The Home Secretary, James Cleverly, has unveiled a package of measures aimed at reducing migration to the UK and has said: 

“It is clear that net migration remains far too high. By leaving the European Union we gained control over who can come to the UK, but far more must be done to bring those numbers down so British workers are not undercut and our public services put under less strain.

“My plan will deliver the biggest ever reduction in net migration and will mean around 300,000 people who came to the UK last year would not have been able to do so. I am taking decisive action to halt the drastic rise in our work visa routes and crack down on those who seek to take advantage of our hospitality.”

This plan aims to combat misuse of the immigration system and put an end to the high numbers of dependents entering the UK. It will also raise the minimum incomes required of foreign workers and British or settled individuals who wish to sponsor family members.

The health and care visa will also be tightened by prohibiting care workers from bringing their dependents into the UK. To allow healthcare workers to continue contributing to the NHS and care industry, those entering through the Health and Care visa route will not be subject to the rise in the wage requirements for Skilled Worker visas. This exemption also extends to apply to those on national pay scales such as teachers. The rules have already begun to tighten for international students who from January 2024, will no longer be able to bring dependants on a student visa unless they are enrolled on a postgraduate research programme.

Starting in the spring of 2024, the government will increase the minimum salary for foreign workers by roughly 50%, from the current amount of £26,200 to £38,700, in an effort to encourage businesses to prioritise employing ‘British talent’ and invest in their workforce. By taking this action, companies will be less likely to rely too heavily on migration, and wages will be in line with what these kinds of jobs typically pay on a full-time basis.

Additionally, the government will raise the minimum income needed for British citizens and those who are already settled in the UK and wish to bring their family members along. This is to ensure they don’t burden the government. The government says that by raising the yearly Immigration Health Surcharge from £624 to £1,035, it will ensure that immigrants to the UK make a “fair” financial contribution so that public services like the NHS are not abused, in addition to taking action to reduce migration.

For further information on these plans, feel free to visit the official government website here

 If you have any queries or require support with your immigration matter, please feel free to contact Lumine Solicitors on 020 3950 2246 or Contact Us HERE