No big jump, UK announces staged hike in minimum salary for family visas

In big relief to immigrant families, the UK government has said it plans to incrementally raise the minimum salary requirement for family visas -instead of implementing a direct hike.

Earlier this month, the Sunak government announced a 47% hike in the minimum salary for skilled work visas, raising it to £38,700 ($49,100) from the initial £29,000, which was previously at £18,600. The incremental adjustments will reach the planned £38,700, with a timeline expected to be outlined by spring.

A key aspect of the government's strategy is the synchronization of the threshold for family visas with that of skilled work visas. The Home Office clarified that child allowances would no longer be factored into income requirements. This measure ensures that British nationals and migrants are treated consistently, with a flat rate threshold for the latter, irrespective of sponsored children.


Home Secretary James Cleverly emphasized that the overall plan aims to reduce net migration to the UK by an estimated 300,000 people compared to the previous year. Additionally, the government has announced changes to the list of occupations in short supply and measures to ensure immigrants can adequately support family members.

The broader immigration strategy also includes tightened regulations for students and a substantial 66-percent increase in the health surcharge for foreigners utilizing the National Health Service.

Recent statistics indicate that net immigration in the past year exceeded initial estimates, with 745,000 arrivals, surpassing the predicted 606,000. With immigration expected to be a pivotal issue in the upcoming nationwide elections, set to be held by January 2025, the main opposition Labour party is currently favored to win.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged to reduce new arrivals, responding to increased pressure following last month's revelation that net migration to Britain reached a new high in 2022.