the British government unveiled a set of measures aimed at reducing net migration to the United Kingdom (UK), including proposals to increase the minimum salary requirement for foreign workers to qualify for a work visa.
The issue of high levels of legal migration has been a prominent aspect of Britain’s political landscape for over a decade. Chancellor Rishi Sunak has pledged to exert more control over migration, responding to criticism from lawmakers within his Conservative Party ahead of an anticipated election next year.
Interior Minister James Cleverly outlined the government’s plan, which involves raising the minimum salary threshold for skilled foreign workers to £38,700 ($48,900), up from the current £26,200. Additionally, the government plans to revise the list of jobs eligible for exceptions due to shortages and tighten regulations on whether workers can bring their families.
Cleverly emphasized the need to reduce migration, stating, “Migration to this country is far too high and needs to come down, and today we are taking more robust action than any other government before.” These measures are set to be implemented from next spring.
However, these changes could potentially spark disagreements with business owners who have faced challenges in hiring workers due to the tight labor market and the conclusion of free movement from the European Union following Brexit.
Last year, annual net migration to the UK reached a record 745,000, maintaining high levels, as indicated by recent data. Cleverly estimated that the new measures, combined with a reduction in student dependents, could result in approximately 300,000 fewer people arriving in the UK in the coming years compared to the previous year.
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