United Kingdom: Plan to cut migration levels and increase earnings thresholds for overseas workers

In brief

On Monday 4 December, the Home Secretary announced a plan aiming to cut migration levels and curb abuse of the immigration system. The government has stated that this is expected to result in the largest ever reduction in net migration to the UK, meaning around 300,000 people who came to the UK last year would no longer be eligible for a visa.


Contents

Key Changes

The following changes will be made from Spring 2024, although the date is not yet known:

  • The earning threshold will be increased for overseas workers under the sponsor license routes from GBP 26,200 to GBP 38,700, with the aim of bringing salaries in line with the average full-time salary for these types of jobs.
  • The existing Shortage Occupation List, under which sponsors can pay a reduced fees, will be replaced with a new Immigration Salary List.  This will retain a general threshold discount, although the details are not yet known, and the number of occupations on the list will be reviewed and reduced.
  • The graduate visa route will be reviewed by the Migration Advisory Committee to try to ensure it works in the best interests of the UK and to ensure steps are being taken to prevent abuse.
  • The government will prevent overseas care workers from bringing their dependants to the UK. Care providers in England will now only be able to sponsor migrant workers if they are undertaking activities regulated by the Care Quality Commission. 
  • The government will also increase the minimum income required from for British citizens and those settled in the UK who want their family members to join them.

The government stated aim is to prioritise growing the domestic workforce through its Back to Work Plan, which is a package of employment focused support that will help people stay healthy, get off benefits and move into work, as part of the Autumn Statement.

The above follows an announcement earlier this year to reduce the number of student visas being issued. This included removing the right for international students to bring dependants to the UK, unless they are on specific courses and removing the ability for international students to switch into work routes before their studies are completed. These measures will come into effect for courses starting in January 2024.

As previously announced, the government will increase the annual Immigration Health Surcharge from GBP 624 to GBP 1,035.

Related links

Press Release

Further details regarding these changes can be obtained by reaching out to your usual contact in our Global Immigration & Mobility team. 

Contact Information
Ying Li
Senior Immigration Specialist
London
ying.li@bakermckenzie.com
Wendy Mortimer
Senior Immigration Specialist at BakerMcKenzie
London
wendy.mortimer@bakermckenzie.com
Natasha Riley
Senior Immigration Specialist at BakerMcKenzie
London
natasha.riley@bakermckenzie.com
Tomoko Sasaki
Senior Immigration Specialist at BakerMcKenzie
London
tomoko.sasaki@bakermckenzie.com

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