英国为何竖起“移民高墙”？

Core Viewpoint - The UK government has implemented strict "anti-immigration" policies, significantly increasing the difficulty of obtaining work visas and extending the residency requirement for permanent residency from 5 years to 10 years [1][3]. Immigration Policy Changes - The key change in the immigration policy is the extension of the time required to obtain permanent residency from 5 years to 10 years [3]. - The immigration skills charge paid by employers for foreign employees will increase by 32% [3]. - The costs for large companies sponsoring foreign employees for a 3-year skilled worker visa will rise to £6,064, an increase of £1,300 compared to previous measures [3]. Visa Application Requirements - The threshold for skilled worker visa applicants will be raised from RQF 3 (equivalent to A-level) to RQF 6 (university degree level), disqualifying approximately 180 job positions [4]. - The number of low-skilled work visas issued surged by 72% to 27,900 in 2023, primarily in the hospitality sector [4]. Student Visa Regulations - The number of student visas issued by universities ranked between 601 and 1200 increased by 49%, while those from the top 100 universities decreased by 7% [7]. - The post-study work visa duration will be reduced from 2 years to 18 months [7]. - The government plans to impose a 6% tax on income from international students for UK universities [7]. English Language Proficiency - New requirements mandate that immigrants applying for visa extensions or settlement must demonstrate improved English proficiency [8]. Opposition and Concerns - Critics argue that the government's tightening of immigration policies may further the agenda of right-wing populism in the UK [10]. - Concerns have been raised regarding the financial impact on universities, with predictions of budget deficits and challenges in competing for global talent [10].