The Home Secretary has announced a plan to cut migration levels in the United Kingdom. These proposals will mean around 300,000 people who migrated to the UK last year would now not be able to enter the UK under the new rules. These proposals include:
- Workers on a Health and Care visa will no longer be able to bring dependents to the UK.
- Skilled workers earning requirement will increase to £38,700. The Health and Social Care visa is exempt from this requirement.
- The government will end the 20% going-rate salary discount for shortage occupations.
- The minimum income requirement for family visas was initially set to increase from £18,600 to £38,700. However, in a more recent announcement, the Home Secretary has announced that the minimum income requirement is to be raised to £29,000 in Spring 2024, before being raised incrementally to £38,700 at a later date. It is our understanding that the increased minimum income requirement will not affect those already on the route. When these changes come into force, there will no longer be any additional allowances for children.
- The Migration Advisory Committee will be asked to review the Graduate visa route to ensure it works in the best interest for the UK and to prevent abuse of this route.
If you would like any advice or assistance regarding the effect of these changes then please do not hesitate to contact one of the experienced solicitors in our immigration team.
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