Introduction to UK Visa rules get toughened in order to curb Migration
December 4, London (Reuters) – Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is under pressure to address record net migration figures, so on Monday, Britain revealed measures to reduce the number of migrants arriving through legal means while increasing the minimum pay they must earn in a skilled job by a third.
In an effort to lower the amount of immigrants entering the nation, the UK government tightened visa requirements for foreign workers on Monday, December 4. The new guidelines include raising the pay threshold for foreign workers applying for skilled visas and tightening the restrictions around family members being counted as dependents.
Also Read
Updates in the rule
After levels of immigration skyrocketed to a historic high, the UK government unveiled measures that it claimed would result in the largest recorded reduction in net migration.
Home Secretary James Cleverly declared that immigration levels were “far too high” and unveiled a five-point plan to reduce it.
Among the modifications was an increase in the minimum wage requirement from £26,200 to £38,700 for skilled foreign workers.
300,000 people who were qualified to enter the UK last year, according to Mr. Cleverly, would not be allowed to do so in the future.
A family visa now requires a minimum income of £38,700.
The home secretary said there has been “abuse” of health and care visas for years and that immigration to the UK “needs to come down” in a statement to lawmakers.
“Enough is enough,” declared Mr. Cleverly. “Immigration policy must be fair, legal, and sustainable.”
The migration strategy was announced in response to official data released last month that revealed net migration reached a record 745,000 in 2022.
Since then, conservative members of parliament have increased their pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his administration to reduce net migration—the difference between the number of people entering and departing the UK.
Suppression of low-cost labor
The government intends to institute an Immigration Salary List and do away with the 20% wage discount for shortage occupations. The Migration Advisory Committee will evaluate this list to address concerns about cheap labor and make it consistent with the higher income limits.
Restrictions on student dependents
In response to the growing number of students entering the UK with dependents, steps have been taken. Net migration is predicted to be significantly impacted by these changes, with 153,000 visas for sponsored students’ dependents projected to be issued in the year ending in September 2023.
The Office for National Statistics revealed record-high immigration data, with a net flow of 672,000 to the UK. This has prompted a crackdown on visas. India is a major player in a number of visa categories, including those for students, medical professionals, and skilled workers.
Contributed by Ankit Raj Sharma
Edited by Imtiaz Ullah