UK To Reduce Migration By Introducing Stricter Visa Regulations

Mr. James Cleverly 

Mr Cleverly claimed 300,000 people who were eligible to come to the UK last year would not be able to in future

The UK announces stricter visa regulations for foreign employees, such as prohibiting family travel and increasing the minimum wage required.

James Cleverly, the home secretary for the United Kingdom, has revealed a set of policies meant to reduce immigration.

The government unveiled a new five-point strategy to reduce immigration, which includes a ban on care workers bringing their families and an increase in the minimum salary required for a skilled worker visa. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was pressured to take action after record net migration in 202.

Also Read: UK Prohibits Nigerian Students From Bringing Their Families By January

According to data released this month, annual net migration to the UK reached a record high of 745,000 last year and has continued to remain high.

Interior Minister James Cleverly announced on Monday that the government would tighten regulations regarding worker family mobility and increase the minimum salary threshold for foreign skilled workers from the current level of 26,200 pounds ($33,000) to 38,700 pounds ($48,800).

“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 package of measures will take place from next spring.”

According to reports, overseas caregivers will no longer be permitted to bring family members as part of efforts to reduce migration and put an end to the "abuse of the health and care visa." Care companies that wish to sponsor individuals for visa applications must adhere to Care Quality Commission regulations. The government defines a dependant as a spouse or partner, a civil partner or single partner, and children under the age of eighteen.

Furthermore, the government intends to "scrap cut-price shortage labour from overseas" by changing the immigration application process for workers in understaffed industries. This will involve doing away with the 20% reduction in the minimum wage that was previously applied to those seeking visas for jobs in shortage areas. The list's employment categories will also be examined and narrowed down.