UK Introduces Stricter Visa Rules for Foreign Workers, Including Family Ban and Minimum Salary Increase
Home Secretary James Cleverly has unveiled a comprehensive five-point plan to achieve these objectives.
One of the key measures in the plan is the prohibition on care workers bringing their families to the UK.
This restriction aims to address the perceived abuse of the health and care visa and prevent dependency on the social welfare system.
Additionally, the minimum salary requirement for skilled worker visas will be increased to £38,700 ($48,800) from the current level of £26,200 ($33,000).
This change is intended to ensure that foreign skilled workers are financially self-sufficient and can contribute to the economy effectively.
To further regulate migration, the government plans to reform the list of jobs eligible for exceptions due to labor shortages. The criteria for these exceptions will be reviewed and potentially reduced.
The government also intends to eliminate the 20% discount applied to the minimum salary for individuals seeking visa for shortage occupations.
These actions are aimed at reducing reliance on overseas labor and promoting the employment of domestic workers.
Furthermore, the government will require care firms sponsoring visa applications to be regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
This step aims to ensure that the quality of care provided by sponsored workers is maintained at a high standard.
In summary, the UK government has implemented a series of measures to tighten visa regulations for foreign workers.
These measures include restrictions on bringing families, an increase in the minimum salary requirement for skilled worker visas, reforms to the list of shortage occupations, and enhanced regulation for care firms sponsoring visa applications.
Also, government aims to reduce migration levels and address concerns related to the impact of immigration on the country.