Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has described migration levels were “far too high”, after official figures showed record net migration to the UK of 745,000 in 2022.
Sunak’s Conservative government has therefore announced strict immigration rules such as a rule which says that people wanting to work in the UK will still have to apply for a visa through the points-based system (PBS).
For the PBS an applicants must score 70 points to qualify for a skilled worker visa.
The applicant needs to reach 50 points from having a job offer above a minimum skill level, and speaking English.
The remaining 20 points can come from a higher salary, working in a sector with job shortages, or having a relevant PhD.
Also from spring 2024, they will need a job offer with a higher salary, those intending to work in the UK now need to earn at least £38,700 – an increase of nearly 50% from the current £26,200 minimum.
For family visa rules, from spring March, the government will raise the minimum income level needed to qualify.
The Conservative Government had earlier set at £38,700 – a sharp rise from the £18,600 currently required.
However, after warnings that the new rules risked separating families, the government changed the minimum to £29,000.
It said the amount would increase in the future – first to £34,500 and then £38,700. Rishi Sunak said the full amount would be reached “in early 2025”.
The Home Office told the BBC, that anyone who wants to renew an existing family visa will be able to, without having to meet the new earnings threshold.
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