UK’s New Immigration Rules: Aiming to Cut Migration
The UK Immigration Rules have seen a significant change recently, with the government announcing a rise in the salary threshold for foreign workers’ visas. This is part of a broader package of measures aimed at cutting net migration to the United Kingdom.
The New Salary Threshold
Interior Minister James Cleverly announced that the government would raise the minimum salary threshold for foreign skilled workers to 38,700 pounds ($48,800), up from its current level of 26,200 pounds ($33,000).
“Migration to this country is far too high and needs to come down, and today we are taking more robust action than any other government before,” Cleverly told lawmakers.
This measure aims to increase the minimum salary migrants to the UK must earn in a job by a third. The changes are set to take place from next spring.
Impact on Migration
The new rules are expected to significantly impact migration patterns to the UK. Annual net migration to the UK hit a record of 745,000 last year and has stayed at high levels since. With the new measures, Cleverly estimates that “around 300,000 fewer people will come in future years than have come to the UK last year.”
Brexit and Border Control
The leaders of the Brexit referendum campaign argued that leaving the EU would give Britain greater control of its borders. Many who voted to leave cited high migration and the pressure they believed it put on public services as factors in their decision.
However, in recent years, Britain has opened visa schemes for people in Ukraine and former colony Hong Kong, while companies in sectors such as engineering, construction, and catering have called on the government to allow them to hire international staff to offset labour shortages.
Migration Statistics
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that overall immigration in 2022 was about 1.16 million, offset by emigration of 557,000. Of those arriving in 2022, 925,000 were non-EU nationals, 151,000 came from the EU, and 88,000 were British citizens.
Table 1: Net migration to Britain in 2015 and 2022.
Conclusion
The Latest UK Immigration News reflects the government’s commitment to controlling migration. However, the impact of these changes on the economy, businesses, and the lives of migrants remains to be seen. As the situation evolves, it will be crucial to stay informed and understand the implications of these changes.
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