Government announcements to changes in visa rules to take effect in Spring 2024
On 4 December 2023 the UK government announced tougher visa rules to cut net migration.
The current salary required for skilled overseas workers is £26,200, however proposed changes mean this is to increase to £38,700. James Cleverly, the Home Secretary said that 300,000 people who were eligible to come to the UK last year would not be able to in future. Furthermore, the gross annual minimum income requirement for family visas has also risen from £18,600 to £38,700.
The home secretary believes there has been an ‘abuse’ of health and care visas for years and has now planned to make it ‘fair, legal and sustainable.’
The sharp increase in net immigration (difference between those entering and leaving the UK) has led to a political challenge for Mr Sunak and the conservatives who have promised on many occasions to bring this number down since 2010.
In addition to the new salary requirements, the government said they would:
- Ban care workers bringing family dependants to the UK
- End companies being able to pay workers 20% less than the going rate for jobs on a shortage occupation list
- Increase the Immigration Health Surcharge which foreign workers pay to use the NHS from £624 to £1,035
- Raise the minimum income for family visas to £38,700, from £18,600 from next spring
- To further review the graduate visa route to "prevent abuse"
These changes are likely to take effect in spring 2024. The government's changes to the minimum income for family visas mean that people may be blocked from bringing their relatives to stay in the UK under certain circumstances.
If you have an issue and require assistance, then Ash Hill solicitors is happy to help and advise further. Please call our immigration solicitor on 02085152790.
Author Bio:
Nasreen Akhter is the founding director of Ash Hill Solicitors and an experienced probate solicitor with over 10 years in private client law. She specialises in wills, estate administration, powers of attorney, and inheritance planning. Known for her calm, compassionate approach, she guides clients through sensitive matters with clarity and care.
Nasreen is also a civil and commercial mediator, committed to resolving disputes efficiently and constructively. She is fully accredited and listed on the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) register.
Outside of work, she’s a dedicated mum and chairs Happy Orphans Worldwide, a charity supporting vulnerable children across the globe.
