UK tightens immigration policy

From 2024, skilled foreign workers who want a visa to enter the UK will need to be in a job earning at least £38,700 ($48,860), up from the current £26,200 ($33,112).

The door to the UK is getting narrower. Photo: WSJ

The British government has announced a series of measures to reduce the record high levels of immigration, a key theme in next year's general election campaign.

Speaking in parliament on 4 December, Home Secretary James Cleverly said the five-point tightening was “stronger” than any previous government stance on migration – including measures on healthcare visas, skilled work visas, family visas, student visas and the shortage occupation list.

Accordingly, the Home Office aims for 300,000 fewer net migrants to the UK than British workers going abroad in the coming years. By 2022, there will be 745,000 more workers entering the UK than British workers going abroad.

Under the ministry's plans, which are expected to come into effect from early 2024, skilled foreign workers seeking a visa to the UK will need to be in a job earning at least £38,700 ($48,860), up from the current £26,200 ($33,112). Those working in the health and social care sector, which is currently experiencing labour shortages, will not be subject to this requirement, but will not be allowed to bring family members with them.

Cleverly also said that the minimum income limit for family visas would be increased, and restrictions on international students bringing dependents would be imposed. He also reaffirmed a policy of increasing the surcharge migrants pay to visit the National Health Service (NHS) by 66%, to £1,035 ($1,308) per visit. In addition, the British government will adjust the shortage occupation list, which specifies jobs that cannot find enough British workers.

The changes come as the ruling Conservative Party tries to deliver on its pledge to reduce immigration to shore up its credibility ahead of the 2024 general election. James Cleverly has been under pressure since becoming Home Secretary to demonstrate he has a tough stance on immigration, observers say.

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