Shabana Mahmood is poised to caution that the lack of control over borders is diminishing public trust in politicians and undermining the authority of the government.
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 combat criminal organizations exploiting the Western Balkans as a key route for human and drug trafficking.
According to the Home Office, nearly 22,000 individuals were trafficked through the region in 2024, enriching criminal syndicates profiting from human suffering and jeopardizing lives.
Ms. Mahmood is anticipated to collaborate 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 control who enters and exits their countries. She will highlight the current lack of border management in the UK and other nations as a significant issue eroding trust in political leadership and the state’s credibility.
In related news, a recent legislation introduced in Parliament mandates migrants to attain A-level proficiency in English to work in the UK. Applicants through specific channels must demonstrate A-level equivalent skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing by taking a Home Office-approved Secure English Language Test as part of their visa application process.
This move is part of Labour’s Immigration White Paper, aiming to tighten visa regulations. Other proposed changes include reducing the period for international students to secure a graduate-level job post-studies 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 organizations. The raised funds will be reinvested in training the UK’s workforce.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized the importance of migrants learning the English language to contribute effectively to the national life of the UK. She stated that while the country welcomes contributors, it is imperative for migrants to integrate by learning the language and actively participating in society.