UAE residents planning to migrate to the United Kingdom are facing stricter entry conditions as the UK government rolls out a series of immigration reforms effective from July 22, 2025. The changes are part of a broader strategy aimed at reducing net migration, and they introduce tougher requirements for skilled workers, students, care workers, and even short-term visitors.
One of the major changes is the reduction of job categories eligible for the UK Skilled Worker visa. Previously, roles classified at RQF Level 3 and above (including mid-skilled jobs like technicians and assistants) were eligible. Now, only graduate-level roles (RQF Level 6 and higher) will be considered. This effectively eliminates many service and support-level positions from the eligibility list.
In addition to narrowing the scope of job roles, the UK government has also raised the salary thresholds for visa applicants. The minimum salary requirement for Skilled Worker visas has increased from £38,700 to £41,700. Certain exceptions apply for jobs on shortage occupation lists or for new graduates, but most applicants will find the new salary rules significantly more stringent.
Employers, too, are affected. The Immigration Skills Charge, a fee employers must pay to sponsor a foreign worker, has been increased by 32%. This aims to encourage companies to invest in local talent rather than relying on international recruitment.
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One of the most impactful reforms involves the closure of the overseas recruitment pathway for care workers. From July 22, 2025, care workers will no longer be eligible to apply for visas under the Skilled Worker route. This is a significant blow to many applicants from the UAE and other countries who have previously used this route to gain employment and residence in the UK.
Those who are already in the UK on a care worker visa are not affected immediately and will be allowed to extend or switch sponsors until July 2028. However, the door has now closed for new applicants looking to enter the UK in this sector.
The UK government has also announced that immigrants will now need to spend ten years in the country before they can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), doubling the previous five-year requirement. The change applies across most visa categories and is part of a long-term approach to tighten residency and citizenship rules.
This policy will significantly impact those planning a permanent move, especially families and professionals who previously based their plans around the five-year timeline.
For international students, new visa restrictions are also in place. The post-study work period has been reduced to 18 months from the previous two years. Moreover, restrictions have been introduced on the ability of student visa holders to bring dependents with them, especially for non-research-based courses.
English language proficiency requirements are also being tightened across all visa categories. These stricter measures are designed to ensure better integration and job market readiness, according to UK authorities.
Even for UAE residents planning a short visit to the UK, new rules apply. Starting in 2025, all travelers from visa-exempt countries — including the UAE — will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before boarding their flights. The ETA is a digital travel permit similar to systems used in the United States and Canada.
This requirement will apply to tourists, business visitors, and transit passengers staying less than six months. While the ETA is a relatively simple application, it must be submitted at least 72 hours in advance and carries a processing fee. Not obtaining the ETA could result in denied boarding or entry upon arrival.
For many in the UAE who had considered the UK an accessible destination for employment or study, the latest reforms signal a shift toward a more closed immigration system. Professionals seeking skilled visas will now need to ensure their job role meets the graduate-level standard and that the salary offered is compliant with the new minimum thresholds.
Care workers, who once had a reliable entry path into the UK workforce, must now look elsewhere unless already sponsored within the country. Students will face greater scrutiny and tighter timelines, and even tourists must take extra steps before visiting.
Migration experts advise all UAE residents considering a move to the UK to reassess their options and timelines. Those who meet the current visa criteria should consider applying before further changes are introduced. For others, it may be worth consulting with legal professionals or exploring alternative migration pathways.
The UK’s immigration reforms reflect a global trend of nations tightening their borders in response to political and economic pressures. For now, however, those in the UAE with hopes of building a life in the UK must prepare for a longer, more complex, and more competitive journey ahead.
