The Home Secretary announced various changes as a part of a ‘five-point plan’ to reduce net migration to the UK. These changes will come into force in Spring 2024.
The business immigration changes include:
- The minimum salary for skilled workers will increase by almost 50% from £26,200 to £38,700 – care workers are exempt from the salary increase
- Care workers will no longer be able to bring family dependents (partner and children) to the UK
- Care providers sponsoring workers will need to be regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
- An end to the 20% reduction in minimum salary for shortage occupations (to a minimum threshold of £20,960) – it is unclear if any salary reductions will remain for PhD graduates and ‘new entrants’
- The shortage occupation list will be reviewed
- The graduate visa route will be reviewed
The family immigration changes include:
- The minimum income requirement for family visas for spouses of British citizens and people settled in the UK will increase to £38,700
The proposed changes have already received widespread criticism for their effects on families, businesses and entire sectors of the UK economy.
If your or your business may be affected by these changes, contact our friendly team for advice and assistance.