Alp Mehmet, Chairman of Migration Watch UK, told the press: 'The government's proposals will likely lead to immigration going up further.'
Although low-skilled numbers may fall, officials predict a rise in the number of skilled migrants coming to the UK from 2021
Migration Watch UK said the changes could result in numbers soaring.
The Home Office has previously said the flight was 'specifically for removing foreign criminals'.
Dr Ben Greening, director of Migration Watch UK, said the proposals amounted to 'a significant loosening' of the rules around Tier 2 migration.