The UK Home Secretary James Cleverly announced a new five-point plan to limit net migration to the UK on 4 December 2023. It will come into force in Spring 2024 and several key provisions will be brought in to apply to UK employers, employees, and international students. The changes that are proposed and how they might affect you can be found here in a simplified form.
Why is the Government Introducing a Five-Point Plan?
The British government has been under pressure to slow immigration which is unchecked but high. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported net migration to the UK was 672,000 for the year to June 2023, as of July. This was a slight drop from 745,000 in December 2022, but still a great deal higher than the government’s goal.
The government has a general election scheduled in 2024, and it wants to make sure that it does something about this and stops the number of migrations. This is the five-point plan.
What Are The Big Updates on the Five-Point Plan?
- No Dependants for Care Workers
The government suggests preventing overseas care workers from coming to the UK with their dependents (spouses and children). It’s a move to reduce the amount of family visas granted to health and care professionals. The number of health and care worker visas issued was more than 100,000 in 2023, and 120,000 for dependants. That provision should shift attention to recruiting more housemaids into care work. However, it could hinder the recruitment of care employers as a new policy would make it obligatory for all care companies registered in England under the Care Quality Commission to sponsor foreign staff.
- Increase in Minimum Salary for Skilled Worker Visas
Starting in Spring 2024, the minimum salary for Skilled Worker visa applicants will rise from £26,200 to £38,700 per year. This increase aims to bring the salary requirement in line with the median wage for skilled jobs. However, health and care workers will be exempt from this increase, as will those on national pay scales (e.g., teachers). This rise in salary thresholds, combined with a planned increase in the immigration health surcharge, will make it more expensive for UK employers to hire workers from abroad. - Changes to the Shortage Occupation List
The government plans to end the 20% reduction in the salary requirement for workers in jobs on the shortage occupation list. Additionally, the Migration Advisory Committee is reviewing the list of shortage occupations and will update the roles and associated salary requirements. This change could affect businesses relying on overseas workers for roles in sectors facing staff shortages, such as healthcare and engineering. - Increase in Minimum Income for Family Visas
For family visa applications, the minimum income threshold will increase by over 200%. From Spring 2024, UK sponsors will need to show an income of at least £29,000 to bring a family member to the UK. This will rise to £34,500 in 2025 and ultimately to £38,700. This is a significant increase from the current £18,600 requirement. The government argues that this increase is necessary since the income requirement has not changed since 2012. However, this will make it more difficult for many people to bring their family members to the UK, especially for those with lower incomes. - Review of the Graduate Visa Route
The government has asked the Migration Advisory Committee to review the graduate visa route, which allows overseas students who complete a degree in the UK to stay and work for up to two years. The aim is to prevent misuse of the system and protect the integrity of the UK’s higher education sector. This review could result in changes that might affect the ability of international students to stay and work in the UK after completing their studies, potentially impacting both universities and employers who rely on skilled international graduates.
What Will the Impact Be?
The government expects the five-point plan to reduce net migration by around 300,000 people. While this may be seen as a success for the government, the measures could have far-reaching consequences for UK employers, workers, and families. Employers may face challenges in hiring skilled workers from abroad due to higher salary requirements and restrictions on dependants. Families will find it more difficult to bring relatives to the UK, especially with the increase in family visa income thresholds. Students may also face uncertainty regarding their ability to remain in the UK after graduation.
The government’s five-point plan is designed to reduce immigration and tighten visa rules, but it will have a significant impact on various groups. UK employers, healthcare providers, and international students should stay informed about these changes and plan accordingly. Law and Visas will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on any further developments.
