Important Updates
Important Updates
September 12, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: October 2025 Visa Bulletin – Moderate Movement in Final Action Dates Across Most Employment-Based Categories for the Start of the Fiscal Year
September 12, 2025 | IndiaIndia: “Fast Track” Trusted Traveler Program Implemented
September 12, 2025 | Netherlands, Germany, United StatesLabor Law Magazine: Travel Under Trump
September 12, 2025 | MauritiusMauritius: New Conditions for Occupation Permit, Young Professional Permit and Permanent Residency Applications
September 12, 2025 | United KingdomThe Caterer: Hospitality Employers See Visa Licences Revoked in Government Crackdown
September 12, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: October 2025 Visa Bulletin – Moderate Movement in Final Action Dates Across Most Employment-Based Categories for the Start of the Fiscal Year
September 12, 2025 | IndiaIndia: “Fast Track” Trusted Traveler Program Implemented
September 12, 2025 | Netherlands, Germany, United StatesLabor Law Magazine: Travel Under Trump
September 12, 2025 | MauritiusMauritius: New Conditions for Occupation Permit, Young Professional Permit and Permanent Residency Applications
September 12, 2025 | United KingdomThe Caterer: Hospitality Employers See Visa Licences Revoked in Government Crackdown
September 12, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: October 2025 Visa Bulletin – Moderate Movement in Final Action Dates Across Most Employment-Based Categories for the Start of the Fiscal Year
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 RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese 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
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • 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

Shaping the Future: Key Immigration Considerations Ahead of the UK’s 2024 Election

May 29, 2024

UK Government

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

Louise-Haycock

Louise Haycock

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9236

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

Louise-Haycock

Louise Haycock

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9236

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

Louise-Haycock

Louise Haycock

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9236

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: Louise Haycock, Shuyeb Muquit

On 4 July 2024, the United Kingdom will go to the polls to elect its next government. While awaiting the final election manifestoes of the competing parties, and in collaboration with the London Chamber of Commerce, the front-line experiences of a curated group of respective members and clients have been considered to determine what changes to the architecture and operation of the regular immigration system ought to be contemplated for inclusion.

Even if this wish list is not included in upcoming manifestoes, whoever wins the next election should take sensible note of them as changes necessary to advance the best interests of UK Plc., to address the critical workforce gaps that weigh on its economic growth prospects and global competitiveness.

Cost and Burden

The UK immigration system is amongst the most expensive in the world. High costs of an operationally efficient system may be justified, but an expensive system must also offer greater flexibility and transparency, especially at a juncture when global talent competition is acute.

Important considerations include:

  • There should be greater transparency about how money raised by the Immigration system is invested to develop skills with metrics showing whether this policy is successful.
  • The option of spreading payments of fees over the lifetime of a visa should be introduced.
  • Work permitted under short-term visas should be further expanded.
  • Options for shorter-term visas should be introduced more widely across routes.
  • Independent and trusted organisations, such as chambers of commerce that represent businesses on a local and regional basis, should be permitted to act as trusted intermediaries to address administrative requirements of making visa applications. 

Greater Choice and Engagement

The range of immigration categories and the criteria they apply are not fit for purpose. They do not operate to actually deliver the brightest and best or those otherwise with the skills and talent requisite to fill shortages and nurture growth prospects.

Moreover, the system for adopting change is too slow, inadequately transparent and aggravates a sense of uncertainty.

Important considerations include:

  • A comprehensive review of existing routes, ensuring their viability and utility should be conducted.
  • Business-body knowledge should be harnessed in undertaking such reviews.
  • Attention should be directed towards the establishment of routes and policies that accommodate individual sector needs and shortages.
  • Home Office officials should meet with London businesses sectorally to ascertain the key occupation shortages.
  • New routes with moderated and more pragmatically calibrated criteria should be established.
  • The High Potential Individual visa and the Youth Mobility Scheme should be expanded and reformed to include a significantly wider range of eligible universities and countries.
  • A distinct route for entry of entrepreneurs should be re-established offering a longer time frame and providing stability and a clear path to permanent residency.

Direction and Support

Objective immigration policymaking has been compromised by the political heat created by debates around migration statistics, in particular net migration.

Policy decisions appear to be made on the hoof with little or no consultation and without reference to a coherent strategic plan or policy direction (beyond abstract calls for reduced ‘numbers’). This aggravates a sense of uncertainty for business.

This uncertainty inhibits planning and long-term investment. Greater support is also needed for businesses as a quid pro quo for investment and commitment to the UK. 

Important considerations include:

  • An industrial strategy providing a framework and certainty for immigration rules should be established.
  • Immigration fees should be used to fund training and support of UK businesses in the development of a skilled workforce delivering on a promise made but unfulfilled. The government should report back on the investments and success.
  • Governments should provide entrepreneurial migrants easy access to training, technological infrastructure, local networks and access to capital upon emigration.
  • Partnerships with business schools and VCs for 'Global Entrepreneurship Programmes' and 'International Entrepreneurship Competitions' should be established to train and handpick potential entrepreneurs. Selected immigrants can be granted entrepreneur visas without going through ordinary bureaucratic processes.

