Shabana Mahmood will caution that the lack of control over borders is undermining public trust in politicians and the integrity of the state. The Home Secretary will advocate for a coordinated international effort to address illegal migration, as she convenes 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 groups at the expense of vulnerable lives. 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 have the ability to regulate entry and exit from their countries, highlighting the current shortcomings in border management across nations. Mahmood stressed that disarray in border control not only impacts political leaders but also undermines the state’s credibility.
In related news, a recent legislation introduced in Parliament mandates that migrants must attain an A-level proficiency in English to work in the UK. Applicants following specific legal pathways will need to demonstrate proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing through a Home Office-approved Secure English Language Test as part of the visa application process.
The revised regulations, effective from January 2027, are part of the Labour Party’s Immigration White Paper, which includes reducing the post-study work visa duration for international students from two years to 18 months. Additionally, the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) imposed on employers sponsoring skilled foreign workers will increase to £480 per person annually for small or charitable organizations and £1,320 for medium and large enterprises.
The raised ISC funds will be reinvested in training the domestic workforce. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized the importance of migrants integrating into society by learning the language and actively participating in the nation’s development.
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