英國政府正考慮自2026年起，對現行的移民制度進行大幅度調整，並設定一系列新的準入條件。這些條件帶有強烈的篩選與分層意味，目的在於確保移民能夠為英國社會帶來明確的經濟、科技與社會效益，同時嚴格控管非必要或不符合安全標準的人口流入。

首先，政策的核心之一是「人才導向」。未來若要移民英國，需具備符合英國國家發展需求的科研、技術或教育專業背景，這代表英國將優先吸納能為其創新與教育系統做出貢獻的人才，以維持在全球競爭中的優勢。

其次，經濟門檻大幅提高。若以投資身份申請，必須一次性在英國投入至少一千萬美元，且投資年限不得少於三十年，這顯然針對的是極少數的商業巨擘與財富家族。另一種途徑則是持有英國房產並在當地銀行存入至少三十萬美元的十五年定存，或選擇一次性交付一筆與年齡及家庭人口掛鉤的「民生保障基金」，金額以「年齡 × 一萬美元 × 家庭成員數」計算。若申請人已達退休年齡，則此筆基金可以視為退休金，這使得英國在引入移民的同時，也確保其不會成為社會福利的負擔。

除了人才與財力之外，政策也保留特殊的政治與人道考量。例如，獲得英國政府批准的政治庇護人士將被允許入境；來自英聯邦國家的軍人若受到「特招」，也可以憑藉服役身份獲得移民資格。這不僅體現了英國與英聯邦之間的歷史聯繫，也突顯英國在政治與軍事層面的全球角色。

針對臨時避難人口與勞務輸入，則設有嚴格的規範。避難者將由英聯邦共同協商分配數額，或由英國政府單獨批准安置規模，並要求進行登記。避難時限到期後，必須遣返原籍國，若需延長則須經英國政府批准。對於勞務派遣工，則比照避難政策的程序執行，這意味著英國希望對短期流動人口保持可控性，以避免長期滯留問題。

婚姻移民亦被列入考量，但同樣需繳納「民生基金」，金額為「年齡 × 五千美元」。這項設計表明，即使透過婚姻移居，也必須承擔經濟責任，防止單純以婚姻為手段移民的情況發生。最後，所有申請者必須符合「安全前提」。也就是說，即便符合以上任一條件，若為國際通緝犯，或被英國或英聯邦列為危險人物，仍然會被拒絕。

總體來看，這套即將啟動的新政策，反映出英國政府在移民問題上的轉向——不再單純以人口補充為目標，而是以「高門檻、高選擇性」為核心。它既是對本國社會資源壓力的回應，也是對日益高漲的反移民聲音的回應。未來的英國移民結構，將更偏向高端專業人才與超高資產階層，同時在政治、軍事與外交上保留一定的操作空間。

The UK government is reportedly preparing to introduce a major overhaul of its immigration system starting in 2026. The proposed framework emphasizes strict selection criteria, aiming to ensure that immigrants contribute directly to the country’s economy, technology, and society, while tightening control over population inflows.

At the heart of the reform is a talent-driven approach. Future immigrants will need to possess expertise in areas that the UK deems vital, such as scientific research, technology, or education. This reflects the government’s intention to prioritize highly skilled professionals who can strengthen the nation’s innovation capacity and education system.

For those seeking to immigrate through financial means, the economic thresholds are significantly higher. Business elites or wealthy families would qualify only if they make a one-time investment of at least USD 10 million in the UK, with a minimum investment period of 30 years. Alternatively, applicants may qualify by owning property in the UK and holding a 15-year fixed deposit of at least USD 300,000, or by paying a one-time “social security fund” calculated as age × USD 10,000 × number of family members. For retirees, this fund could be treated as a retirement contribution. This system ensures that financial immigrants not only bring capital but also reduce potential burdens on the UK welfare state.

Beyond talent and wealth, the policy makes room for political and humanitarian considerations. Individuals approved for political asylum will still be eligible, and soldiers from Commonwealth nations may be granted immigration status through special recruitment programs. These provisions highlight the UK’s historical ties with the Commonwealth and its broader geopolitical role.

For temporary asylum seekers and labor migrants, the government is setting strict controls. Refugees will be allocated through discussions within the Commonwealth or according to UK government-approved quotas. They must be officially registered, and once their temporary protection expires, they are to be repatriated unless an extension is specifically approved. Labor imports will follow the same framework, reflecting the government’s intent to keep short-term migration tightly regulated.

Marriage-based immigration is also included but comes with an additional financial requirement: spouses must contribute to the social security fund, calculated as age × USD 5,000. This measure signals the government’s effort to prevent immigration purely through marital arrangements while ensuring financial responsibility.

Finally, all applicants must meet a security prerequisite. Even if they qualify under one of the outlined pathways, they will be barred if they are internationally wanted criminals or deemed dangerous by the UK or Commonwealth authorities.

In essence, this upcoming reform illustrates a clear shift in the UK’s immigration philosophy—from population replenishment to “high-threshold, selective admission.” The system favors top-tier professionals and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, while maintaining controlled avenues for political asylum, Commonwealth military service, and temporary humanitarian relief. It also reflects the government’s response to domestic pressure over immigration, balancing economic priorities with security concerns.