Shabana Mahmood is poised to caution that the lack of control over borders is diminishing public trust in politicians and the integrity of the state. The Home Secretary will advocate for a coordinated international effort to address illegal migration. This call to action coincides with a meeting with European counterparts to address the use of the Western Balkans by criminal organizations for human and drug trafficking.
According to the Home Office, nearly 22,000 individuals were trafficked through the region in 2024, enriching criminal groups at the expense of human suffering and lives at risk. Mahmood is set to meet with ministers from various European countries, including Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, France, Greece, and Italy.
She will emphasize the public’s expectation that governments should regulate who enters and exits their countries, a task that currently falls short in many nations. Mahmood stressed that disorder at borders not only undermines trust in political leaders but also challenges the credibility of the state itself.
In a related development, a new legislation presented in Parliament mandates migrants to attain an A-level standard in English proficiency to work in the UK. Applicants following specific legal channels must demonstrate proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing equivalent to A-level requirements. They will need to undergo a Secure English Language Test administered by an approved provider designated by the Home Office.
These language proficiency results will be scrutinized as part of the visa application process. The initiative forms part of Labour’s Immigration White Paper, which also includes reducing the post-study work period for international students from two years to 18 months.
Effective January 2027, the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) levied on employers sponsoring skilled foreign workers will increase from £364 to £480 per person annually for small or charitable organizations, and from £1,000 to £1,320 for medium and large entities. The generated funds from this charge will be reinvested in training the local workforce.
Shabana Mahmood emphasized the importance of migrants learning the English language and actively contributing to the national development of the UK. She stated that while the country welcomes those who make positive contributions, it is unacceptable for migrants to reside without integrating into the cultural fabric by learning the language and engaging in societal progress.