New regulations set to cut migration

On 4 December 2023 the Home Secretary, James Cleverly, unveiled a comprehensive package of measures aimed at achieving the largest-ever reduction in net migration to the UK, taking effect in Spring 2024. The plan addresses various aspects of the immigration system, and sets out it is focusing on curbing abuse, protecting domestic workers and reinforcing the integrity of public services. These changes will have a significant impact on foreign workers and their ability to work in the UK and will likely see numbers of foreign workers dwindling under the following measures;

Health and Care Worker Visas:

The government’s commitment to reducing net migration is evident in the tightening of regulations surrounding Health and Care Worker visas. Overseas care workers will no longer be able to bring dependants to the UK. Moreover, care provider s in England will only be eligible to sponsor migrant workers if they are engaged in activities regulated by the Care Quality Commission. These measures aim to address government concerns of non-compliance and worker exploitation within the adult social care sector but have been criticised for directly opposing figures published which highlight the increasing demand and lack of health care staff, which has been especially prominent since the covid pandemic. In the year ending September 2023, 101,000 Health and Care Worker visas were issued to care workers and senior care workers, with an estimated 120,000 visas granted to associated dependants.

Skilled Worker Visas:

The minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas will see a substantial rise from £26,200 to £38,700 annually. This significant increase is designed to encourage businesses to prioritise British talent, invest in their workforce, and deter over-reliance on migration. The move aims to align salaries with the average full-time salary for respective job roles, ensuring migrants contribute significantly to the economy.

Family Visas:

The government's commitment to economic contributions is further emphasised by a substantial increase in the minimum income threshold for family visas. For individuals sponsoring family members, including spouses or partners of British or settled individuals, the threshold will rise to £38,700 per year. This parallel adjustment with the Skilled Worker minimum income threshold reinforces the government's emphasis on self-sufficiency and economic contribution.

Shortage Occupation List:

To address concerns of cut-price labour from overseas, the government is scrapping the 20% going-rate salary discount for shortage occupations. Instead, a new Immigration Salary List will be introduced, retaining a general threshold discount. The Migration Advisory Committee will play a pivotal role in reviewing this list against the increased salary thresholds, with the goal of reducing the number of occupations included.

Graduate Route and Student Dependants:

Recognising the need to safeguard the Graduate route, the Migration Advisory Committee will conduct a review to ensure it aligns with the best interests of the UK and prevents abuse. Additionally, measures announced earlier, such as the removal of the right for international students to bring dependants (unless on essential research postgraduate courses), will come into force in January 2024.

Immigration Health Surcharge:

As previously announced, the Immigration Health Surcharge will increase from £624 to £1,035 per year from January 2024. This financial adjustment aims to prevent the exploitation of public services, including the NHS and will place an additional significant burden on those applying for a Visa.

These unprecedented changes in UK immigration laws mark a paradigm shift, reflecting the government's commitment to reducing net migration. Whilst trying to balance the protection of domestic systems and workers these measures have created further concerns over the current shortage of workers in many industries in the UK. As an employer considering the engagement of a foreign workforce or an individual considering applying for a Visa, staying abreast of these changes is crucial and our team at Leathes Prior is happy to assist in the navigation of the evolving immigration landscape. Please contact our Immigration Team via 01603 610911 or email info@leathesprior.co.uk.