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Emigration and immigration

Proposed Crackdown on Family Visas Raises Human Rights Concerns

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The UK government's proposed crackdown on family visas aims to reduce immigration risks, but experts warn that raising the annual salary threshold for a Briton to bring a foreign partner or spouse to the UK could breach human rights laws. A report by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) suggests that increasing the threshold from £29,000 to £38,700 would "most likely" conflict with the European Convention on Human Rights. The move comes as the government seeks to cut net migration, which reached a record high of 906,000 in the year ending June 2023.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed increase in the salary threshold for family visas from £29,000 to £38,700 could breach human rights laws.
  • The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) recommends that the threshold be lowered to between £23,000 and £25,000 to make it easier for family members to come to Britain.
  • The MAC suggests that the family visa threshold should be based on its own objective and purpose, rather than being linked to skilled worker thresholds.
  • The UK government plans to consider the MAC's findings and will respond in due course.
  • The proposal is part of a plan to slash net migration by 300,000, which is a record high.
  • The government is also proposing to clarify the application of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) for applicants, case workers, and courts.

Statistics:

  • Net migration in the UK reached a record high of 906,000 in the year ending June 2023.
  • The proposed increase in the salary threshold for family visas would only allow a foreign partner or spouse to enter the UK if the Briton's income is at least £38,700.
  • The MAC recommends that the family visa threshold be set at between £23,000 and £25,000, but this is not a firm recommendation.

Sources:

  • Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). (2023). Family visa route: Annual report on the family visa route. Retrieved from [www.gov.uk/government/publications/family-visa-route-annual-report-on-the-family-visa-route](http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/family-visa-route-annual-report-on-the-family-visa-route)
  • The Times. (2023). Tories accused of 'family split' over visa plans. Retrieved from [www.thetimes.co.uk/article/tories-accused-of-family-split-over-visa-plans](http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/tories-accused-of-family-split-over-visa-plans)

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