The UK announced a tightening of immigration policy in December last year, proposing a series of new measures aimed at reducing immigration by 300,000 a year (Reuters file photo)
In December last year, the UK announced a tightening of its immigration policy and proposed a series of new measures aimed at reducing immigration by 300,000 a year It will tighten work visa regulations starting from Thursday (4th), including the minimum threshold salary for Skilled Worker visa applications From 26,200 pounds (about HKD 258,000) per year, it increased significantly by about 48% to 38,700 pounds (about HKD 382,000) per year.
Focus on attracting high-tech workers to reduce immigration to the UK by 300,000 a year
The Home Office said that in order to reduce the influx of low-skilled and cheap labor to compete with local British workers for jobs, while at the same time reducing the total number of immigrants, the new measures will help focus on attracting foreigners who involving high skilled jobs, improving the economic development of the UK, and preventing the misuse of entry and residence channels. At the same time, we should prevent employers from abusing cheap foreign labor and protect the rights and interests of the people. Although medical staff are exempt from the measures, they can no longer bring their families to the UK since last month.
Raising the minimum income threshold for family visa applications
At the same time, the British government canceled the “Labour Shortage Occupation List” and replaced it with the “Immigration Salary List (ISL)”. With the exception of a few occupational categories listed in the ISL and eligible British regions, the wage paid to foreign workers by the employer will not be lower than the wage paid to British workers.
In addition, starting from April 11, the UK will gradually increase the minimum income threshold for applying for a family visa until next spring it must reach 38,700 pounds. Foreigners need to apply for a family visa to live with their spouse, children, parents and other relatives in the UK for more than 6 months.
In order to maintain the quality of higher education, the British government is now reviewing the regulations that allow foreign students to stay for 2 to 3 years after graduation to prevent foreigners from abusing student visas to stay in the UK and take part in job search and others. activities.
The original article was published on AM730
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