Keir Starmer’s recent speech on immigration sparked controversy, with heated debate over Starmer’s language and the policies outlined in the White Paper, which was published on the same day. But what caught my attention was how the Prime Minister emphasises rewarding the immigrants who work for the country’s national interest and commit to integration. How does the government assess how ‘committed’ an immigrant is to integrating into society? By evaluating their English proficiency, economic contribution, or educational level? None of these methods are fair.
The white paper proposes raising the English requirements for most visas to CEFR Level B2, which is generally considered equivalent to A-levels. A report in 2023 indicates that just 68% of 19-64 year-old British citizens hold an NQF level 3 (also equivalent to A-levels) or above. It is irrefutable that it is absurd to casually challenge this population’s devotion to the country simply because they did not get a high enough certification in the language. So, how is it an appropriate indicator to judge an applicant’s commitment to the country?
As an immigrant from Hong Kong, I had the privilege of growing up learning English in my home city and enjoying the benefits of speaking fluent English in the UK. While I recognise the significance of understanding the language, I doubt the necessity of having an upper-intermediate level exam as a visa requirement.
The suggested immigration policy also raises the salary and skills bars for Skilled Worker visas, requiring applicants to have an RQF level 6 or above. RQF level 6 qualifications are generally graduate roles like consultants, specialised teachers, administrators, and managers. Currently, sectors that rely heavily on migrant workers include Health and Care, Hospitality, IT, and Transportation and Storage. With the proposed change in visa requirements, healthcare workers, drivers, food and beverage staff, etc. would fall outside of the Skilled Worker bracket. Sectors like Health & Care and hospitality will face even more severe labour shortages, which can lead to other societal issues like strikes and increased costs. The impact would be particularly damaging to an already strained NHS.
Lifting the skill level of applicants undermines the input of lower-skilled migrant workers in the country. If the immigration policy is trying to be fair by rewarding those who work hard, the proposed change implies that lower-skilled workers do not work as hard as higher-skilled professionals, which is not at all true. A report in 2023 shows that across the whole economy, each EU (excluding the UK) national works 6% more hours than their UK counterpart, meaning that immigrants are making significant contributions to the workforce, regardless of their job role.
A lot of migrant workers have a greater motivation to work extra hard because often, they send money back to their families in their home country. Not only do they work more hours and generate productivity, but the majority also pay UK taxes, contributing to the British economy. I worked with a few diligent Romanian ladies during my part-time job at a fast food chain. They were constantly taking up extra hours, and some worked multiple jobs during the week. These low-skilled workers bring a positive impact to the country on different levels. In addition to economic contribution, they also provide services in some vital sectors, even if it is at a lower level. It would not be right to determine a migrant’s contribution to the country based on their career or skill level.
I always agree with the saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”. I have seen miserable immigrants who spend every day complaining about the British lifestyle, the food, the transport, and everything else. While immigrants should not have to sacrifice their culture to be accepted in society, they should play their part in building connections with the country and be respectful of local customs. Above all, adapting to local customs and traditions makes immigrants’ lives easier. It fosters a sense of belonging and cultivates social relationships. I remember the days when I was a local in my hometown, I would frown upon immigrants who insisted on speaking their language to local service staff, walking the wrong side of the road, and refusing to accept our social norms. These memories are engraved in my mind, and when I became a newcomer in the UK, I reminded myself not to replicate the behaviours I once disapproved of.
To integrate does not necessarily mean to erase our original identity, it just helps us earn respect, and we can certainly retain our culture while adapting to a new environment. With that being said, if what Starmer expects from immigrants is for them to speak perfect English and secure a high-profile job, that is not what I call ‘integration’. Integrating into society means caring about local news and affairs, building social connections in the community, and appreciating the host culture, which cannot be quantified or graded.
The UK has started to promote multiculturalism over the past few decades. More schools educate about international festivals like Lunar New Year and Eid, and there are more large-scale events celebrating foreign cultures. Leicester City Council has been organising Diwali celebrations since 1983, Newcastle Mela promotes South Asian arts, music, and food since 1993, and The famous German Oktoberfest has been celebrated in the UK since 2011, to name but a few. A progressive society should take pride in its diversity, but the recent white paper looks like an attempt to narrow it. For a country to improve, it is vital to allow varied perspectives, and immigrants bring that to the table. Limiting immigration routes means limiting diversity, which is a step backwards, and it does no good but harm to the country.
Words by Megan Wong
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