UK hikes salary requirement for foreigners applying for work visas

In a bid to fulfill the Conservative Party's commitment to reducing net migration, Rishi Sunak's government, facing an imminent general election, has announced new measures, including a significant hike in the salary requirement for those aspiring to live in the UK.

Home Secretary James Cleverly outlined the changes in the House of Commons on Monday, revealing that individuals seeking working visas must now earn £38,700, a substantial increase from the previous £26,000. Cleverly expressed the government's aim to decrease net annual immigration by 300,000 in the coming years, although a precise timetable was not provided.

Among the additional measures, Cleverly highlighted the restriction on overseas care workers, preventing them from bringing family dependents. The government also intends to terminate the 20% salary discount that firms can offer workers on the shortage occupation list.


Cleverly emphasized the government's commitment to both aiding those in need and addressing public concerns about immigration. "The British people will always do the right thing by those in need," he stated. "But they also - and they are absolutely right to want to - reduce overall immigration numbers, not only by stopping the boats and shutting down the illegal routes but by a well-managed reduction in legal migration too."

Rishi Sunak, under intense pressure from within the Tory party, responded to the rising immigration figures reported by the Office for National Statistics last week, revealing a net influx of 672,000 people in the year ending June. Immigration, and the perceived failure of the government to curtail overall numbers, is viewed as a pivotal electoral issue by party strategists.

As the UK heads towards a crucial general election, these measures signal the government's proactive stance on immigration, aiming to address concerns and fulfill its promises to the electorate.