TO BE PUBLISHED July 2025
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This conference will examine next steps for immigration policy in the UK.
It will be an opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to assess proposals in the forthcoming Immigration White Paper, expected to be published shortly setting out Government’s plans to reduce migration. We expect the agenda to bring out latest thinking on next steps for the points-based system and visas, key considerations for employers, workforce planning and the higher education sector, as well as border security.
Sessions will draw on findings on immigration trends and priorities for the Migration Advisory Committee in developing guidance on a joined-up approach to reducing net migration, with the Government providing further resources to the Committee to support its role in developing an evidence-based approach to shifting the balance from international to domestic workforce recruitment in the UK.
Delegates will consider strategic approaches to improving training for UK citizens as a way to reduce net migration, with the MAC finding in its 2024 annual report that home-grown workers are not always direct substitutes, and that employers may continue to look for what they regard as the most suitable candidates. Approaches for coordination of joint working will be discussed, including between the MAC, government departments and bodies such as Skills England and the Industrial Strategy Council. The overall impact on reducing net migration on the wider UK economy and economic growth will also be considered.
We also expect discussion on the impact of changes to immigration rules and how the potential impact on key sectors can be addressed, including health and social care, with Government recently announcing that from the 9th April care providers who want to recruit from overseas will have to first prove that they have tried to recruit workers in England who need sponsorship.
Those attending will also focus on the impact of immigration reform on higher education financial sustainability, looking at the attractiveness of the UK as a destination for international students, with discussion on challenges for student recruitment and university funding, and the way forward for addressing dependence on international student fees.
Further sessions will examine wider policy proposals, including the recent introduction of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which proposes new criminal offences aimed at tackling immigration-related crime and gangs, and strengthening border security. Those attending will assess implications of proposals in the Bill on immigrants and the wider asylum system, with discussion on priorities and practicalities for addressing immigration-related crime, with concerns from some that measures in the Bill could lead to an increase in the number of refugees being prosecuted.
Overall, areas for discussion include:
- policy: forthcoming White Paper and next steps for immigration reform - potential changes to the points-based system - priorities for the MAC, Skills England, and the ISC
- eVisas: transitioning to a fully digital immigration system - impact on migrants, employers, and public services - access and usability - addressing potential barriers for the digitally disadvantaged
- economic factors: implications of rising visa and naturalisation fees - visa category changes and impact on sector workforce planning - considerations for businesses and education adaptation
- workforce planning: coordinating immigration policy with domestic skills strategies - priorities for Skills England and other bodies in upskilling and reducing reliance on migrant labour
- labour market: addressing implications for sectors such as health and social care, hospitality, and IT - domestic workforce development priorities - planning for reduced reliance on migrant labour
- higher education: UK attractiveness as a destination for international students - challenges for student recruitment and university funding - addressing dependence on international student fees
- border security: priorities for managing borders and controlling migration - effectiveness of enforcement policies - balancing security with human rights considerations
- modern slavery: impact of reforms on protections against modern slavery - latest thinking on tackling exploitation in high-risk sectors - safeguarding vulnerable migrants and asylum seekers
- integration: impact of immigration policies on community cohesion and access to healthcare, housing, and education - addressing barriers to support - ensuring effective welfare provision
- alternative approaches for policy: considering non-UK approaches - assessing potential options for greater flexibility and responsiveness in the immigration framework
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those due to attend include officials from the Home Office; MAC; DBT; DSIT; DfE; and DCEDIY, ROI.
