What is Boriswave in the UK? When Was It Introduced and What’s Its Progress in 2025?

And explore Boriswave’s impact on the migrant crisis, immigration policies, and borders in the UK. Get the latest 2025 updates and visa benefits for migrants.

Introduction

The UK's immigration policies have been a hot topic for years. One of the most significant shifts was the so-called ‘Boriswave’, a term used to describe the massive immigration surge under Boris Johnson’s government. But what exactly is Boriswave? How did it come into effect, and what’s its status in 2025? Let’s explore these questions and understand how this impacts migrants, immigration policies, and UK borders.

1. What is Boriswave?

The term Boriswave refers to the substantial increase in immigration that took place during Boris Johnson’s tenure as UK Prime Minister. His government introduced policies that made it easier for non-EU migrants to move to the UK, resulting in a significant influx of workers and families.

uk-government-immigration-restrictions

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2. When Was Boriswave Introduced?

Boriswave began in 2020, shortly after Brexit was finalized. With the UK no longer following EU free movement rules, Johnson’s government implemented a new points-based immigration system that relaxed restrictions on non-EU migrants.

3. Which Government Introduced Boriswave?

The Conservative government under Boris Johnson initiated Boriswave. It was part of the party’s post-Brexit vision to attract skilled workers while maintaining control over immigration. However, the policy had unintended consequences, leading to a surge in migration beyond what was expected.

4. Why Did Immigration Surge Under Boriswave?

Several factors contributed to this rise:

  1. Lowered salary thresholds made it easier for migrants to qualify.
  2. Removal of caps on non-EU workers increased migration numbers.
  3. New social care visas allowed thousands of workers to enter the UK without strict limitations.

5. Boriswave and the Points-Based Immigration System

The points-based system was meant to attract ‘the best and brightest’ workers, but in reality, many migrants arriving under Boriswave were in low-wage sectors, increasing the strain on public resources.

6. Who Benefited from Boriswave?

  1. Employers in sectors like health and social care saw a boost in workforce numbers.
  2. Migrant workers found it easier to enter and settle in the UK.
  3. Universities welcomed more international students due to relaxed visa policies.

7. How Did Boriswave Impact UK Borders?

While legal migration increased, border control challenges also rose. The UK saw:

  1. Higher demands for housing and public services.
  2. Concerns over illegal migration.
  3. Strains on the NHS and welfare system.

8. Current Status of Boriswave in 2025

By 2025, the UK government, now led by Keir Starmer, has acknowledged that the open-border experiment was a mistake. Policies are being revised to limit the long-term effects of Boriswave migrants becoming eligible for benefits and housing.

9. What Changes Are Being Proposed?

The government is considering:

  1. Doubling the eligibility period for ILR from 5 to 10 years.
  2. Preventing criminals and benefit claimants from obtaining ILR.
  3. Capping visa numbers to control net migration.

10. Can Boriswave Migrants Get Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

Yes, under current laws, Boriswave migrants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years. However, this might change if new policies extend the ILR period to ten years.

11. What Type of Visas Provide Benefits Under Boriswave?

Migrants who came under the following visas received benefits:

  1. Skilled Worker Visa
  2. Health and Care Worker Visa
  3. Family Visa
  4. Graduate Visa

12. Challenges of Managing the Migrant Crisis

  1. Economic strain due to rising public service demands.
  2. Public backlash against high migration numbers.
  3. Political division on how to control immigration effectively.

13. How Are Politicians Responding to Boriswave?

While some Conservative politicians regret Boriswave, others, like Priti Patel, still defend it. The Labour government under Starmer is focusing on tightening immigration policies to reduce long-term impacts.

14. Future of UK Immigration Policies

The UK is expected to:

  1. Increase migration control measures.
  2. Reassess visa eligibility requirements.
  3. Implement a stricter ILR process.

15. Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Boriswave significantly changed UK immigration. While it allowed more workers to enter, it also created economic and social challenges. With policy changes in progress, the UK aims to balance the benefits of migration with the need for stricter control.

FAQs

1. What is Boriswave?

Boriswave refers to the large immigration wave triggered by Boris Johnson’s relaxed immigration policies post-Brexit.

2. When will Boriswave migrants be eligible for ILR?

Under current laws, Boriswave migrants will start becoming eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in 2026.

3. What changes are proposed for ILR eligibility?

The government is considering extending ILR eligibility from five years to ten years and restricting access for certain groups.

4. Which visas were affected by Boriswave?

The Skilled Worker Visa, Health and Care Worker Visa, Family Visa, and Graduate Visa were among those impacted.

5. How does the UK plan to control immigration in 2025?

The UK government plans to introduce visa caps, extend ILR eligibility periods, and tighten immigration rules to control long-term migration effects.