What is the government’s new migration policy and how are the regulations changing?

The government is changing the rules on who can come to the UK to live and work after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said immigration levels were “far too high”.

Statistics show that net migration levels have reached a record 745,000 in 2022 and ministers are under pressure to bring them down.

But what’s changing? Here’s what we know.

What rules are changing?

From 2020, a changed point system applies for people who want to work in Great Britain. It was introduced by the Labor Party in 2008, when it applied to migrants from non-EU countries, and the policy was updated to include anyone who wanted to come to the EU on behalf of the Conservative Party after the UK left the EU.

In addition to the points system, people wishing to come will now need to have a job offer at a higher salary than previously required to obtain a work visa.

How much will people have to earn under the new regulations and when will they be introduced?

From spring 2024, people will need to earn at least £38,700. Previously it was £26,200. However, this is not a universal approach. The current point system will apply in the health service and social care. However, foreign care workers will not be allowed to bring their dependents.

Will family visas be abolished?

No, these will remain, but they will be harder to get. Currently, the minimum salary required to obtain a family visa is £18,600, but from spring 2024 this will be increased to £38,700.

How does the point system currently work?

Those wishing to come must achieve a score of 70 on the test scale to qualify for a skilled worker visa.

The first 50 points must come from having a job offer and knowledge of English.

They will then need to earn an additional 20 points based on various factors such as acceptable salary, working in an understaffed position or having a relevant PhD.

The standard fee for a qualified visa is usually between £719 and £1,500, and applicants must also pay an additional health care fee of £624 for each year of stay.

What sectors are there shortages?

The government has a list of shortage occupations, which makes it easier for people specializing in these occupations to find employment because the salary threshold is lower.

The list includes:

Previously, employers could pay 80% of the applicable rate for filling these positions with foreign workers, but this rule will be abolished from spring.