How can the UK restore public confidence in its immigration system while meeting economic demands and fulfilling legal obligations?

Immigration continues to dominate political and public discourse in the UK. In 2023, net migration reached 685,000, prompting the government to publish the Restoring Control Over the Immigration System white paper in 2025, outlining a tougher and more targeted approach. With reforms to skilled worker routes, student visas, and asylum processing, the UK seeks to reduce dependency on overseas labour, deter irregular migration, and restore trust in the system. At the same time, sectors such as health and social care remain heavily reliant on migrant workers, while legal and ethical concerns surrounding deportation policies and human rights continue to mount.

Balancing public sentiment, economic needs, and legal responsibility is a complex task. Key challenges include managing the impact of reduced migration on essential services, ensuring compliance and fairness in legal migration routes, and supporting local authorities responsible for housing and integrating new arrivals.

The Institute of Government & Public Policy has earned a reputation for delivering insightful and thought-provoking public policy and government affairs conferences. Feedback from previous events has been overwhelmingly positive. Attendees praised the engaging speakers and informative sessions, solidifying the conference's reputation for delivering valuable insights.

Join the Institute of Government & Public Policy at the online Future of UK Immigration, which will bring together policymakers, legal experts, frontline practitioners, and community leaders to unpack the implications of the white paper, share practical solutions, and build a path toward a more transparent, fair, and sustainable immigration system.