties of adapting and training. They can offer credible insights into proposed changes based on their experiences and suggest improvements that address their needs while aligning with the UK’s overall goals and the new government’s objectives.

Businesses are encouraged to have data-driven analysis ready for a MAC call for evidence, focussed on where they experience shortages, the number of unfilled roles, time to fill roles, how long it takes to upskill and attempts underway to train.

Ultimately, if economic growth is the new government’s central mission, immigration will be crucial to deliver it – and to support related missions. Improving local skills is vital but will take time and cannot fully meet immediate and evolving demands.

Efforts to reduce dependency must still be supported by a system that meets demand as needed. Equally crucial for growth is a steady influx of international talent, which fosters innovation and new ideas. The new government must recognise that immigration, in terms of both demand and supply, plays an ongoing role in the development of the UK’s economy.

By addressing these issues, businesses can help shape a more responsive and balanced immigration system under the new Labour government.

Need to know more?

For questions regarding the UK immigration system, the impacts of the 2024 election and Fragomen’s services to help businesses engage with the government, please contact UK Government Affairs Strategy Lead Shuyeb Muquit at [email protected].

This blog was published on 31 July 2024, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

Shuyeb Muquit - web porthole

Shuyeb Muquit

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9248

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Shuyeb Muquit - web porthole

Shuyeb Muquit

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9248

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Shuyeb Muquit - web porthole

Shuyeb Muquit

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9248

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Video

Bangladesh: Security Clearances and Challenges

Senior Manager Corrine Tan and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Joycelyn Ang discuss Bangladesh’s work permit security clearance process.

Learn more

Media mentions

The American Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Make Foreign Lawyers More Expensive, but Also More Accessible

Partner Bo Cooper outlines how the proposed H-1B changes could affect Big Law hiring for foreign lawyers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年9月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Computer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Abeer Al Husseini Recognised at the Gulf Business Awards 2025

Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Washington Post: How Companies Might Avoid Trump’s New $100K Visa

Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Learn more

Video

How to Get Your French Work Visa After Graduation: Job Seeker / Company Creation Permit

Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit. 

Learn more

Awards

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp Named 2025 National Law Journal Awards Finalist for "DC Managing Partner of the Year"

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Learn more

Media mentions

Post Bulletin: Trump’s New $100K Fee on Certain Work Visas Could Impact Rochester’s Medical Staff

Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Businesses Need to Be Ready for Government Crackdown on Sponsor Licences

Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Learn more

Media mentions

Folha de São Paulo: Taxa de US$ 100 mil para visto dos EUA muda planosde brasileiros; veja opções

Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Learn more

Video

Bangladesh: Security Clearances and Challenges

Senior Manager Corrine Tan and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Joycelyn Ang discuss Bangladesh’s work permit security clearance process.

Learn more

Media mentions

The American Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Make Foreign Lawyers More Expensive, but Also More Accessible

Partner Bo Cooper outlines how the proposed H-1B changes could affect Big Law hiring for foreign lawyers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年9月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Computer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Abeer Al Husseini Recognised at the Gulf Business Awards 2025

Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Washington Post: How Companies Might Avoid Trump’s New $100K Visa

Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Learn more

Video

How to Get Your French Work Visa After Graduation: Job Seeker / Company Creation Permit

Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit. 

Learn more

Awards

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp Named 2025 National Law Journal Awards Finalist for "DC Managing Partner of the Year"

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Learn more

Media mentions

Post Bulletin: Trump’s New $100K Fee on Certain Work Visas Could Impact Rochester’s Medical Staff

Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Businesses Need to Be Ready for Government Crackdown on Sponsor Licences

Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Learn more

Media mentions

Folha de São Paulo: Taxa de US$ 100 mil para visto dos EUA muda planosde brasileiros; veja opções

Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.