Important information for South Africans looking to move to the UK

The United Kingdom’s 2025 immigration White Paper outlines significant changes for any South Africans looking to settle and become residents in the country.

This includes a host of tighter controls over skills and language levels, as well as significantly longer wait times before potential expats can qualify for a permanent stay.

According to migration specialists, Sable International, the reforms will significantly impact how businesses in the UK hire from overseas, manage compliance, and retain foreign workers.

“While these are not yet law, they signal the government’s direction and are likely to become policy,” it said.

Key changes include an overhaul of important visas, like skilled worker visas, which many South Africans use to find a new home in the UK.

One of the biggest changes is that the threshold for a Skilled Worker role will be raised from a graduate Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) level of RQF 3 to RQF 6.

For South Africans, this means moving from having a diploma or UK A-level equivalent to needing a degree or a degree with honours to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa.

English proficiency requirements will also be increased from A1 (basic or elementary) level to an A2 (pre-intermediate) level.

Should the policies become law, around 180 currently qualifying job roles will be removed from the eligible occupations list, narrowing options for potential expats.

This will also result in salary thresholds increasing accordingly.

One positive aspect of the proposed changes is that individuals currently in the UK under the existing Skilled Worker visa rules will not be affected by the new rules.

Another glimmer of hope is that the white paper proposes adding a new Temporary Shortage List (TSL), which will be created for jobs at lower RQF levels (3 to 5).

This will give time-limited access to the points-based system, Sable said.

However, the group noted that TSL roles may face caps, time limits and restrictions on dependents. Also, only sectors critical to the UK’s industrial strategy or infrastructure will be included.

“In future, RQF level 6 roles may also face restrictions if there is evidence of over-reliance on overseas workers,” it added.

Sable added that the Immigration Skills Charge is also set to increase for the first time since 2017, rising by 32% to reflect inflation.

Currently, the charge is £364 per year for small or charitable sponsors and £1,000 per year for medium or large sponsors.

Routes to residency are getting tighter

Another piece of bad news for South Africans who are looking for residency for themselves and their families is that they will also be cut off or made more difficult with the new rules.

“An updated family migration policy will be introduced by the end of 2025 to apply to all UK residents, including British citizens, settled individuals, work visa holders and refugees,” Sable said.

Financial requirements will be reviewed and extended to more dependent routes. This is to ensure families can support themselves without relying on public funds.

“Applicants will need to meet English language requirements to support community integration. This will include clear relationship criteria to ensure only genuine relationships qualify, with safeguards against forced marriage and support for domestic abuse victims,” the group said.

Indefinite leave to remain (ILR), or permanent residency, will be integrated into the points-based system with a standard 10-year qualification period. This is up from the current 5-year period.

To qualify for permanent residence in the UK, you need to:

• Pass the Life in the UK Test
• Prove your proficiency in English
• Be of good character
• Meet the residential and income requirements

The Life in the UK test will undergo a review under the new policy, Sable said, and citizenship will also move under the points-based system, with longer qualifying periods and faster routes for high contributors.

“Spouses of British citizens will still be eligible for ILR after five years, if they meet compliance requirements,” it noted.

“The ILR timeframe may be shortened for individuals who make significant contributions to the UK economy and society, with further consultation planned for late 2025.”