UK Home Secretary James Cleverly recently announced a “five-point plan” to tighten immigration regulations. A number of measures are part of this project, and each has a different implementation timeframe. The government’s motivation underlying these changes is the belief that immigration levels are excessively high, as indicated by the estimated net migration of 745,000 for the year ending December 2022.
Although further adjustments will be implemented gradually, the details surrounding the review of the Graduate visa are still unclear. Notably, Parliament must be consulted before any modifications to the Immigration Rules can be made. A twenty-one-day convention is usually followed, while there is no legal minimum before these modifications take effect.
In regards to these modifications, the government has promised to provide more thorough details the following year. Unless a resolution to annul is brought forth, Parliament does not need to vote in order to apply these regulations.
Additional read: How can Britain overcome the skilled worker shortage post-Brexit?
Consequences of the New Regulations
The introduction of these new regulations, according to the Home Office, may result in a 300,000 decrease in immigration. Only first-time applicants will be eligible for the new, higher £29,000 income requirement for spouse/partner visas. The £18,600 requirement will still apply to any ongoing extensions or applications for permanent residence. It is noteworthy that consideration may be given to the sponsor’s and the applicant’s incomes for extensions and permanent residency. While the necessary savings amounts might rise in tandem with the income criteria, alternatives to the income requirements, including substantial savings, will still be feasible.
The United Kingdom has implemented more stringent policies than many similar nations, one of which being the ultimate goal of a £38,700 minimum salary for skilled worker visas. As a result, the UK ranks poorly in the Migrant Integration Policy Index for ease of family reunion. Subject to changes in employment, extensions, or settlement, holders of current skilled worker visas will not be subject to the new salary level.
In conclusion, James Cleverly’s five-step plan to clamp down on UK immigration presents a comprehensive and practical approach to address the issues surrounding immigration. The plan emphasizes the need to balance the country’s economic needs with the concerns of its citizens. By providing stricter border controls, investing in technology, and prioritizing the recruitment and training of UK workers, Cleverly’s plan aims to ensure that the country’s immigration policies are fair, effective, and transparent.
While the plan may face some challenges in its implementation, its focus on addressing the root causes of immigration issues is a positive step toward creating a more sustainable and prosperous future for the UK. Most probably, these implementations will take time, and the UK is still in dire need of skilled foreign workers. As per the latest plan, immigration might slow down a bit, but the requirement is still high for skilled foreign workers.
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