A debate to improve the UK’s visa system is going ahead in Westminster today, led by MP Blake Stephenson. In a report, published in March, Stephenson concluded the system was entirely “unfit” for purpose with legal migration “out of control”.
The government is responsible for facilitating legal visa pathways from entering the UK on a study visa, work visa, family or humanitarian visa. After 5 years, most people either in a long-term relationship with a Briton or on a skilled worker sponsored visa, can apply for indefinite leave to remain.
In the year to March 2026, the Home Office issued 779,000 visas, recording a low net migration of around 171,000 compared to 2012.
The debate will define the visa criteria and how to create a beneficial visa system for the UK, which corrects loopholes missed in previous immigration reform.
The report recommends 30 action points to make the pass criteria for visas stricter.
