UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a move to end Britain’s open border policy with stringent visa rules and a compulsory English test for all applicants.

Mr Starmer, in a statement circulated on X, listed measures contained in the UK’s immigration white paper published on Monday aimed at “fixing Britain’s open border experiment” and border control.

“We’re ending Britain’s open borders experiment. We’re fixing the system and restoring control to our borders,” Mr Starmer said.

The measures include “increasing the Immigration Skills Charge paid by employers when employing overseas workers” and “raising English language requirements across every main immigration route, ensuring those wishing to live and work here speak English.”

Also, the time required for an immigrant to settle and acquire citizenship has increased from five to 10 years.

“We’re introducing a new contributions-based model to settlement and citizenship. Extending the length of time a person needs to live in the UK from five to 10 years, with reductions for those who contribute to the economy. Settlement in the UK is a privilege, not a right,” said the UK prime minister.

In addition to “permanently shutting down the care visa route,” Mr Starmer said his government is initiating a digital ID card and eVisas to enable security agencies to deport immigrants staying in the UK illegally.

“We’re rolling out Digital IDs and eVisas for all overseas citizens.
Making it easier for immigration enforcement officers to track down and take action against those who try to stay here illegally,” Mr Starmer said.

The development comes barely three days after Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch called for the adoption of a “deportation bill,” raising the alarm on the possibility of two million immigrants claiming Britain’s citizenship next year.

On Monday, Ms Badenoch expressed doubt in Mr Starmer’s latest position in a post on X.

Posting a video of Mr Starmer speaking on immigration in the past, Ms Badenoch asked, “Can you trust this man?”