What’s Next

A comprehensive and responsive immigration policy is indispensable for sustaining the UK’s economic vibrancy. By addressing uncertainties, creating targeted visa categories and collaborating with trusted organisations, the way can be paved for an environment that supports economic growth, tackles skill shortages and ensures the resilience and prosperity of the UK.

With immigration policy set to remain a prevailing theme in the General Election, we hope all the competing parties are listening to what changes really count as they finalise their election manifestoes, and eagerly await their releases.  

Need to Know More?

For election-related queries and related immigration updates, please contact Partner Louise Haycock at [email protected] and UK Government Affairs Strategy Lead Shuyeb Muquit at [email protected].

This blog was published on 29 May 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, X, Facebook and Instagram.

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

Louise-Haycock

Louise Haycock

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9236

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

Louise-Haycock

Louise Haycock

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9236

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

Louise-Haycock

Louise Haycock

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9236

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

Media mentions

Labor Law Magazine: Travel Under Trump

Senior Associate Oliver L. Ashworth and Director David Iannella discuss recent US immigration and visa changes and what German businesses and travelers should know.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Hospitality Employers See Visa Licences Revoked in Government Crackdown

Senior Manager Louise Senior highlights how UK hospitality employers face heightened risk as visa sponsors and why it is important for them to understand their responsibilities to avoid penalties.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Brings Its Short-Term Business Travel Solution, Nomadic, to the Nordics

Fragomen announces the expansion of Nomadic to the Nordics, providing end-to-end support for short-term business travel and cross-border compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Investment Residency Explained: Requirements and Options

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman discusses Costa Rica investment residency options and requirements for foreign investors, retirees and rentiers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf Business: Why Immigration Due Diligence is as Critical as Financial Scrutiny in the GCC

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses why immigration due diligence is important in GCC mergers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Welcomes Partner Karolina Schiffter to Poland Practice, Adds to Poland Presence with New Offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk

Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter to its Poland practice.

Learn more

Blog post

How to Get Luxembourg Citizenship: Requirements, Benefits & Application Process

This blog post by Manager Virginie Todesco and Immigration Consultant Chiara Caredda, available in English and Portuguese, outlines the requirements, benefits and application process for obtaining Luxembourg citizenship.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan Named 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs Winners

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan were recognized at the 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards

Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: A War on Fraud: USCIS to Train Special Armed Agents with Powers to Arrest Applicants and Lawyers

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how USCIS’s new rule could potentially increase enforcement and affect how applicants interact with the US immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Red Carpet or Red Tape? Indonesia’s Immigration Strategy After the Election

Assistant Business Immigration Manager Raga Rasuanta discusses Indonesia’s post-election immigration strategy and its shift toward balancing openness to global talent with increased regulatory scrutiny.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年8月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Labor Law Magazine: Travel Under Trump

Senior Associate Oliver L. Ashworth and Director David Iannella discuss recent US immigration and visa changes and what German businesses and travelers should know.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Hospitality Employers See Visa Licences Revoked in Government Crackdown

Senior Manager Louise Senior highlights how UK hospitality employers face heightened risk as visa sponsors and why it is important for them to understand their responsibilities to avoid penalties.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Brings Its Short-Term Business Travel Solution, Nomadic, to the Nordics

Fragomen announces the expansion of Nomadic to the Nordics, providing end-to-end support for short-term business travel and cross-border compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Investment Residency Explained: Requirements and Options

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman discusses Costa Rica investment residency options and requirements for foreign investors, retirees and rentiers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf Business: Why Immigration Due Diligence is as Critical as Financial Scrutiny in the GCC

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses why immigration due diligence is important in GCC mergers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Welcomes Partner Karolina Schiffter to Poland Practice, Adds to Poland Presence with New Offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk

Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter to its Poland practice.

Learn more

Blog post

How to Get Luxembourg Citizenship: Requirements, Benefits & Application Process

This blog post by Manager Virginie Todesco and Immigration Consultant Chiara Caredda, available in English and Portuguese, outlines the requirements, benefits and application process for obtaining Luxembourg citizenship.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan Named 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs Winners

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan were recognized at the 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards

Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: A War on Fraud: USCIS to Train Special Armed Agents with Powers to Arrest Applicants and Lawyers

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how USCIS’s new rule could potentially increase enforcement and affect how applicants interact with the US immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Red Carpet or Red Tape? Indonesia’s Immigration Strategy After the Election

Assistant Business Immigration Manager Raga Rasuanta discusses Indonesia’s post-election immigration strategy and its shift toward balancing openness to global talent with increased regulatory scrutiny.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年8月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェスト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.