On December 4th, 2023, the UK’s new Home Secretary, James Cleverly, announced several new measures to reduce the country’s immigration levels. These changes will take effect in April 2024 and follow the release of the UK’s migration statistics, which showed a record high of 672,000 net migrants for the year ending June 2023.
With a General Election expected in late 2024, the government is eager to show it is controlling immigration. As the Home Secretary put it, “Migration to this country is far too high and needs to come down. We are taking stronger action than any government before to address this issue.”
While the details of these measures may change, especially with the upcoming election, here’s an overview of the main immigration changes and what they mean for people planning to move to the UK.
1. Increase in Minimum Salary Threshold for Skilled Workers
One of the biggest changes is the increase in the minimum salary required for Skilled Worker visas. From April 2024, the salary threshold will rise from £26,200 to £38,700. This change will make it harder for smaller businesses to hire foreign workers, as many won’t be able to afford the higher wages.
However, health and social care workers will be exempt from this increase, as will most education workers in national pay-scale roles.
2. Ending the Shortage Occupation List
Another significant change is the removal of the “Shortage Occupation List,” which currently allows employers in high-demand fields (like healthcare) to pay workers below the usual salary threshold. The Shortage Occupation List will be replaced by the Immigration Salary List, which will no longer allow employers to pay foreign workers a reduced salary.
This change is expected to raise costs for businesses hiring from overseas, especially in sectors like healthcare, where many roles were previously on the shortage list.
3. Changes to the Care Industry
Care workers will continue to be exempt from the salary threshold increase, but from March 11th, 2024, they will no longer be able to bring their dependents to the UK. This could make the UK less attractive to care workers, as they may have to live apart from their families.
Additionally, care homes will need to be registered with the Care Quality Commission to sponsor care workers, which can be a time-consuming process.
4. Increase in Minimum Income Requirement for Family Visas
The UK government has also raised the minimum income requirement for people wishing to bring their foreign spouses to the UK. From April 2024, the minimum income requirement will increase from £18,600 to £29,000.
There was some debate over whether the threshold would rise as high as £38,700, but this was met with opposition, so the government has settled on a £29,000 minimum, which will increase further over time. In 2025, the minimum income requirement will reach £38,700.
5. Review of the Graduate Route
The government has also scheduled a review of the Graduate Route visa, which allows international students to stay in the UK for two years (three years for PhD graduates) after completing their studies. The Migration Advisory Committee will conduct the review and it could lead to changes or even the cancellation of this visa, although nothing has been confirmed yet.
FAQs About the New Immigration Changes
1. Will the new salary threshold apply to people already on a Skilled Worker visa?
No, the new salary threshold will not apply to people who are already in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa. It will only affect new applicants or those changing employers.
2. Can I combine my income with my partner’s to meet the salary threshold for a spouse visa?
For entry clearance (initial applications), only the sponsor’s income counts. For extensions or settlement applications, both incomes can be counted.
3. Will the savings requirement for family visas increase?
Yes, the amount of savings needed will increase in line with the rise in the minimum income requirement. For example, when the income requirement rises to £29,000, the savings requirement will go up from £62,500 to £88,500. Keep checking for updates as official announcements are made.
The UK government is making significant changes to its immigration system, to reduce net migration. These updates could affect your ability to live and work in the UK, so it’s important to stay informed about these changes.
For more information and expert advice on UK immigration, Law and Visas are here to help guide you through the latest updates and provide tailored support for your visa application. Stay connected with us for ongoing updates and support as the new rules take effect in 2024.
