Discover the latest updates: Skilled Worker and family immigration changes unveiled. This blog delves into the changes and their significance.
In a recent announcement to the House of Commons, Tom Pursglove MP, the Minister of State for Legal Migration and the Border, outlined pivotal timelines regarding the imminent changes to the Skilled Worker and family immigration routes. These alterations are part of the broader five-point legal migration plan aimed at refining the UK’s immigration landscape.
There are notable changes to the Immigration Rules scheduled for implementation on the 19 February 2024, which signify a crucial shift with the Health and Care visa route. These changes will take effect from 11 March 2024. Notably, these rules will revoke the entitlement for care workers and senior care workers to bring dependants to the UK with them. Additionally, they will mandate that care providers in England can only sponsor migrant workers engaged in activities regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Such measures are put forward in order to address misuse within the Health and Care Visa route and ensure genuine support for the social care sector.
Further amendments to the Immigration Rules on 14 March 2024 will see a substantial increase in the Skilled Worker general salary threshold from £26,200 to £38,700, effective from the 4 April 2024. In addition, the minimum income threshold for Family visas will elevate from £18,600 to £29,000 from 11 April 2024, gradually rising to £38,700 by early 2025. These controversial adjustments aim to prioritise and attract skilled and highly compensated overseas professionals, whilst safeguarding the interests of the national workforce. By incrementally raising income thresholds, the government aims to ensure that family migration complements the skilled workforce agenda.
As the UK moves forward with adjustments to its immigration framework, these planned reforms highlight a focus on managing immigration flows, whilst aiming to provide sustainable support for public services and the economy.
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