Starting in 2024, skilled foreign workers seeking a visa to enter the UK must have a job with a minimum income of £38,700 ($48,860), an increase from the current requirement of £26,200 ($33,112).
The British government has just announced a series of measures aimed at reducing the record-high number of immigrant workers. This is one of the main themes in next year's general election campaign.
Speaking before Parliament on December 4, Home Secretary James Cleverly said the five-point tightening measure was "stronger" than any previous government stance on immigration – including measures on healthcare visas, skilled worker visas, family visas, student visas, and a list of occupations in short supply.
Accordingly, the Home Office aims to have the net number of migrant workers entering the UK less than 300,000 compared to the number of British workers going abroad in the coming years. In 2022, the number of migrant workers entering the UK was more than 745,000 compared to the number of British workers going abroad.
According to the department's plan, expected to take effect from the beginning of 2024, skilled foreign workers wishing to obtain a visa to the UK must have a job with a minimum income of £38,700 ($48,860), an increase from the current requirement of £26,200 ($33,112). Those working in the health and social care sectors, which are currently experiencing labor shortages, are exempt from this condition, but will not be allowed to bring family members with them.
Minister Cleverly also stated that the minimum income requirement for family visas would be increased, along with restrictions on international students bringing dependents. He also reiterated the policy of increasing the 66% surcharge migrants must pay for visits to the National Health Service (NHS), to £1,035 ($1,308) per visit. Furthermore, the UK government will revise the list of occupations with labor shortages, specifically identifying jobs where it is not possible to find enough British workers.
These changes come as the ruling Conservative Party attempts to fulfill its commitment to reduce immigration in order to bolster its standing ahead of the 2024 general election. According to observers, James Cleverly has been under pressure since becoming Home Secretary to demonstrate a tough stance on immigration.
HANH CHI
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