In a decisive move, the UK government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to curb immigration, citing the record net migration of 7,45,000 in 2022. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, committed to reducing new arrivals, emphasized the need for "radical action" to ensure immigration benefits the UK.
Key Measures:
1. Salary Threshold Increase: Skilled foreign workers seeking visas will face an elevated minimum salary requirement, rising to £38,700 from early next year, up from the current £26,200.
2. Family Restrictions for Students: Overseas students, except those on postgraduate research degrees, will be barred from bringing family members to the UK. The move aims to tighten regulations on family reunification.
3. Care Worker Visa Reforms: Overseas care workers will no longer be allowed to bring family dependents. Care firms in England must be registered with the Care Quality Commission to sponsor visas, with an estimated 20% reduction in arrivals expected by 2024-25.
4. End to Shortage Labor Discounts: The 20% salary discount for shortage occupations will be discontinued, and the Shortage Occupation List will be reformed to eliminate cut-price shortage labour from overseas.
5. Minimum Income for Family Visas Doubled: The minimum income for family visas will be more than doubled to £38,700, aligning with the threshold for skilled workers.
Challenges and Context:
- Home Secretary James Cleverly declared, "Enough is enough," as he presented the proposals set to take effect in early 2023.
- The UK, grappling with a surge in legal migration since its departure from the EU in 2020, witnessed 488,000 net migrations in 2021.
- The government's struggle to curb irregular arrivals via the Channel adds complexity to the immigration issue, with over 28,000 individuals undertaking the perilous crossing this year.
As immigration takes centre stage in the lead-up to the expected general election next year, the government aims to create a system that works for the British people, reflecting a broader political landscape where the opposition Labour Party currently holds favour. The plan aligns with Sunak's longstanding view that regular immigration levels are "too high," signalling a significant policy shift.