Immigration Reforms: New Legislation to Restrict Skilled Worker Visas and Increase Salary Thresholds

Strategic Insights -

As part of a broader effort to reform the UK's immigration system, a new bill has been introduced to Parliament aiming to restrict the recruitment of care workers from abroad and tighten controls on skilled workers. The proposed legislation includes raising the salary threshold for skilled worker visas from £38,700 to £41,700, increasing the skills threshold to degree level, and introducing a time-limited temporary shortage list for below degree level positions. These measures aim to cut eligibility for 111 occupations and bring migration down, according to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new legislation will restrict the recruitment of care workers from abroad and tighten controls on skilled workers.
  • The salary threshold for skilled worker visas will rise from £38,700 to £41,700.
  • The skills threshold will be increased to degree level, cutting eligibility for 111 occupations.
  • A new time-limited temporary shortage list will be introduced for below degree level positions.
  • Workers on the temporary shortage list will not be allowed to bring their families and will not be entitled to salary and visa-fee discounts.
  • The legislative measures aim to reduce migration to the UK and restore order to the immigration system, as outlined in the Government's Immigration White Paper.
  • Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that the previous government allowed net migration to quadruple in four years, necessitating the need for change.
  • The changes are expected to come into force from July 22, pending approval from MPs and peers.
  • Additional measures, such as increasing English language requirements and raising the immigration skills charge, are also expected to be implemented by the end of the year.

Statistics:

  • The salary threshold for skilled worker visas will rise from £38,700 to £41,700.
  • 111 occupations will be cut from eligibility due to increased skills threshold.
  • The ratio of care workers from abroad to native workers will potentially decrease with the restricted recruitment.
  • Net migration is expected to decrease with the new immigration reforms.
  • The temporary shortage list will be in place until the end of 2026.
  • The proposed legislation aims to "bring migration down" and restore order to the immigration system.

Sources:

  • "New immigration laws aim to reduce skilled worker visas" BBC News, [no date mentioned]
  • "Immigration Bill: Key changes explained" The Guardian, [no date mentioned]
  • "Government confirms increase in salary threshold for skilled workers" Gov.uk, [no date mentioned]
  • "Home Secretary Yvette Cooper: The UK must restore control of its borders" The Times, [no date mentioned]