On December 4, 2023, the UK government announced stricter visa regulations aimed at reducing net migration. The proposed changes include raising the salary threshold for skilled overseas workers from £26,200 to £38,700, which would prevent around 300,000 eligible individuals from entering the UK. Additionally, the minimum income requirement for family visas would also increase from £18,600 to £38,700 annually. These adjustments come in response to perceived abuse of health and care visas and a political commitment to decreasing net immigration.

Furthermore, the government plans to prohibit care workers from bringing family dependents, end the practice of paying workers below market rates, increase the Immigration Health Surcharge, and review the graduate visa route to prevent exploitation. These changes are anticipated to be implemented in spring 2024, potentially limiting the ability of individuals to bring relatives to the UK under specific circumstances.

Want to learn more? Check out the article “Government announcements to changes in visa rules to take effect in Spring 2024” by BNI Cloud Member Nasreen Akhtar.