Should the government continue tightening work, family and returns rules to cut net migration?

Since May 2025 the government has closed the Skilled Worker route for social care, barred many middle-skilled roles from visas and dependants, restricted refugee family reunion and lengthened settlement waits. It has also pledged to resume returns to Syria, accelerate appeals, trial £10,000 voluntary-return payments and limit human-rights claims. The Migration Advisory Committee has been asked to link skills policy with immigration controls, but the net effect on migrant numbers remains uncertain.