The Home Secretary James Cleverly has unveiled a comprehensive plan to significantly reduce migration levels and curb abuse of the legal immigration system. This plan is expected to deliver the largest-ever decrease in net migration, with around 300,000 fewer people able to enter the UK compared to last year.
Key measures include:
Tightening restrictions on the Health and Care visa route, preventing overseas care workers from bringing their dependents and requiring care providers to be regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
Increasing the minimum salary threshold for overseas workers by nearly 50% to £38,700, encouraging businesses to prioritize British talent and invest in workforce development.
Replacing the Shortage Occupation List with a new Immigration Salary List, reducing the number of occupations eligible for a salary discount.
Reviewing the Graduate visa route to ensure it aligns with UK interests and prevents abuse.
Implementing changes to student visas, including removing the right for international students to bring dependents and restricting the ability to switch to work routes before completing studies.
These measures are accompanied by an increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge to £1,035, ensuring that migrants contribute to the funding of public services.
The government’s comprehensive plan aims to achieve the largest-ever reduction in net migration, while ensuring that the UK continues to attract skilled workers and address genuine labour shortages.
The proposed changes will take place early in the new year.
If you have any concerns about the proposed changes please get in contact with us.
