Successive governments have tried unsuccessfully to reduce net migration, which is the number of people coming to the UK minus the number leaving.
Net migration climbed to a record 906,000 in June 2023, and last year it stood at 728,000.
Sir Keir argued the proposals bring the immigration system “back into control”, and said the new plans, which tackle legal migration to the UK, would ensure a “selective” and “fair” system, where “we decide who comes to this country”.
A sponsorship visa for carers is a type of skilled worker visa that allows overseas nationals to work in UK adult social care roles under a licensed employer.
Mukesh, from India, came to the UK in 2022 as a dependent of his wife, who was a student at the time.
He later obtained a sponsorship visa to work in care, which is due for renewal in September.
“We don’t know what to do next. It feels like we’re being punished for doing everything right,” Mukesh, who lives in Cardiff, said.
“We didn’t come here illegally. We pay all our taxes and follow all the rules, but still feel punished.”