Introduction
In developing immigration law news, the Home Secretary James Cleverly and the government are expected to announce a new package of measures with an aim to reduce net migration to the UK. These changes raising the salary requirements for employers of Skilled Workers. They are currently standing at £26,200 (as per occupation codes). This requirement is expected to raise to somewhere in the region of £35,000-£38,000. There is also an expectation that the government will increase the minimum income required for a British citizen to bring a spouse or dependent into the UK on a family visa. This requirement currently sits at £18,600.
Health & Social Care Visas
In addition to these changes, there it is also expected that the government will amend their stance on health and social care visas. This comes not only with plans to increase the salary requirements for this type of application, but also plans to limit the number of dependents foreign health and social care visa holders can bring to the UK. This follows previously expressed plans for similar dependent limitations for people entering the UK on student visas. These changes will come into effect from January 2024.
Response and Reasoning
Concerns have been expressed by general secretary of Unison, one of the UK’s largest trade unions, and NHS Employers. Namely, that these measures could worsen both workforce crisis in the NHS, and their ongoing issues regarding waiting lists. However, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak states that figures for net migration are “too high” and that he would “do what is necessary” to reduce them. In 2022, net migration hit a record 745,000 according to an official estimate. This is despite the Conservatives’ aims to reduce both legal and illegal migration.
We will keep you updated with any developments in this story as they come. Contact Alison Law If you are wondering about applying for yourself or a dependent. Our highly-experienced team can provide a consultation and ensure your application goes in with the highest chance of success. Find out more here
