About the New Immigration Legislation

On Monday, December 4, 2023, the UK Prime Minister and Home Secretary unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at reducing net migration. The plan, anticipated to impact approximately 300,000 individuals, includes a set of restrictions affecting those financially dependent on students.

One significant aspect of the plan, detailed in a new information note published by the Home Office on Thursday, December 21, 2023, pertains to the economic requirements for family visas. The Home Office outlined a phased increase in the earnings required for a family visa:

· First Phase (Spring 2024): £29,000

· Second Phase: £34,500 (date unspecified)

· Third Stage: £38,700 (date unspecified)

Additional key elements of the restriction package include:

· Home care workers from outside the UK will no longer be allowed to bring their financial dependents into the country. Social care companies sponsoring care workers must adhere to regulations set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

· The minimum earnings threshold for Skilled Worker visas will be raised from £26,200 to £38,700, with individual occupational expense ratios aligning with the average full-time wage for equivalent jobs in 2023.

· Health, social care, and education workers will be exempt from the minimum salary threshold to ensure the continued influx of essential workers into the care sector and the NHS.

· The list of professions in demand will be revised, and the 20% salary reduction will be terminated. The Migration Advisory Committee will investigate this matter.

· Family visas will also be subject to the increased earnings threshold rule, gradually escalating to £29,000 in Spring 2024, and later to £34,500 and £38,700.

Existing thresholds and policies will remain in effect until amendments are made to the Immigration Rules. Notably, individuals on certain visa routes, such as care workers and those on the Skilled Worker visa route, will retain their rights or face exemptions under specific conditions. Changes will be applied gradually, with careful consideration given to maintaining the integrity and quality of the UK migration system.

The Shortage Occupation List (SOL) will be rebranded as the Immigration Salary List, and the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) will advise on the occupations to be retained based on the new salary thresholds. The current SOL will persist until the introduction of the new salary thresholds in late Spring.

The MAC will continue refining these changes from January through the end of 2024, ensuring the UK migration system aligns with national interests and priorities.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 KUBRA NUR EROGLU