In a recent statement, the UK Home Secretary confirmed the government’s commitment to implementing a wave of new restrictions on immigration, aiming to reduce overall levels of legal immigration into the country. These measures, initially announced in December, include substantial increases in the minimum wage required for obtaining a visa.
Outlined by the Home Office on Tuesday, the upcoming changes are as follows:
1. Restrictions On Care Workers: Beginning March 11, care workers will face limitations on bringing family members to the UK. Care providers sponsoring migrants will also be required to register with the Care Quality Commission.
2. Skilled Worker Visa Minimum Salary Increase: From April 4, the minimum salary for individuals arriving on a skilled worker visa will rise significantly from £26,200 to £38,700.
3. Family Visa Minimum Income Threshold: Starting April 11, the minimum income threshold for individuals bringing dependents to the UK on family visas will undergo a staged increase. Workers must earn at least £29,000 annually, up from the previous £18,600.
The government has not yet specified when the income threshold will surpass £29,000.
These proposals faced initial backlash when introduced by Home Secretary James Cleverly, with concerns raised about their impact on British professionals, such as teachers, police officers, and junior doctors, who might struggle to meet the new salary restrictions.
Addressing the changes, Mr. Cleverly emphasised the government’s commitment to reducing migration to sustainable levels and described the approach as firm yet fair. He highlighted the need for action to alleviate pressure on public services and protect British workers.
In response to uncertainty surrounding existing immigrants and families earning below the new threshold, the Home Office clarified that applications already submitted would be assessed under the previous rules.
The announcement coincides with projections from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), suggesting that the UK population could reach nearly 74 million by 2036, with net migration contributing approximately six million people. These figures are based on current and past trends and remain subject to potential policy changes and unknown migration behaviour patterns.
